IE86531B1

IE86531B1 - Improved post drivers

Info

Publication number: IE86531B1
Application number: IE20130053A
Authority: IE
Inventors: John Mowatt Bryce
Original assignee: John Mowatt Bryce
Priority date: 2011-01-14
Filing date: 2012-01-06
Publication date: 2015-04-22
Also published as: GB2493115C; GB2485918A; GB201100600D0; IE86241B1; GB2493115C2; IE20120002A1; IE20130053A1; GB2493115C3; GB201217959D0; GB201200118D0; GB2485918B; GB2493115B; GB2493115A

Abstract

There is disclosed an improved post driver (100) and related vehicle (5), which are of particular use by one person on wet land. The post driver (100) comprises positioning means comprising first movable means (105) comprises at least one first movable member (110) and means (115) for slidably receiving opposing ends of the at least one first movable member (110) and second movable means (119) comprising at least one second movable member (120), wherein the means for slidably receiving the at least one second movable member (120) moves with the first movable member (110). The vehicle (5) comprises a tracked vehicle (5) comprising a driver cab, the post driver (100) being mounted to the vehicle (5) at or on a rear portion thereof behind the driver’s cab. The post driver (100) is mounted on a rotatable turntable of the vehicle (5) or may be fixed in position relative to the vehicle (5). <Figure 5A>

Description

IMPROVED POST DRIVER FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to post drivers, for example, for driving fence 5 posts into the ground. The present invention particularly reiates to a vehicle comprising a post driver.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION Post drivers are known. GB 2 423 549 B by the present Inventor discloses a post driver comprising: a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; wherein there are positioning means provided to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven; wherein the mast is telescopic; and the post driver comprises a plurality of puileys aiiowing the post driver to be adapted to be used with different heights of post.

GB 2 441 071 B, aiso by the present inventor, discloses a post driver comprising: a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; wherein there are provided positioning means to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven, the positioning means comprising a back shift and a side shift; and wherein the legs are independently hydraulically operable.

GB 2 420 367 A (BRENNAN and BRENNAN) discioses a post driver comprising: three point linkage mounting means for securing the support frame to the three point linkage of a tractor; a main mast mounted on the support frame; a support mast slidably mounted on the main mast; a pile driving hammer slidably mounted on a hammer guide rail on the support mast; a pulley adjacent the upper free end of the support mast; a flexible connector connected to the hammer and to the main mast via the pulley; a hydraulic ram connected between the support mast and the pulley for raising the mast; and a post holder comprising a fiat plate carrying a depending post engaging spike, the plate fast on a support member, slidably mounted on the main mast.

Known art suffers from a number of problems/d is advantages. For example, ease of facilitating appropriate positioning of the post driver, io use. Also, knows post drivers are mounted to tractors which are expensive and require specialist operation. Further, due to an increasing problem of finding reliable labour for erecting wire and timber fencing, and increasing requirements by landowners prohibiting use of wheeled vehicles or machines on wet, marshy or boggy ground or land and resultant damage particularly to grassland - the present Inventor has identified a need for a small, e.g. one-man, machine and/or tracked vehicle having a post driver. it is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate one or more problems/disadvantages in the prior art.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at (east one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved post driver.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION A vehicle having a post driver and rotational means for selectively deploying the post driver from at least two of one side of the vehicle, another side of the vehicle, and a rear of the vehicle, the post driver comprising a mast and post driver positioning means comprising first moving means and second moving means, the first moving means comprises a forward/backward shift and the second moving means comprises a side shift and wherein the forward/backward shift and side shift allow the mast to be moved laterally and longitudinally without having to move the vehicle.

Beneficially, in one embodiment, the opposing ends of the at least one first movable member may comprise male members and the means for slidably receiving opposing ends of the at feast one first movable member may comprise female members. In an alternative embodiment the opposing ends of the at least one first movable member may comprise female members and the means for slidably receiving opposing ends of the at least one first movable member may comprise male members.

Beneficially, in one embodiment, an end of the at least one second movable member may comprise a male member and the means for slidably receiving the (end of the) at least one second movable member may comprise a female member. In an alternative embodiment an end of the at least one second movable member may comprise a female member, and the means for slidably receiving the (end of the) at ieast one second movable member may comprise a male member.

The first moving means and the second moving means may be disposed or disposable in symmetrical or substantially H-shaped relation to one another.

Preferably the second moving means may be movable, e.g. by or in unison with the first moving means, between a rest or substantially symmetric position, and preferably to a selected position on at least one side of the symmetric position, and most preferably, to selected positions on either side of the rest or symmetric position..

The at least one first movable member and the means for slidably receiving the at least one second movable member may be fixed to one another in symmetrical or hl· shaped relation to one another.

The first moving means and second moving means may move substantially perpendicular to one another, in use.

The first moving means may comprise first and second first movable members.

The means for slidably receiving opposing ends of the at least one first movable member may comprise means for slidably receiving opposing ends of a first movable member.

The means for siidably receiving opposing ends of the at least one first movable member may comprise at ieasf one pair of female members.

In a preferred embodiment there may be provided a pair of first moving means, which may preferably be spaced, e.g. substantially paraiiel spaced, from one another, Preferably the means for slidabiy receiving the at least one second member is connected or attached to at least one and preferably each first moving means.

Preferably the means for siidably receiving (an end of) the at least one second movable member may comprise at least one and preferably one further female member.

Preferably the further female member is disposed substantially orthogonally to the/each of the first moving means.

Preferably the at least one/one further female member is connected to or operatively associated with at least one/each first movable member, e.g. so as to move therewith.

Preferably, in use, each first movable member moves/slides in synchronisation with each other first movable member.

Preferably the first and second moving means together may be disposed in or comprise a symmetrical arrangement.

Preferabiy the first and second moving means together may be disposed or 20 comprise an H shaped arrangement.

Preferably there may be provided first means for moving the first movable members, e.g. first hydraulic moving means.

The first moving means may move the further female member and thereby the first movable members.

Preferabiy there are provided second means for moving the second movable member, e.g, second hydraulic moving means.

Preferably there is provided a mast tilt ram bracket. A first end of the mast tift ram bracket may be connected to the second movable member, e.g. at an upper planar surface at one end of the second movable member.

The mast tilt ram bracket may extend adjacent the further female member, and 5 may be slidable relative thereto, e.g. within a groove on an upper surface of the further female member.

The first movable member may be square in cross-section, e.g. 90 mm x 90 mm, The second moveable member may be rectangular in cross-section, and may 10 have a width at least twice and preferably around four times its height, e.g. 300 mm x mm.

Preferably the mast is adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down.

Preferably there are provided first means for pivoting or tilting the mast relative 15 to the First m ovi ng means.

Preferably there are provided second means for pivoting or tilting the mast relative to the second moving means.

Preferably the first and second pivoting/tiiting means comprise third and fourth hydraulic means.

Preferably the first tilting means tilts the mast in a first plane; preferably the second tilting means tilts the mast in a second plane; preferably the first plane and the second plane are orthogonal to one another.

Preferably an arm is pivotably attached to an end of the second movable member.

Preferably the second pivoting means is rotatably connected to (an end of) the arm and to an end of the mast tilt ram bracket.

Preferably the first pivoting means is hingeably/rotatably connected notabiy to (an end of) the arm and to the mast or a bracket fixed or connected to the mast.

Preferably the arm is rotatably connected to the mast.

Preferably the post driver comprises a counter-weight. The counter-weight 5 may, in use, act to counter the weight of the mast and/or weighted member. The counter-weight may be provided on one side of the positioning means and the mast may be provided on another (opposite) side of the positioning means.

Preferably the post driver is provided on a rotational means or turntable.

Preferably the rotation means rotates the post driver in a plane of the 10 positioning means.

Preferably the post driver is provided on a rotational means or turntable.

Preferably the rotation means rotate the post driver in a plane of the positioning means.

Preferably the rotational means is capable of rotating the post driver through 15 180°, in this way the post driver may be deployed from either side (or from a rear) of a vehicle upon which the post driver is mounted.

Preferably the post driver is mounted or provided on a vehicle, e.g. on a turntable of the vehicle. Preferably the vehicle comprises a tracked vehicle, e,g. having (preferably soiely having) first and second (left and right) tracks. The tracks may be rubber tracks.

The vehicle may comprise means for moving the vehicle, e.g. motive means, e.g. an engine. Alternatively the vehicle may comprise a trailer and may comprise means for connecting the vehicle to a driven vehicle.

The positioning means may allow the positioning of the mast to be optimised 25 and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven, and may comprise a back/forward shift and a side shift. The back shift and the side shift may comprise the first and second moving means, respectively. Ί The back shift and side shift may allow the mast to be moved laterally and longitudinally without having to move the frame itself or a connected vehicle.

The back shift and side shift may be ai substantially 90° to one another preferably thereby allowing the mast to be moved over a full range of directions.

The back shift and side shift may be hydraulically operated thereby allowing easy and accurate adjustments of the position of the mast to be made.

The back shift and side shift may each have a range of travel of 100 mm to 1,000 mm.

The back shift and side shift may each comprise telescopic members.

The mast may be telescopic thereby allowing a range of types of post to be driven.

The weighted member may be a hammer which may have a weight of 100 kilograms to 1,000 kilograms.

The post driver may comprise one or more legs which may allow the post driver to have a stable configuration during use.

The legs may be mechanical or hydraulically operated.

The mast may be tiltable.

The post driver may comprise a counterbalance or counter-weight which may counter the weight of the weighted member.

A plurality of hydraulic control levers for operating the post driver may be provided, e.g. for side shift, back shift, mast tilt in front, mast tilt forward/backward, hammer lift.

The post driver may comprise one or more pulleys which may allow the weighted member to travel at least part of the length or the full length of the mast.

The mast may be tiltable; , the back shift and side shift may comprise telescopic members; and there may be provided a mast tilt ram bracket which may be slidable in and out into the side shift and is not attached to outer blocks of a side shift slide.

Advantageously the vehicle comprises a tracked vehicle, e.g. such as similar to those available under Trade Name CANYCOM.

Preferably the vehicle may comprise a driver cab.

Preferably the post driver may be mounted to the vehicle at or on a rear portion thereof, e.g. behind the driver's cab.

The post driver may be mounted on a rear portion of the vehicle.

The post driver may be mounted on a rotatable turntable of the vehicle or may be fixed in position reiative to the vehicle.

Preferably the post driver may be selectively deployed from any of the one side of the vehicle, the another side of the vehicle, and the rear of the vehicle.

Preferably the vehicle is a tracked vehicle, preferably having first and second (left and right) tracks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompany drawings, which are: Figure 1A Figure 1B Figure 1C Figure 1D Figure 1E Figure 1F Figure 2 A Figure 2B Figure 2C Figure 2D Figure 2E Figure 2F a side view of a vehicle for use in the present invention; another side view of a vehicle of Figure 1 A; a top view of a rear portion of the vehicle of Figure 1A in a first configuration; a top view of the rear portion of the vehicle of Figure 1.A in a second configuration; a top view of the rear portion of the vehicle of Figure 1A in a third configuration; a top view of the rear portion of the vehicle of Figure 1A in a fourth configuration; a top view of a portion of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention having a post driver in a first configuration mounted to a rear portion of the vehicle of Figure 1A; a top view of a portion of the post driver of Figure 2A in a second configuration; a partial close-up view of the post driver of Figure 2A; a further partial close-up view of the post driver of Figure 2A; a yet further partial close-up view of the post driver of Figure 2 A; a still further partial close-up view of the post driver of Figure 2A; Figure 2G Figure 2H Figure 3A Figure 3B Figure 3C Figure 3D Figure 3E Figure 4 A Figure 4B Figure 4C a stiii further partial close-up view of the post driver of Figure 2 A; a still further partial close-up view of the post driver of Figure 2 A; a rear view of the vehicle of Figure 1A with the post driver of Figure 2A mounted thereto, the mast of the post driver being in a first disposition; the vehicle and post driver of Figure 3A with the mast and post driver in a second disposition; the vehicle and post driver of Figure 3A with the mast in a third disposition; a partial side view of the vehicle and post driver of Figure 3A with the mast in a fourth disposition; a partial side view of the vehicle and post driver of Figure 3A with the mast in a fifth disposition; a rear view of the vehicle of Figure 1A with the post driver of Figure 2A mounted thereto, the post driver being disposed to one side of the vehicle; the vehicle and post driver of Figure 4A with the post driver disposed to the rear of the vehicle; and the vehicle and post driver of Figure 4A with the post driver disposed to another side of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Referring initially to Figures 1A to IF, there is iiiustrated a vehicle, generally designated 5, for use in the present invention. The vehicle 5 comprising a chassis 10, mobile means such as an engine (not shown), first and second (left and right) tracks , a driver's/operator's cab 20, and a turntable 25. The turntable 25 is substantially parallel with a rear portion 30 of the chassis 10, and is rotatable by drive means (not shown) through 180° from one side 35 of the vehicle 5 to another side 40 of the vehicle 5 via the rear 45 of the vehicle 5.

Referring now to Figure 2A to Figure 4C, there is illustrated an embodiment of the present invention comprising the vehicle 5 having a post driver, generally designated 100. The post driver 100 is mounted on the turntable 25 (shown in outline in Figure 2A) of the vehicle 5 for movement with the turntable 25, The post driver 100 comprises positioning means comprising first moving means 105 comprising at least one first movable member 110 and means 115 for slidably receiving opposing ends of the at least one first movable member 110, and second movable means 119 comprising at least one second movable member 120 and means 125 for slidably receiving the at least one second movable member 120, wherein the means for slidably receiving the at least one second movable member 120 moves with the first movable member 110. The first moving means 105 are moved via hydraulic means 126, while the second moving means 125 are moved by further hydraulic means (not shown), e.g. located beneath the means 125 for slidably receiving the at ieast one second movable means.

The first moving means and the second moving means may be disposed or disposable in symmetrical or H-shaped relation to one another.

The at least one first movable member and the means for slidably receiving the at least one second movable member may be fixed to one another in symmetrical or H15 shaped relation to one another.

The first moving means 105 comprise a forward/backward shift. The second moving means 110 comprises a side shift. It will be appreciated that the terms forward/backward and side are relative terms, non-limiting in this context.

The first moving means 105 and second moving means 110 are disposed and 20 move substantially perpendicular to one another, in use. The first moving means 105 comprises first and second first movable members 110a,110b.

The means 115 for slidably receiving opposing ends of the at least one first movable member 110 comprise means for slidably receiving opposing ends of a first movable member 110a or 110b. The means 115 for slidably receiving opposing ends of the at least one first movable member 110 comprise at least one pair of female members.

In a preferred embodiment there are provided a pair of first moving means 105, which are spaced in substantially parallel spaced in relation from one another.

The means 125 for slidably receiving the at least one second movable member 120 is connected or attached to at least one and In this embodiment each of the first moving means 105.

The means 125 for slidably receiving (an end of) the at least one second movable member 120 comprise at least one and one further female member 130.

The further female member 130 is disposed substantially orthogonally to the/each of the first moving means.

The at least one/one further female member Is connected to or operatively associated with at least one/each first movable member.

In use, each first movable member moves/slides in synchronisation with each other first movable member. The first and second moving means together are disposed in or comprise a symmetrical arrangement. The first and second moving means together are disposed or comprise an IT shaped arrangement. There are provided first means for moving the first movable members, e.g. first hydraulic moving means. The first moving means move the further female member and thereby the first movable members. There are provided second means for moving the second movable member, e.g. second hydraulic moving means.

There is provided a mast tilt ram bracket. A first end of the tilt mast ram bracket is connected to the second movable member, e.g. at an upper planar surface at one end of the second movable member.

The mast tilt ram bracket extends adjacent the further female member, and is slidable relative thereto, e.g. within a groove on an upper surface of the further female member.

In this embodiment the first movable member is square in cross-section, e.g. around 90 mm x 90 mm. Further, the second moveable member is rectangular in cross-section, arid typically has a width at least twice and advantageously around four times its height, e.g. around 300 mm x 75 mm.

The post driver comprises a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down.

There are provided first means for pivoting or tilting the mast relative to the first moving means. There are provided second means for pivoting or tilting the mast relative to the second moving means. The first and second pivoting/tilting means comprise third and fourth hydraulic means. The first tilting means tiits the mast in a first plane, while the second tiding means tilts the mast in a second plane, the first plane and the second plane being orthogonal to one another.

An arm is pivotably attached to an end of the second movable member. Beneficially the second pivoting means is rotatably connected to (an end of) the arm and to an end of the mast tilt ram bracket. The first pivoting means is hingeably/rotatably connected rotatably to (an end of) the arm and to the mast or a bracket fixed or connected to the mast. The arm is rotatably connected to the mast.

The post driver comprises a counter-weight. The counter-weight may, in use, acts to counter the weight of the mast and/or weighted member 200. The counterweight is provided on one side of the positioning means and the mast is provided on another (opposite) side of the positioning means.

The post driver is provided on a turntable or rotational means. The turntable rotates the post driver in a plane of the positioning means.

The turntable is capable of rotating the post driver through 180°. In this way the post driver can be deployed from either side (or from a rear) of a vehicle upon which the post driver is mounted.

The post driver is mounted or provided on the vehicle in this embodiment on the turntable of the vehicle. Preferably the vehicle comprises a tracked vehicle, e.g. having (preferably soiely having) first and second (left and right) tracks. The tracks can typically be rubber tracks.

In this embodiment the vehicle comprises means for moving the vehicle, e.g. motive means, e.g. an engine. Alternatively the vehicle can comprise a trailer and means for connecting the vehicle to a driven vehicle so that the vehicle can be towed.

The positioning means allows the positioning of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven, and comprises a back/forward shift and a side shift. The back shirt and the side shift may comprise the first and second moving means, respectively.

The back shift and side shift allow the mast to be moved laterally and longitudinally without having to move the frame itself or the connected vehicle.

The back shift and side shift are at substantially 90° to one another, thereby allowing the mast to be moved over a full range of directions. The back shift and side shift are hydraulically operated thereby aliowing easy and accurate adjustments of the position of the mast to be made. The back shift and side shift may each have a range of travel of about 100 mm to 1,000 mm. The back shift and side shift each comprise telescopic members.

The mast can be telescopic thereby allowing a range of types of post to be driven.

The weighted member can be a hammer which may have a weight of about 100 kilograms to 1,000 kilograms.

The post driver can optionally comprise one or more legs which may allow the post driver to have a stable configuration during use. The legs can be mechanical or hydraulically operated.

A plurality of hydraulic control levers for operating the post driver may be provided, e.g. for side shift, back shift, mast tilt in front, mast tilt forward/backward, and hammer lift.

The post driver can comprise one or more pulleys which allow the weighted member to travel at least part of the length or the full length of the mast.

There is provided a mast tilt ram bracket which is slidable in and out into the side shift and which is not attached to outer blocks of a side shift slide.

The post driver comprises first means for positioning the post driver in a first direction and a second positioning means for positioning the post driver in a second direction, wherein the first and second positioning means are disposable in a symmetric relation.

The post driver comprises a mast and means for tilting or pivoting the mast in first and second planes. The first and second planes may be substantially orthogonal to one another.

The vehicle comprises a post driver mounted thereto. Advantageously the vehicle comprises a tracked vehicle, e.g. such as similar to those available under Trade Name CANYCOM. The vehicle comprises a driver cab. The post driver is mounted to the vehicle at or on a rear portion thereof, i.e. behind the driver's cab. The post driver is mounted on a rear portion of the vehicle, The post driver can be mounted on a rotatable turntable of the vehicle or can be fixed in position relative to the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention the vehicle has a post driver and 20 means for selectively deploying the post driver from at least two of one side of the vehicle, another side of the vehicle, and a rear of the vehicle, In this embodiment the post driver can be selectively deployed from any of the one side of the vehicle, the another side of the vehicle, and the rear of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention the vehicle is a tracked vehicle 25 comprising a post driver, According to an embodiment of the invention the post driver comprises a mast and means for tilting or pivoting the mast in first and second planes. The first and second planes are substantially orthogonal to one another.

The invention provides a unique combination comprising a mast attached to a 5 sideshift/backshift/foreshift combination, with a mast tilt in and out, connected by a hydraulic cylinder attached to the mast, and a supporting member that supports the other end of the cylinder which is attached to the sideshift feature.

Furthermore, the mast tilt forward and back is in the form of a main swivel pivot which allows the mast to pivot about a central point and through the suitable positioning of a hydraulic cylinder the mast can be allowed to tilt in an arc left/right/forward/back depending on which way the machine is viewed.

The forwardshift/backshift is unique in that it allows this feature to operate in confined dimensions where the sideshift can be left in the central position giving movement forwards or backwards, allowing precise alignment between post driver mast and post without having to move the tractive vehicle. In the past, operators needed to move the tracked machine forward or back to get alignment between mast and post. This slows down output. Also, importantly when driving posts on sloping ground that is wet and slippery, movement of the tracked vehicle can result in the vehicle sliding very slightly up or down hill, depending on the slope, resulting in post alignment down the fence line being disturbed necessitating the sideshift having to be used to correct the vertical alignment of the post, causing unnecessary loss of time and operator fatigue.

An important feature of this invention is that the backshift is mounted central to the main frame, and can be moved forward and back from the centre point. This helps to maintain stability on what is generally a small tractive machine. Other systems require the backshift to move in one direction only, and when operating at the extreme of one direction the balance of the machine can be upset.

This machine can be mounted on any fixed frame, or preferably a frame comprising a 180° swiveiiing carriage, allowing the post driver to operate anywhere in an arc through 180°. It can also be mounted on tracked or wheeled vehicles.

It will be appreciated that the embodiment of the present invention hereinbefore 5 described is given by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Various modifications may be envisaged which fall within the scope of the invention.

According to the invention, with a swsvel/slew-type vehicle, a high output post driver can be installed at or near to the central load-carrying point. By doing this one helps to keep stability and safety, while at the same time have the performance and output of a much larger machine, e.g. in a small tractive vehicle.

The disclosed embodiment features an H pattern configuration, which when attached to or mounted on the rotatary turntable, the slew mechanism gives a low centre of gravity, and the stability required on a post driver with sideshift, backshift, mast tilt forward and back, and mast tilt in and out, enabling accurate positioning of the post driver. A notable feature of the Ή pattern design is that the backshift combined with the sideshift, mast tilt forward and back, and mast tilt in and out, moves forward and back as one unit from a central position maintaining stability and weight distribution of the donor machine.

Claims

1. A vehicle having a post driver and rotational means for selectively deploying the post driver from at least two of one side of the vehicle, another side of the vehicle, and 5 a rear of the vehicle, the post driver comprising a mast and post driver positioning means comprising first moving means and second moving means, the first moving means comprises a forward/backward shift and the second moving means comprises a side shift, and wherein the forward/backward shift and side shift allow the mast to be moved laterally and longitudinally without having to move the vehicle.

2. A vehicle as claimed in ciaim 1, wherein the post driver is selectively deployed from any of the one side of the vehicle, the another side of the vehicle, and the rear of the vehicle. 15

3. A vehicle as daimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle is a tracked vehicle having first and second tracks.

4. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, comprising means for tilting or pivoting the mast in first and second planes.

5. A vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first and second planes are substantially orthogonal to one another.

6. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the First moving means 25 and second moving means move substantially perpendicularly to one another, in use.

7. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 4 or 5 or claim 6 when dependent upon claims 4 or 5, wherein there is provided a mast tilt ram bracket.

8. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mast is adapted to 5 allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down.

9. A vehicie as claimed in claim 8, wherein there are provided first means for pivoting or tilting the mast relative to the first moving means.

10. 10. A vehicle as claimed in either oi claims 8 or 9, wherein there are provided second means for pivoting or tilting the mast relative to the second moving means.

11. A vehicle as claimed in either of claims 9 or 10, wherein the first tilting means tilts the mast in a first plane, the second tilting means tilts the mast in a second plane, 15 and the first plane and the second plane are orthogonal to one another.

12. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the post driver comprises a counter-weight, 20

13. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the rotational means comprises a turntable.

14. A vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the rotational means rotates the post driver in a plane of the positioning means.

15. A vehicle as claimed in either of claims 13 or 14, wherein the rotational means is capable of rotating the post driver through 180°, the post driver being deployable from either side or from a rear of the vehicle upon which the post driver is mounted. 5

16. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 or 15, wherein the vehicle comprises means for moving the vehicle comprising motive means, or wherein the vehicle comprises a trailer and comprises means for connecting the vehicle to a driven vehicle,

17. A vehicle as claimed In any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the positioning means 10 allows the positioning of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven.

18. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the forward/backward shift and side shift are at substantially 90 3 to one another.

19. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the forward/backward shift and side shift are hydraulically operated.

20. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the forward/backward 20 shift and side shift each have a range of travel of 100 mm to 1,000 mm.

21. A vehicle as claimed in ciaim 4 or any of claims 5 to 20, when dependent upon claim 4, wherein the mast is telescopic. 25

22. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8 or any of claims 9 to 21 when dependent upon claim 8, wherein the weighted member is a hammer which has a weight of 100 kilograms to 1,000 kilograms.

23. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the post driver comprises one or more legs which allows the post driver to have a stable configuration during use.

24. A vehicle as claimed in claim 23, wherein the legs are mechanical or 5 hydraulically operated.

25. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the mast is tiltable.

26. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the vehicle comprises a 10 driver cab.

27. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26, wherein the post driver is mounted to the vehicle at or on a rear portion thereof.