Vermeer is expanding its pile driver product line with the introduction of two new models. The Vermeer PD5R and PD5 pile drivers combine efficient operation and accuracy into a compact, lightweight machine well suited for working on solar installation projects, congested jobsites, and civil fencing and guardrail installation applications.
With a 15 ft. (4.6 m) mast that can remain fully assembled when transporting and aided by a 90-degree rotating platform, the design of the PD5 and PD5R can help ease the setup and teardown process. With transportation weights of 10,380 lbs. (4,708.3 kg) for the PD5 and 10,330 lbs. (4,685.6 kg) for the PD5R, multiple units can be transported on a single trailer. The PD5 features machine-integrated controls located on the side of the machine. The PD5R features a full-function wireless remote control that can engage the hammer, accurately align the pile to complete verticality using the auto plumb feature and position the machine. Both machines can utilize an optional laser receiver or a compatible third-party GPS system to help improve productivity by better aligning the machine to the specified pile install location.
“The solar industry has experienced tremendous growth in the last few years, and the Vermeer PD10 and PD10R pile drivers have been among the most widespread machines used for installing ground mount solar piles,” explains Ed Savage, Product Manager at Vermeer. “Of course, not every jobsite is the same, so we created the new PD5R and PD5 pile drivers to give contractors smaller and more lightweight options. These units include many of the same features as the PD10 and have similar productivity in a variety of soil conditions.”
Both pile drivers are powered by a Cat 49 hp (36.5 kW) Tier 4 Final diesel engine, have a forward travel speed of 2.4 mph (3.9 km/h) and both feature a mast pull-down that is rigidly attached to the mast chain to deliver powerful force. Both machines will be available late 2020.
