Pile drivers are a type of construction equipment used to drill piling systems into the soil when establishing a foundation support for buildings and structures. Piling systems are usually long, slender columns which are engineered using high-strength materials like steel, concrete or timber making them perfect for supporting deep foundation construction.
Generally, pile drivers are attached to excavator arms and use hydraulics to operate. The most common and traditional machine works by lifting the weight of the driver to the highest point, releasing, and driving the pile into the ground. Other pile drivers on the market can be suspended from a crane to achieve greater height for large-scale projects.
Early models of the pile driver were known as diesel hammers and vertical travel lead systems. Traditionally, these machines are very loud and use a large amount of weight to strike the piling system into the ground. While these machines get the job done they aren't ideal for working in areas where noise levels need to be considered.
With newer technology on the market, there are now machines which are much quieter than the traditional pile drivers. Just one type is the vibratory pile driver. This machine is very quiet during operation thanks to the elimination of a heavy weighted force driving the piling system into the ground. Instead, these machines contain a system of counter-rotating weights that are powered using hydraulic motors. Vibratory pile drivers are often used when construction is taking place near residences or office buildings.
A pile driver makes the installation of piling systems simple and ensures uniformity and high reliability from the structure, but it is important to choose the pile driver that's right for your particular job site. It's important to consider the condition of the soil you're going to be working with because some machines work extremely well in sandy soil while others will be more suited to clay, wet muddy conditions or gravel. Not only that but you'll also have to take into consideration any surrounding structures or uneven surfaces, as some machines will perform better in narrow work sites and others will be able to provide stability in uneven conditions.
At the end of the day, your project should always be front of mind when considering your machinery purchase. The other thing to consider is your current fleet. If you already have an excavator or crane, it might be best to go for a mounted pile driver attachment as it will be less of an investment than an entirely new machine.
