A new kind of 2-DOF clamp-type manipulator was developed relying on the feature and principle of 2-DOF manipulator for automatically pulling up and transplanting multiple cell-tray potted-seedlings. The characteristics of operating targets, main structure and control circuit of the manipulator were described. The key component of seedling clamp mechanism was designed, and 3D structure model was established and virtually assembled by using Pro/E. Dynamics simulation to the seedling clamp mechanism ensured the reliability of its opening and closing process. Preliminary performance experiment was conducted on a program controlled prototype platform. Four related factors were considered, including the type of cell-tray, moisture of soil ball, extending force of clip’s spring and feeding mode of cell-tray. And the effect of above factors on the evaluate index of successful pulling up rate of the manipulator was analyzed. Results showed that type of cell-tray and moisture of soil ball both had very significant effects on successful pulling up rate (P<0.01), while no significant difference for both extending force of clip’s spring (15,22N) and feeding mode of cell-tray (P>0.05). When the extending force of clip’s spring and feeding mode of cell-tray were unchanged, cultivating the potted-seedlings by using red tray or maintaining moisture of soil ball of potted-seedling above 30% can increase successful pulling up rate. And the performance of seedlings automatic transporting and feeding mechanism can meet the requirements of transporting and feeding cell-tray potted-seedlings row-by-row. The results provide a useful reference for subsequent optimization on manipulator’s performance.