Irish firm Vector Powerdrive has developed its latest self-propelled, tracked post-driver for contract or professional fencing operations. Built on a tracked dumper, the Vector Powerdrive Model 8 tracked post driver has a very low centre of gravity and very light footprint. This enables it to operate in the most difficult and challenging of terrain with minimal surface damage.
The new tracked post-driver requires just one person to operate it. The design takes the operator out of the machine when fencing, an important safety consideration when operating on extreme terrain. While fencing, the operator can “drive” it from one post to the other and operate the post-driver all from one bank of hydraulic controls. All while safely standing beside the machine.
Perhaps one of the most unique features of the Vector Powerdrive Model 8 is its hydraulically powered slewing arm. Featuring a unique 220-degree slewing angle, the post-driver is an extremely versatile machine. The slewing arm design makes it possible to drive fencing stakes or posts from either side of the tracked vehicle.
In addition to the 220-degree slewing angle, the post-driver can extend outwards telescopically. In effect, the operating radius of the arm can be increased from 2.0m to 2.8m. This further enhances the versatility and usability of this self-propelled fencing machine.
Out at the business end of the post driver unit, the mast which carries the weighted hammer can be tilted left and right 30 degrees, which gives a total range of movement of 60 degrees. Furthermore, the mast can be tilted forwards by 25 degrees and backwards by 45 degrees.
All the hydraulic controls, including left and right track control, are mounted together – 11 levers in total. These directly operate all of the hydraulic spool valves required to plant fence post or stakes in the most difficult of places and angles! A bubble level helps guide them in at the right angle.
As standard, a support jack is integrated into the design of the Vector Powerdrive Model 8. This helps stabilise the machine where required. Also, counterbalance weight of 600kg is mounted at the opposite end to the post driver to improve stability.
Standard equipment includes a rock-spike mounted on the mast. This is mounted on a swing arm allowing it to be swung into or out of work one-handed. The rock spike is used to bore holes in very hard conditions, where there is rock or even concrete!
Vector Powerdrive builds the entire post-driver unit on donor vehicles, new or used. Which it can supply or alternatively the customer can provide. The machine pictured here is a Yanmar C50R 5t tracked dumper with a Yanmar 100hp four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Outside of the fencing season, or to increase versatility of the donor machine, the fencing unit can easily be removed and the dumper body refitted, and vice versa.
On this machine, the driver’s seat is reversible, allowing the tracked machine to be driven in either direction as circumstances or safety requires. For transport, the post-driver unit can be positioned directly behind the rubber tracked crawler.
Safety is always paramount, especially considering where this machine may be operating. An automatic handbrake engages when the machines stops moving. Especially important on hilly terrain.
When working on the ground, a rubber safety curtain protects to operators feet from the rubber track and its rollers. To prevent accidental operation of the tracks, the ground track controls (mounted with the main mast controls) will only operate when the mast is positioned to the left or right of the machine.
The actual hammer is fully enclosed in a permanent safety cage to prevent accidental crush injuries while driving stakes or posts. The hydraulic lever to engage the hammer action incorporates a dead-man type function to prevent accidental operation.
The control panel itself is protected by a guard to prevent accidental operation. In the event of an emergency, an emergency stop button located on the control panel shuts off the engine, effectively isolating the entire machine.
Other features to aid this one-man fencing machine include a demountable front frame for carrying up to 80 fence posts. Also standard is a mesh wire straining device, dispensing points for mesh wire, barbed and standard high-tensile fencing wire.
The Vector Powerdrive Model 8 self-propelled post-driver has a retail price of between €40,000-to €50,000 (depending on donor vehicle, correct at July 2016).
For more information visit: www.vectorpowerdrive.com.
