What is a Rolling Bench?
A rolling bench is a type of movable greenhouse bench system designed to maximize space utilization and improve plant management efficiency. Unlike fixed benches, rolling benches are mounted on tracks or rails that allow them to move horizontally, creating aisles only when needed. This design is especially beneficial for high-density plant cultivation, enabling growers to increase their planting area without expanding the greenhouse footprint. Rolling benches are commonly used in commercial greenhouses, research facilities, and nurseries, and they can accommodate a variety of crops, including vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
Advantage of Rolling Bench
Rolling benches offer numerous benefits over traditional fixed benches:
1. Space Efficiency
By eliminating fixed aisles, rolling benches use nearly 100% of the greenhouse floor for plants, drastically increasing yield. Temporary aisles are created only when needed, maximizing valuable growing space and improving the return on investment for the structure.
2. Labor Saving
Movable benches reduce labor by bringing plants to the worker. This minimizes walking for tasks like harvesting and watering, streamlining workflow and cutting costs. Employees can cover more area with less fatigue, significantly boosting overall productivity.
3. Improved Crop Management
Easy access to every plant simplifies monitoring, pest control, and maintenance. This leads to healthier, more uniform crops and allows for strategic grouping based on specific light, water, or growth stage requirements.
4. Versatility
These systems adapt to various plant sizes, types, and cultivation methods. They are compatible with both soil and hydroponic setups, offering growers flexibility to change crops without investing in new infrastructure.
5. Durability
Built from galvanized steel or aluminum, rolling benches resist corrosion from humidity, water, and fertilizers. This ensures a long lifespan and reliable performance in the demanding greenhouse environment with minimal maintenance.
Application of Rolling Bench
Rolling benches are widely used in various greenhouse operations, such as:
Vegetable Cultivation
Ideal for growing tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and other leafy greens, where space optimization is critical.
Floriculture
Perfect for high-density flower production in commercial nurseries, allowing easy access for pruning and harvesting.
Research Facilities
Used in experimental greenhouses for plant studies, as the movable system enables researchers to organize and rotate crops efficiently.
Seedling and Nursery Production
Rolling benches facilitate seedling growth and management, making transplantation simpler and more organized.
Hydroponic Systems
Many rolling benches are compatible with hydroponic trays and ebb-and-flow systems, supporting modern soil-less cultivation.
FAQs of Rolling Bench
1. What materials are rolling benches made of?
Rolling benches are usually made from galvanized steel or aluminum frames combined with wire mesh or plastic tops. These materials provide durability and corrosion resistance, ensuring long-lasting use in humid greenhouse conditions.
2. Can rolling benches be customized?
Yes, rolling benches can be customized in terms of size, height, and load capacity to meet the specific needs of different crops and greenhouse layouts.
3. How much weight can a rolling bench hold?
The load capacity depends on the design, but most commercial rolling benches can support 150–250 kg per section, accommodating multiple trays or pots.
4. Are rolling benches suitable for hydroponics?
Absolutely. Many rolling benches are compatible with hydroponic systems, such as ebb-and-flow trays, NFT channels, or trough systems, making them versatile for soil-less cultivation.
5. How do rolling benches improve labor efficiency?
By creating movable aisles only when needed, rolling benches reduce the distance workers must walk to water, prune, or harvest plants, saving time and reducing labor costs.
