Driving piles has been a staple for erecting large structures like bridges and buildings for hundreds of years. And large-foundation pile drivers have long been the primary go-to machine for this type of work. But, over the last several years, a smaller size of pile drivers is creating a niche in the pile-driving market. These machines are often referred to as solar pile drivers since solar farm construction is where they are most frequently used.
According to Ed Savage, product manager at Vermeer, more than 90% of small pile drivers are being used in the solar industry to help erect the racking system for solar panels. But Savage added that many other contractors embrace these productive machines to provide a solid foundation in other applications.
“There has been such a dramatic growth for pile drivers in recent years because of contractors’ needs for anchoring structures in the ground as cost-efficiently and -productively as possible,” Savage said. “It doesn’t matter if the task is driving piles for solar racking, guard rails or above-ground pipeline — or poles for fencing. Using small pile drivers for these types of applications helps ease the process and is faster than digging, pouring/or installing a concrete support system. Plus, pile drivers operate efficiently in a wide range of ground conditions.”
Small pile drivers for roadway guard rails and sign posts
Guard rails are a critical safety feature on busy roadways worldwide, and when the Department of Transportation (DOT) determines a patch of road needs a guard rail, there’s a good chance it’s not in a flat, easily accessible area. Track-mounted pile drivers, like the Vermeer PD5 pile driver, are sized right and maneuverable for these types of applications. The PD5 has a 15-foot (4.6-m) mast that can remain fully assembled when transporting, and its 90-degree rotating platform design helps ease the setup and teardown process. The PD5 also offers machine-integrated controls on the side of the machine.
“Alternatively, the PD5R pile driver, with a full-function wireless remote that engages the hammer, uses an auto plumb feature to position and align piles,” explained Savage. “These advanced features are important when precise alignment is essential, like solar construction. But for guard rail and fencing work, many contractors report not needing that level of accuracy, which is why Vermeer offers both options.”
These smaller utility pile drivers can produce up to 950 joules of hammer energy at a maximum rate of 1,500 blows-per-minute for high production rates even in challenging ground conditions.
Small pile drivers for civil fencing applications
Fencing contractors agree that installing poles is time-consuming and difficult in challenging ground conditions. That’s why a lot of fencing companies are looking for alternative methods when working on large fencing projects in these soil conditions. And for many of the same reasons why the PD5 is a good option for installing guardrails, it can make quick work of driving fence posts, too.
“Pile drivers come with a higher upfront investment than the common equipment used for fencing projects,” said Savage. “So, for most fencing contractors, buying a pile driver probably doesn’t make sense. However, for those unusual and large projects, it’s worth contacting a Vermeer dealer to find what rental options they offer or for help locating a contractor they can subcontract that part of the project to.”
Small pile drivers for construction
Not every erection construction project requires large piles to be driven into bedrock. Piles need to be driven for small projects too. Carports or small ground-mounted solar panels all need to be foundationally sound. And in many cases, there isn’t room or time to dig and pour concrete. Using small pile drivers can help ease the construction process.
“A unique project that a Vermeer PD10 pile driver has recently been used for is the construction of above-ground pipelines,” said Savage. “The contractor on the job needed a machine that could help erect a solid foundation for the pipeline and determined the PD10 was the most efficient option.”
Multiple applications
Many times, utility construction work involves driving several piles in less-than-ideal grounds that could benefit from using a high-production pile driver. Keep in mind that if you find yourself on this type of project, it doesn’t mean you need to run out and buy a pile driver. Many Vermeer dealers can help you explore renting and/or leasing options. For more information about Vermeer pile drivers, contact your local Vermeer dealer.
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