Post Driver Upkeep: Proper Safety and Maintenance that Can Help Drive Success on the Jobsite

Post drivers are among the most versatile and important tools used in the construction industry and on industrial jobsites. From fence posts and signposts to guardrails and railroad ties and many other applications, these attachments make the job easier and more efficient. The demand for post drivers continues to be robust, supported by the strong construction and housing markets, as well as increased consumer desire for recreational properties. It’s important to remember that all equipment with moving parts is potentially hazardous. There is no substitute for a cautious, safe-minded operator who recognizes potential hazards and adheres to reasonable safety practices. Below are important safety and maintenance recommendations for Danuser’s Hammer Post Driver, many of which are also applicable for other industry post driver models.

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

• Safety begins with reading and understanding your operator’s manual before assembling, operating and maintaining the post driver.
• When the use of hand tools is required to perform any part of assembly, installation, operation, maintenance or service of the attachment, be sure the tools used are designed and recommended by the tool manufacturer for that specific task.
• Only properly trained people should operate this equipment. Do not allow anyone who has not read the entire operator’s manual and does not understand the safety rules, safety signs and operation instructions to use the attachment.
• Read, understand and follow safety signs on the attachment. Clean or replace all safety signs if they cannot be clearly read and understood. They are there for your safety as well as the safety of others.
• Keep bystanders away from the work area. Do not operate with another person in contact with any part of the tool.
• Personal protection equipment — including a hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, gloves and ear plugs — is recommended during assembly/installation, operation, maintenance, removal or movement of the attachment.
• Never check a pressurized system for leaks with your bare hand. Wear proper hand and eye protection and use wood or cardboard when searching for suspected leaks.
• Oil escaping from pinhole leaks under pressure can penetrate skin and create a serious medical emergency. If any fluid is injected into the skin, gangrene, blood poisoning or even death may result. Obtain medical attention immediately.
• Safe operation of equipment requires the operator’s full attention. Avoid distractions such as radio headphones and cellphones while operating.
• Never place yourself between the vehicle and the attachment, and never allow anyone under the attachment at any time.
• Never work under equipment supported by hydraulics. Even with the vehicle shut off, equipment can suddenly drop if controls are actuated or if hydraulic lines burst.

Hornet Post Driver

The Hornet Post Driver from Danuser is a quick and powerful postdriver that utilizes a hydraulic jack hammer style power cell which offers controlled high-speed driving performance. Model T7 drives T-postsup to 7-in. diameter posts or pipes with 500 to 900 strikes per minute and compares to 750 ft-lb energy class. Model T8-RR drives T-posts up to 8-in. diameter posts or pipes (can also drive RR ties with optional RR tie driving tool) at 400 to 800 strikes per minute and compares to the 1,150 ft-lb energy class. The hydraulic grapple option allows one person to pick up, load and drive posts. The Hornet comes standard with a flow control valve, allowing the driver to run on skid steers and compact track loaders with hydraulic flows up to 30 gpm. An additional weight kit lets operators fine tune driver weight to match vehicle operating capacity. The Hornet will be available later this year. For info on Danuser attachments, visit danuser.com.

Avoid Hazards

• Do not operate the post driver on steep hillsides. When operating on uneven or hilly terrain, position the vehicle with the attachment uphill. With the attachment downhill, the vehicle could tip when attempting to raise the driver. Consult your vehicle operator’s manual for the maximum incline allowable.
• Contact with underground gas lines or electrical cables may result in serious injury or death from explosion or electrical shock. Before operating, call 811 or your local number to locate underground utilities. Do not drive posts near underground utility lines.
• Never attempt adjustments, service or repairs while the equipment is in operation.
• Always shut off the vehicle engine, remove the key, lower vehicle arms and relieve all hydraulic pressure before dismounting the vehicle. Never leave equipment unattended with the vehicle running.

Maintaining Your Post Driver

When making repairs or servicing these attachments, remember to use parts that meet original equipment manufacturer’s standards and requirements. Before each use:

• Inspect the attachment for any damage, worn parts or cracked welds. Repair or replace as necessary.
• Check for damaged or missing safety signs. Replace as necessary.

Daily

• Check all fasteners. Ensure they are tight and secure and replace as necessary.
• Check all hydraulic components for leaks or wear. Repair or replace as necessary.
• Check for clean hydraulic oil. At all times, keep dirt and other contaminants from entering the hydraulic system during connecting and disconnecting the system. Always use dust caps and plugs on all quick disconnects when not in use.

Every 40 Hours

• Visually inspect all welds for cracks. Check all bolts and fasteners for tightness.

Remember that optimal performance and longevity of your post driver can be prolonged by following all operational and maintenance instructions in your operator’s manual.

Justin Thomas is the manager of attachment sales at Danuser.