GB2452851A

GB2452851A - Hydraulic adjustment for tractor mounted machinery

Info

Publication number: GB2452851A
Application number: GB0816786A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Mowatt Bryce
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-15
Filing date: 2008-09-15
Publication date: 2009-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-15
Also published as: IE20080744A1; GB0718050D0; GB0816786D0; GB2452851B

Abstract

An agricultural machine or post driver comprising a telescopic means 270 comprising a wear means 272. The telescopic means 270 provides a back/forward and/or side shift of the attached machinery, and where both are present they operate 90{ of each another. The telescopic member may have inner 228 and outer 229 members which are rectilinear in cross section and comprise two parallel telescopic members operating in unison. The wear means 272 may comprise a wear pad and protrude through the outer member of the telescopic means 270 and bear against the inner member 228. The wear means is plastic, cylindrical and threaded and comprises a tool engaging section on its outer side to assist in rotation of the wear means when in use. There may be opposing pairs of wear means on opposite sides of the telescopic members 270 and may be disposed on the top and side surfaces of the telescopic members 270. Where a post driver is connected the telescopic members may comprise a tilt ram (136, fig 10(a)) attached to one of the inner members to allow the mast to be angled.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO POST DRIVERS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to agricultural machines or apparatus and more specifically to post drivers, for example, for driving posts such as fence posts into the ground. The invention also relates to wear means, such as wear pads, which may be used in or with such post drivers. The invention also relates to a method of using such a post driver.

BACKGROUND OF 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 of 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.

GB 2 423 549 A, also by the same Applicant, discloses an improved post driver. The post driver comprises: 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 pulleys allowing the post driver to be adapted to be used with different heights of post.

GB 2 423 549 A discloses telescopic members for a back shift and for a side shift of the post driver. The present Inventor has identified that this may give rise to problems.

GB 2 420 367 A (BRENNAN and BRENNAN) discloses a post driver comprising: a 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 flat plate carrying a depending post engaging spike, the plate fast on a support member, slidably mounted on the main mast.

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

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a post driver which provides improved characteristics over

the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an agricultural machine, such as or comprising a post driver, comprising at least one telescopic means and at least one wear means or resilient means.

Adjustment means may be provided for adjusting or moving the wear means.

Most preferably the machine is a post driver.

The at least one wear means or resilient means may be disposed or adapted to cooperate or interact with the telescopic means, in use.

The/each at least one wear means or resilient means may comprise a wear pad.

The at least one telescopic means may comprise a back (back/forward) shift and/or a side (side-to-side) shift of the post driver.

The/each telescopic means may comprise at least one outer member and a respective at least one inner member.

The/each outer member may comprise a tubular member adapted to slidably receive the respective inner member.

The/each outer member may be substantially rectilinear (box) in cross-section.

The/each inner member may be substantially rectilinear (box) in cross-section.

Each of a back shift and/or a side shift may comprise first and second of the at least one telescopic means.

Each pair of the first and second telescopic means may be disposed relative to one another and adapted to operate in unison.

The wear means may comprise a plurality of wear means.

For example, wear means may be provided in a side wall of the telescopic means and/or on a top wall of the telescopic means.

The wear means may be provided in a wall of the outer member such that the wear means protrudes into an inside of the outer member.

In this way a planar surface of the wear means may rest, brush or rub against an outer surface of the inner member, in use.

In this way the wear means allows for desired relative movement of the inner and outer members and/or desired relative positioning thereof.

An opposing pair of wear means may be provided, e.g. on opposing side walls and/or top and bottom walls of the outer member.

The inner and/or outer tubular members may be made from a metallic material.

The wear means may comprise a substantially cylindrical member.

The cylindrical member may comprise at one end the planar surface, and may comprise at another end means for engaging a tool to assist in rotation of the cylindrical member, in use.

The cylindrical member may also comprise a helical thread on an outer cylindrical surface thereof.

The wear means may be made from a plastics material.

A sleeve may be provided in a wall of the outer member for receiving the wear means.

The sleeve may have an internal helical thread adapted to engage that of the cylindrical member.

In a first embodiment there are provided a plurality of wear means on top and side surfaces or walls of the pair of outer members of the side shift.

In a second embodiment there are provided a plurality of wear means on the top and side surfaces or walls of the pair of outer members of the side shift.

There are also provided a plurality of wear means on top and side surfaces or walls of the outer members of the back shift.

In a third embodiment there are provided a plurality of wear pads on top and/or side surfaces or walls of a single outer member of the side shift (and optionally also single outer member of the back shift).

The post driver may comprise one or more of: a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; positioning means provided to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven; the mast is optionally telescopic; and the post driver comprising a plurality of pulleys allowing the post driver to be adapted to be used with different heights of post.

The positioning means allowing the positioning of the mast to be optimised and adapted may comprise the back shift and the side shift.

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.

The back shift and side shift are preferably 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 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 a range of travel of about 100 to 1,000 mm.

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

The mast may be tiltable, e.g. by means of a tilt ram.

There may be provided a mast tilt ram bracket which is connected to an inner member of the side shift, and is slidable therewith in and out of an outer member of the side shift.

The mast tilt ram bracket may be provided slidably above an upper wall of an outer member of the side shift, and optionally one end of the mast tilt ram bracket may be connected to one end of the mast tilt ram bracket, and another end of the mast tilt ram may be connected to the mast.

Optionally the post driver may comprise: 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.

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

The wear means may be moveable, such as longitudinally, by adjustment means, e.g. rotary adjustment means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a wear means or pad adapted for use in an agricultural machine such as a post driver according to the first aspect of the present invention.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are: Figure 1 a view from one side of a post driver according to the prior art; Figure 2 a view from another side of the post driver of Figure 1; Figure 3 a rear view of the post driver of Figure 1; Figure 4 a front view of the post driver of Figure 1; Figure 5 a top view of the post driver of Figure 1; Figure 6 a partial front view of the post driver of Figure 1 in operation; Figure 7 a partial side view of the post driver of Figure 1; Figure 8 the post driver of Figure 1 in a first position connected to a tractor; Figure 9 the post driver of Figure 1 in a second position connected to a tractor; Figures 10(a) and (b) simplified side and perspective views of a side shift of the post driver of Figure 1; Figure 11 a simplified side view of a side shift of a post driver according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 an exploded view of a wear means of the side shift of the post driver of Figure 11; Figures 13(a) to (c) partial views of a side shift of a post driver according to a second embodiment of the present invent ion; Figures 14(a) and (b) partial views of a back shift of the post driver of Figures 13(a) to (c); Figure 15 a simplified side view of a side shift of a post driver according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 a simplified side view of a side or back shift of a post driver according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 a simplified cross-sectional end view of part of the side or back shift of the post driver of Figure 16; Figure 18 a simplified cross-sectional side view of part of the side or back shift of the post driver of Figure 16; Figure 19 a further simplified cross-sectional end view of port of the side or back shift of the post driver of Figure 16; and Figure 20 plan views of first and second shims for use with the post driver of Figure 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring initially to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a post driver, generally designated 100, according to the prior art. The post driver 100 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 100 from becoming tbogged 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 6 and 7 show operation of a back shift of the post driver 100. The back shift controls movement of the post driver 100 fore and aft. Figure 6 shows the hitting hammer 116 positioned slightly above a post cap 126. The back shift comprises telescopic means which comprises two back shift inner sliding members 122 which are moveable in and out of back shift (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 of the post driver 100 is operated with the effect that the back shift inner sliding members 122 are moved slightly into the receiving members 123. As shown in Figure 7 once the back shift has been operated, the post is now in substantial alignment with the mast 117, thereby allowing the post driver 100 to operate in a required manner. 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 -e.g. to which the post driver 100 is mounted or hitched. Small movements of a tractor can be extremely difficult -especially so on uneven ground -and can also lead to excessive clutch wear.

A side shift (not shown) of the post driver 100 is of a similar telescopic nature to the back shift. The side shift controls movement of the post driver side to side.

The side shift comprises inner (sliding) members 128 and outer members 129. The side shift allows the mast 117 to be pulled out to a position where a post 125 is to be driven in. The side shift is activated by another hydraulic cylinder.

By using the back shift and the side shift, it is 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 for moving a tractor.

Referring to Figures 10(a) and (b), the side shift comprises at least one, and in this embodiment, a pair of telescopic members. The telescopic members each comprise an outer member 129 and an inner member 128, the inner member being slidable in and out relative to the outer member 129. One of the inner members 128 is attached to a tilt ram support bracket 136. The inner members 128 are connected together at ends thereof by a cross member 128' The outer member(s) 129 is/are tubular, and in this embodiment of rectilinear (box) cross-section. The inner members 128 fits within the inner bore of the outer member 129 and are slidable therewithin. The inner member(s) 128 are in this embodiment of rectilinear (box) cross-section, and are also beneficially tubular.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, there is illustrated a side shift of a post driver 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The post driver 200 is similar to the post driver 100 of Figures 1 to 10 in many respects, like parts being designated by like numerals, but incremented by "100".

The post driver 200 comprises at least one telescopic means 270 and at least one wear means 272. In this embodiment the machine is a post driver 200.

However, it will be appreciated that the wear means 272 could find use in other agricultural machines.

The/each at least one wear means 272 comprises a wear pad 273. The at least one telescopic means 270 comprises a back shift and/or a side shift of the post driver 200. The/each telescopic means 270 comprises at least one outer member 229 and a respective at least one inner member 228. The/each outer member 229 comprises a tubular member adapted to slidably receive the respective inner member 228. The/each outer member 229 is substantially rectilinear (box) in cross-section.

The/each inner member 228 is substantially rectilinear (box) in cross-section.

Each of the back shift and/or the side shift comprises first and second telescopic means 270. Each pair of the first and second telescopic means 270 is disposed relative to one another, and adapted to operate in unison.

The wear means 272 comprises a plurality of wear means. For example, wear means 272 is provided in a side wall 274 of the telescopic means 270 and/or on a top wall 276 of the telescopic means 270.

The wear means 272 is provided in a through hole or aperture 278 in a wall of the outer member 229 such that the wear means 272 (adjustably) protrudes into an inside of the outer member 229. In this way a planar surface of the wear means rests, brush or rub against an outer surface of the inner member, in use. By such arrangement the wear means 272 allows for desired relative movement of the inner and outer members 228,229 and/or desired relative positioning thereof.

In a modification an opposing pair of wear means 272 can be provided, e.g. on opposing side walls 274 and/or top and bottom walls 276 of the outer member 229.

The inner and/or outer tubular members 228,229 are typically made from a metallic material.

The wear means 272 comprises a substantially cylindrical member 282. The cylindrical member 282 comprises at one end a planar surface 280, and can comprise at another end means 284 such as an elongate recess for engaging a tool (not shown) to assist in rotation of the cylindrical member 282, in use. The cylindrical member 282 comprises a helical thread 286 on an outer cylindrical surface thereof.

The wear means 272 is typically made from a plastics material.

A sleeve 288 is provided in a wall of the outer member 229 for receiving the wear means 272. The sleeve 228 has an internal helical thread 290 adapted to engage that of the cylindrical member 282.

In this first embodiment there are provided a plurality of wear means 272 on top and side surfaces or walls of the pair of outer member 229 of the side shift.

Referring to Figures 13(a) to 14(b), there is shown a side shift and a back shift of a post driver 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The post driver 300 is similar to the post drivers of Figures 1 to 10, like parts being designated by like numerals, but incremented by "200".

In this second embodiment there are provided a plurality of wear means 372 on the top and side surfaces or walls of the pair of outer members 329 of the side shift. There are also provided a plurality of wear means 372 on top and side surfaces or walls of the outer members 329 of the back shift.

Referring to Figure 15 there is shown a side shift of a post driver 400 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The post driver 300 is similar to the post driver of Figures 1 to 10, like parts being designated by like numerals, but incremented by "300".

In this third embodiment there are provided a plurality of wear pads 473 on top and/or side surfaces or walls of a single outer member 429 of the side shift (and optionally also single outer member of the back shift) Referring now to Figures 16 to 20, there is shown various views of a side and/or back shift of a post driver 500 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The post driver 500 is similar to the post driver of Figures 1 to 10, like parts being designated by like numerals, but incremented by "400".

In this embodiment as well as the "rotary" wear pads 573, there are provided further wear means such as first and second static wear pads 592,594.

First static wear pads 592 are provided, e.g. at spaced intervals, on outer walls of the inner member 528 of the side and/or back shift. The first static wear pads 592 are provided thereon in a fixed recessed manner.

The second static wear pads 594 are similarly provided, e.g. at spaced intervals on inner walls of the outer member 519 of the sided and/or back shift. The second static wear pads 594 are provided thereon in a fixed recessed manner. In this manner when the inner and outer members 528, 529 are slid relative to one another, in use, the first and second wear pads 592, 594 assist in ease of such movement with reduced friction.

In Figures 16 to 20 a gap is shown between the inner and outer members 528, 529 for ease of explanation.

However, it will be appreciated that in reality such gap will not be as exaggerated herein shown.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention are given by way of example only, and are not meant to be limiting to the scope thereof in any way. For example, the mast of the post driver may be fixed or telescopic. Further, the mast may comprise one or more pulleys. Provision of multiple pulleys allows the mast to be adapted for use with different heights of posts to be hammered into the ground.

Claims

1. An agricultural machine or post driver comprising at least one telescopic means and at least one wear means or resilient means.

2. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in claim 1, wherein the machine is a post driver.

3. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one wear means or resilient means is disposed to cooperate or adapted to interact, in use, with the at least one telescopic means.

4. A.n agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the/each at least one wear means or resilient means comprises a wear pad.

5. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one telescopic means comprises a back/forward shift and/or a side/side-to-side shift of the post driver.

6. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the/each telescopic means comprises at least one outer member and a respective at least one inner member.

7. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in claim 6, wherein the/each outer member comprises a tubular member adapted to slidably receive the respective inner member.

8. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in either of claims 6 or 7, wherein the/each outer member is substantially rectilinear in cross-section.

9. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the/each inner member is substantially rectilinear in cross-section.

10. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the at least one telescopic means comprises first and second telescopic means.

11. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in claim 10, wherein each pair of first and second telescopic means is disposed relative to one another and adapted to operate in unison.

12. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wear means comprises a plurality of wear means.

13. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein wear means is provided in a side wall of the telescopic means and/or on a top wall of the telescopic means.

14. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in claims 6 to 9 or any of claims 10 to 13 when dependent upon any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the wear means is provided in a wall of the outer member such that the wear means protrudes into an inside of the outer member.

15. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in claim 14, wherein a planar surface of the wear means rests, brushes or rubs against an outer surface of the inner member, in use.

16. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in either of claims 14 or 15, wherein, in use, the wear means allows for relative movement of the inner and outer members and/or relative positioning thereof.

17. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one opposing pair of wear means is provided, such as on opposing side walls and/or top and bottom walls of an/the outer member.

18. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inner member and/or outer member of the/each at least one telescopic means each comprise tubular member optionally is made from a metallic material.

19. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the/each wear means comprises a substantially cylindrical member.

20. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in claim 19, wherein the/each cylindrical member comprises at one end comprising a/the planar surface, and optionally at another end for engaging a tool to assist in rotation of the cylindrical member, in use.

21. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in either of claims 19 or 20, wherein the cylindrical member also comprises a helical thread on an outer cylindrical surface thereof.

22. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the/each wear means is made from a plastics material.

23. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a sleeve is provided in a wall of a/the outer member of the at least one telescopic means for receiving the wear means.

24. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in claim 23, wherein the sleeve has an internal helical thread adapted to engage that of a/the cylindrical member of the wear means.

25. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is provided a plurality of wear means on top and side surfaces or walls of a/the outer members of a/the side shift.

26. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is provided a plurality of wear means on a/the top and side surfaces or walls of a/the outer members of a/the side shift.

27. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there are provided a plurality of wear means on a/the top and side surfaces or walls of a/the outer members of the a/back shift.

28. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there are provided a plurality of wear means or wear pads on top and/or side surfaces or walls of a single outer member of a/the side shift, and optionally also on top and/or side surfaces or walls of a single outer member of the back shift.

29. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the post driver comprises one or more of: a frame supported on a plurality of legs; a mast adapted to allow a weighted member to travel substantially up and down; positioning means provided to enable the position of the mast to be optimised and adapted for alignment with a post to be driven; the mast is optionally telescopic; and the post driver comprising a plurality of pulleys allowing the post driver to be adapted to be used with different heights of post.

30. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in claim 29, wherein the positioning means allowing the positioning of the mast to be optimised and adapted comprises the back shift and the side shift.

31. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a/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.

32. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein 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.

33. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a/the back shift and side shift are hydraulically operated thereby allowing adjustments of the position of the mast to be made.

34. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a/the back shift and side shift each have a range of travel of about 100 to 1,000 mm.

35. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the back shift and side shift each comprise telescopic members.

36. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in claim 29, wherein the mast is tiltable, such as by means of a tilt ram.

37. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there are provided a mast tilt ram bracket which is connected to an inner member of a/the side shift, and is slidable therewith in and Out of an outer member of the side shift.

38. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in 37 claim, wherein the mast tilt ram bracket is provided slidably above an upper wall of an outer member of the side shift, and optionally one end of the mast tilt ram is connected to one end of the mast tilt ram bracket, and another end of the mast tilt ram is connected to the mast.

39. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the post driver comprises: 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; and wherein there is provided a mast tilt ram bracket which is slidable in and out into the side shift and is not attached to outer blocks of a side shift slide.

40. An agricultural machine or post driver as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wear means is movable, such as longitudinally, by rotary adjustment means.

41. A wear means or pad adapted for use in or when used in an agricultural machine such as a post driver according to any of claims 1 to 40.

42. A method of driving a post into the ground using a post driver according to any of claims 1 to 40.

43. An agricultural machine such as a post driver as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

44. A wear means or pad as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

45. A method of driving a post into the ground as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.