GB2423549A

GB2423549A - Adjustable post driver

Info

Publication number: GB2423549A
Application number: GB0603476A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Mowatt Bryce
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-23
Filing date: 2006-02-22
Publication date: 2006-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-22
Also published as: GB2423549B; GB0603476D0; GB0503696D0; IE20060133A1; IE20080228A1

Abstract

A post driver includes a frame and a mast connected to the frame in such a way the position of the mast can be altered. The mast, which may be telescopic and carries a hammer 116, may be shifted backwards or sideways and may also be tiltable (fig 1), thereby enabling it to be adjusted for proper alignment with a post 125. This is achieved by a number of hydraulic cylinder assemblies 122, 124. The frame may rest on a number of hydraulic legs (102, fig 1) which include skids (108, fig 1). The hydraulic controls for the driver may be protected with a cage (fig 16) and the driver can include portions (118, fig 1) for receiving pallet forks, facilitating transport of the driver.

Description

1 2423549

POST DRIVERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to post drivers for driving, for example, fence posts into the ground. The present invention also relates to a method of using said post drivers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Post drivers usually consist of a vertical pillar or column guiding a falling weight that is lifted by hydraulic power from, for example, a tractor on which the post driver is mounted. A small ram, working through a lifting mechanism, may pull a rope over a pulley at the top of the pillar or column so as to lift the weight in order that it may then be dropped onto a post.

However, existing post drivers suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, existing post drivers have difficulty in driving posts in difficult ground conditions. In addition, to properly align existing post drivers, a connected tractor needs to be moved backwards and forwards to correctly position the post driver. Such movement for the tractor can lead to excessive clutch wear. In swinging arm type mechanisms, the side shift needs to be used every time the arm is moved forwards or backwards. It is also difficult to obtain small movements of the tractor on uneven ground.

It is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems.

It is a further object of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a post driver which provides improved driving power and manoeuvrability.

SU(ARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a post driver comprising: a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel 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.

Preferably, the positioning means allowing the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted comprises a back shift and a side shift. The positioning means therefore allows the mast to be moved substantially

parallel to a fence or the area of work. Prior art

devices which move in an arc require adjusting the side shift every time the mast is moved forwards or backwards; which is clearly time consuming. The back shift and side shift according to the present invention therefore allows the mast to be moved laterally and longitudinally without having to move the frame itself or a connected tractor.

Typically, 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 i.e. side to side and front to back. This has the specific advantage in that the position of the mast can be altered and adjusted to obtain optimal alignment with a post. 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 have any suitable range of travel such as about to 1,000 mm or preferably about 600 mm for the side shift and 100 mm to 1,000 mm or preferably about 300 mm for the back shift. Telescopic members may be used to obtain the movement for the side shift and back shift.

Typically, the mast may comprise a sliding beam and may be telescopic up to any suitable length such as, for example, allowing about one to twenty foot posts or about ten foot posts and ground anchors to be driven in. The telescopic mast has all the advantages of a tall fixed mast thereby offering maximum impact and yet also allowing the post driver to be moved and transported in a compacted configuration.

Preferably, the weighted member may be a hitting hammer which may have a weight of about 10 to 1,000 kilogram or preferably about 400 to 500 kilograms. The weight of the weighted member may be adapted for different situations i.e. hardness of the ground.

The post driver may comprise a plurality of legs which allows the apparatus to have a stable configuration during use. For example, any number of legs such as two supporting legs on skid plates may be used. The skid plates provide a stable footing for the post driver.

Typically, the legs may be independently hydraulically operated thereby allowing the apparatus to operate on uneven ground.

The mast of the apparatus may also be tilted for different configurations. Tilting of the mast may be important when large stones or very difficult ground is encountered. The tilting may be obtained using hydraulic means.

Furthermore, the apparatus may comprise a counterbalance to counter the weight of the weighted member. This provides further stability for the post driver during use.

A further advantage of the post driver is that hydraulic control levers for the post driver may be protected with a cage structure (e.g. a double guard) thereby preventing accidental operation of the hydraulic controls. The cage structure may comprise a bar extending over the hydraulic control levers and/or a lower bar extending substantially around the side of the control levers. The hydraulic control levers may also be mounted so that they remain mounted substantially horizontal throughout the full operation of the apparatus and even if the mast is tilted. For example, the hydraulic control levers may be mounted on the mast tilt ram.

The post driver may also comprise receiving members into which pallet forks may be inserted thereby facilitating transport of the post driver.

The post driver may also comprise a plurality of pulleys, such as two pulleys enabling the weighted member to travel the full length of the mast. An additional pulley may therefore be mounted on the mast which enables the weighted member to travel the full length of the mast without any adjustment to bracket means on the mast. The additional pulley may be fixed in attachment to the mast or may be mounted on brackets which are adjustable on the mast.

Typically, the sliding beam and a cap which is used to drive a post in, may slide up and down on separate rails. The advantage of this is that if the beam and cap slide on the same rails, the cap can be forced off the post to be driven due to the forces present in correcting alignment. The separate rails therefore allow the beam and cap to slide freely therefore improving the efficiency of the device and preventing any part of the mechanism sticking.

Typically, the mast may be operated by a centrally mounted hydraulic cylinder, which may be attached to the moveable mast member and lifts the member when activated.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using the post driver according to the first aspect in driving a post into the ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a post driver according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the other side of the post driver shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view of the post driver shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a view of the other end of the post driver shown in Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 is a top view of the post driver shown in Figures 1 to 4; Figures 6 and 7 represent the post driver shown in Figures 1 to 5 in operation; Figure 8 is a view of a side shift in the post driver shown in Figures 1 to 7; Figure 9 is a view of a post cap of the post driver apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 8; Figure 10 is a view of a mast tilt ram support bracket in the post driver apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 9; Figure 11 is a view of a hammer and post cap in a post driver shown in Figures 1 to 10; Figure 12 is a close-up view of a back shift in the post driver apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 11; Figure 13 is a view of the post driver apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 12 attached to the rear of a tractor; Figures 14 and 15 show a mast tilt of the post driver shown in Figures 1 to 13; Figure 16 is a view of hydraulic controls in a post driver shown in Figures 1 to 15; Figures 17 and 18 show a telescopic mast of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 16; Figures 19 and 20 are further views of the telescopic mast of the post driver shown in Figures 1 to 18; Figure 21 is a view showing the back shift and side shift of the post driver shown in Figures 1 to 20; and Figure 22 is a view of a post driver according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRI PT ION

Referring to Figure 1, there is a representation of a post driver, generally designated 100. The post driver comprises three legs 102, 104, 106. Leg 104 is a parking leg and is used to stabilise the post driver 100 when parked. As shown in Figure 1, the legs 102, 104, 106 also comprise skid pads 108, 110, 112 which provide a stable platform for the post driver 100 to operate on.

The skids 108, 110, 112 help to prevent the post driver from becoming bogged down' in damp conditions. The legs 102, 104, 106 are hydraulically operated and may be adjusted to any required level.

Figure 1 also shows that the post driver 100 comprises a counterbalance 114 which helps to stabilise the post driver 100 during use, Of a similar size to the counterbalance 114, and as shown in Figure 1, there is a hitting hammer 116 which moves up and down along a mast 117. The hitting hammer 116 is connected to a pulley 119 via a rope 121. The rope 121 is connected to driving means in the post driver 100 which provides the driving force for the post driver 100.

Figure 2 which is a view of the other side of the post driver 100 shown in Figure 1, clearly shows that there are two receiving members 118 within which pallet forks from a forklift truck may be inserted allowing the post driver 100 to be easily lifted.

Figures 3 to 5 are further views of the post driver 100 and clearly show the features of the post driver 100.

Figures 6 and 7 show the back shift operation of the post driver 100. Figure 6 shows the hitting hammer 116 positioned slightly above a post cap 126. There is also shown two back shift inner sliding members 122 which are moveable in and out of receiving members 123. A hydraulic cylinder 124 operates the back shift. Figure 6 also shows the hydraulic controls 120 which are used to obtain the necessary adjustment in the positioning of the mast 117.

Figure 6 shows a post 125 out of alignment with the mast 117. The post 125 will not be properly driven in using this incorrect alignment. To obtain a correct alignment of the post 125 with the mast 117, the back shift in the post driver 100 is operated with the effect that the back shift inner sliding members 122 are moved slightly into the receiving sections 123. As shown in Figure 7 once the back shift has been operated, the post is now in substantially complete alignment with the mast 117 thereby allowing the post driver 100 to operate at its maximum efficiency. This is an important function of the post driver 100 as this allows the post 125 to be correctly aligned with the mast 117 without the need to move a tractor. Small movements of a tractor can be extremely difficult especially so on uneven ground, and can also lead to excessive clutch wear.

Figure 8 shows a side shift, generally designated 128, of the post driver 100. The side shift 128 allows the mast 117 to be pulled out to the position where a post 125 is to be driven in. A side shift 128 is activated by the hydraulic cylinder 124.

By using the back shift and the side shift, it is therefore possible to obtain complete movement of the mast 117 to thereby allow the mast 117 to be correctly positioned with a post 125 without the need of moving a tractor.

Figure 9 shows the post cap 126 holding up the hitting hammer 116. The post cap 126 slides down rails which are attached to a fixed beam 132 of the mast 117.

As a post 125 is driven by the post cap 126 and hitting hammer 116 into the ground, the post cap 126 slides down the mast 117. The post cap 126 may be lifted up to the post to be driven by means of attaching a chain to a pin on the hitting hammer 116. The chain may be knocked off by hand before driving commences.

Figure 9 also shows the fixed beam 132 on the mast 117 which has an H-shaped section and which is pushed up by a ram mounted vertically in the middle of the mast 117. On referring to Figure 1, a pulley 119 at the top of the mast 117 and a rope 121 is used to move the hitting hammer 116. The hitting hammer 116 slides on a rail 130.

Figure 10 is a close-up of part of the post driver which shows a mast tilt ram 134 which is attached to a mast tilt ram support bracket 136. The mast tilt ram support bracket 136 is attached to the top side of the side shift and the mast tilt ram support bracket 136 is welded in place. The mast tilt ram bracket 136 therefore slides in and out into the side shift and is not attached to the outer blocks of the side shift slide 138. Figure also shows the main frame 140 and the outer blocks of leg 106.

Figure 11 shows the hitting hammer 116 positioned above the post cap 126. The post cap 126 comprises a spike which may be inserted into the post 125 and therefore has the function of holding the post 125 in place.

Figure 12 shows a close-up of the main frame 140 of the post driver 100. The counterbalance 114 is welded to an end of the outer box of both sides of the side shift.

Figure 12 also shows a multiple position top link bracket 141 which is adapted to suit different tractors and slopping ground conditions. A top link cylinder 150 as shown in Figure 12 pushes the whole post driver 100 backwards or forwards and in so doing guides the mast tilt back and forward. Figure 12 also shows the hydraulic cylinder 154 which operates the back shift.

Figure 13 shows the top link cylinder 150 attached to a tractor. The top link hitch bracket 156 and an outer box 152 of the back shift are also shown.

Figures 14 and 15 show the mast 117 of the post driver 100 being tilted. As shown in Figure 14, the mast 117 is almost at a 45 angle. Figure 14 clearly shows the side shift ram 160 being extended which provides the tilt of the mast 117. Figure 14 also shows the importance of the counterbalance 114 in providing stability for the post driver 100. Moreover, Figure 14 shows a view of the end 158 of the back shift slide and the side shift outer box 138.

Figure 15 is an end view of the post driver 100 shown in Figure 14 which shows the outer box 140 of the back shift slide. The importance of the skid 108 of the leg 102 is also shown as this provides additional stability.

Figure 16 shows the hydraulic control 120 of the post driver 100. As shown in Figure 16, the hydraulic controls 120 are protected with a double cage 121 safety arrangement. The double cage 121 prevents accidental activation of controls through someone leaning or falling against them.

Figures 17 to 20 show the telescopic function of the post driver 100. Figures 17 to 20 clearly show the advantage of having a telescopic mast 117 as this allows a range of different heights of post to be driven.

Figure 20 also shows the position of a hydraulic cylinder 162 which is mounted inside the mast 117 and is used to activate the hitting hammer 116.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the post driver showing the side shift 128 and the back shift 122.

The main frame 140 and the counterbalance 114 are also shown in Figure 21. It is also important to note that the back shift 122 and side shift 128 are at substantially 90 to one another thereby allowing a complete range of movement for the mast 117 to be obtained.

In use the post driver 100 may be used for any number of applications such as any of the following: farm fencing; deer fencing; stud fencing; cattle pens; equestrian construction; motorway crash barrier construction; civil engineering works; post and rail construction; pile driving; and ground anchors.

Referring to Figure 22, there is a representation of a further post driver, generally designated 200. The post driver 200 comprises a rope 221 wound round pulley 119 and pulley 225. The moving part of the telescopic mast 217 is also shown with a rubber bump stop 227 to act against the hammer 216 as necessary. By using an additional pulley 225, this allows for a full hammer stroke over the entire length of the mast 217 without having to make any adjustments to a bracket. Therefore, by having an additional pulley 225, allows the post driver 200 to be adapted for use with different heights of posts to be hammered into the ground without having to adjust a bracket. This therefore greatly speeds the operation during post driving.

Whilst specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments may still fall within the scope of the invention. For example, the different features may be configured in any suitable form in the apparatus. Furthermore, any suitable type of hydraulic arrangement may be used to activate the apparatus.

Claims

1. 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 f or alignment with a post to be driven.

2. A post driver according to claim 1, wherein the positioning means allowing the positioning of the mast to be optimised and adapted comprises a back shift and a side shift.

3. A post driver according to claim 2, wherein the back shift and side shift allows the mast to be moved laterally and longitudinally without having to move the frame itself or a connected tractor.

4. A post driver according to any of claims 2 or 3, wherein the back shift and side shift are at substantially 900 to one another thereby allowing the mast to be moved over a full range of directions.

5. A post driver according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the back shift and side shift are hydraulically operated thereby allowing easy and accurate adjustments of the position of the mast to be made.

6. A post driver according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the back shift and side shift have a range of travel of about 100 to 1,000 mm.

7. A post driver according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the back shift and side shift comprise telescopic members.

8. A post driver according to any preceding claim, wherein the mast is telescopic thereby allowing a range of types of post to be driven.

9. A post driver according to any preceding claim, wherein the weighted member is a hammer which has a weight of about 100 to 1,000 kilograms.

10. A post driver according to any preceding claim, wherein the post driver comprises a plurality of legs which allows the apparatus to have a stable configuration during use.

11. A post driver according to claim 10, wherein there are two supporting legs on skid plates.

12. A post driver according to any of claims 10 or 11, wherein the legs are hydraulically operated.

13. A post driver according to any preceding claim, wherein the mast is tiltable.

14. A post driver according to any preceding claim, wherein the post driver comprises a counterbalance to counter the weight of the weighted member.

15. A post driver according to any preceding claim, wherein hydraulic control levers for operating the post driver are protected with a cage structure thereby preventing accidental operation of the hydraulic controls.

16. A post driver according to any preceding claim, wherein the post driver comprises receiving members into which pallet forks are insertable thereby facilitating transport of the post driver.

17. A post driver according to any preceding claim, wherein the post driver comprises a plurality of pulleys allowing the weighted member to travel the full length of the mast.

18. A post driver according to any preceding claim, wherein the post driver comprises a moving beam and a cap mounted on separate rails which prevents the moving beam and cap sticking.

19. A method of driving a post into the ground using a post driver according to any of claims 1 to 18.

20. A post driver as substantially hereinbefore described and as shown in Figures 1 to 22.