The study of the mechanical properties of water chestnut stalks during the transplanting period can provide a theoretical basis for the mechanization of transplanting. The radial compression test, shear test and bending test were carried out by using TMS-PRO textrometer on the stalks of water chestnut Hubei Water Chestnut No.1 and Dahongpao Water Chestnut from Tuanfeng County, Huanggang City, Hubei Province, China. The results of radial compression test showed that the radial bearing force of the stalks increased sequentially from the top to the bottom, and the average value of the lower part was between 4.0-4.1N; the longer the shelving time (within 4h), the lower the moisture content of the stalks, and the lower the radial bearing force; the effect of the loading rate on the radial bearing force was not significant. The shear test results showed that the lower part of the stalks had the highest shear force, with a mean value between 120-165 N and a shear strength of about 6 MPa; the effect of the 4 hours resting time on the shear force was not significant. The results of the bending test showed that the upper part of the stalk had the smallest bending stiffness, with a mean value between 1.4×10-3-1.6×10-3 Nm2, the middle part had the largest bending modulus of elasticity, with a mean value between 290-405 MPa, and the lower part had the largest cross-sectional moment of inertia, with a mean value between 33-35 mm4, and both were subjected to a significantly higher stress than the upper part and the middle part, with a mean value of the maximum load less than 2 N. The test results can provide a basis for the design of the machine tools for cutting and handling of seedlings, handling and transplanting.