Conveyor and buffer belts

Internal logistics form the backbone of modern commercial nurseries, where the efficient movement of pots, trays, and crates is essential for maintaining high-throughput production. This category encompasses a range of modular conveyor and buffer systems designed to bridge the gap between potting, cultivation, and shipping zones. By automating the transport of plant material, these systems ensure a consistent flow across the facility while minimizing manual handling and operational bottlenecks.

Industrial greenhouse conveyor system for transporting plant trays
Young plants transported on a conveyor belt in an automated industrial greenhouse
Plants placed on a conveyor belt used for greenhouse plant handling
Flowers in pots moving on a conveyor belt inside a modern industrial greenhouse
Automated conveyor system installed inside an industrial greenhouse

System Overview

Industrial greenhouse logistics rely on modular architecture to connect disparate pieces of equipment into a single, continuous production line. These systems utilize standardized motorized sections, tension compensation, and selectable belt widths—ranging from 180 mm for standard pots to 700 mm for large crates—to accommodate diverse crop types and container formats. Depending on the specific application, drive units can be configured with fixed speeds or inverter-controlled electronic adjustments for precise synchronization with filling or transplanting machinery.

For high-density handling, buffer belts and loading benches provide critical temporary storage and organization points. These units facilitate the grouping or separation of containers, allowing for efficient spacing, selection, and cleaning of plants before they are moved to the greenhouse via specialized forklift systems. Constructed with robust frames in painted steel or hygienic stainless steel, these systems are engineered to perform reliably in the high-humidity and “wet” environments typical of nursery operations.

Key Benefits for Professional Use

  • Integrated Workflow Automation: Seamlessly connects filling, transplanting, and spacing machinery to eliminate manual transit intervals.

  • Scalable Modular Design: Standardized sections allow for the rapid expansion or reconfiguration of lines, ranging from a few meters to complex systems spanning hundreds of meters.

  • Operational Consistency: Maintains a stable and repeatable production pace, reducing the variability associated with manual labor.

  • Durability in CEA Environments: Available in stainless steel and hygienic designs to withstand frequent irrigation, moisture, and cleaning protocols.

  • Precision Control: Variable speed options and intuitive touch-screen interfaces allow operators to fine-tune the conveyor throughput to match specific crop requirements.

Young plants transported on a conveyor belt in an automated industrial greenhouse

Typical Applications

  • Internal Plant Transport: Moving germinated trays or potted plants from seeding lines to climate-controlled growth zones.

  • Potting and Filling Integration: Linking automated pot fillers directly to spacing or buffering areas for continuous output.

  • Buffer and Spacing Operations: Automated grouping of pots on wide buffer belts for efficient pickup by forklift forks or robot attachments.

  • Post-Harvest Preparation: Transporting finished products through cleaning, selection, and labeling stations prior to dispatch.

  • Vertical and Multi-Layer Handling: Facilitating the movement of goods between different levels or specialized cultivation racks.

Plants placed on a conveyor belt used for greenhouse plant handling

Technical Consultation and Project Support

Effective internal logistics require careful planning of facility layouts and machinery positioning to maximize efficiency. We collaborate with clients to develop tailored logistics strategies, identifying the optimal belt types and configurations for specific nursery applications. Early technical dialogue ensures that the selected system supports current production goals while remaining scalable for future expansion.

Need help? Contact us

For personalized assistance or inquiries, our dedicated team is here to help. We’re committed to providing you with exceptional support and guidance, ensuring that all your needs are met efficiently and professionally.

+47 940 23 135

info@norhageindustri.com