Trimble Machine Control Now Runs on Vermeer Remote Pile Drivers
Solar farms need speed, accuracy and fewer bodies on site. Vermeer and Trimble just announced a tech partnership that delivers all three. The Trimble Groundworks machine control system now integrates with Vermeer’s PD10R and PD25R remote control pile drivers. The result: more automation and less fatigue when planting thousands of piles in a field. From the press release:
“With the boom in energy requirements around the world, many energy companies are looking to solar to help them meet both economic and emissions goals,” said Ed Savage, lead product manager at Vermeer. “Leveraging Trimble machine control technology with Vermeer pile driving technology has the capability to change the way solar farms are built. Now, driving piles requires minimal operator inputs and can increase the speed and accuracy of solar farm construction.”
Groundworks in Action
Trimble Groundworks is a 3D machine control system designed for piling, drilling and dynamic compaction. It brings stakeless navigation, precise depth control and data tracking to the jobsite. Operators can set drill or pile plans in the field without waiting on surveyors. Safety features like avoidance zones and auto-stop cut down on rework and blind spots.
Key benefits of Groundworks:
- Stakeless navigation saves time and survey costs
- Auto-stop prevents overdrilling and machine wear
- Avoidance zones improve safety and reduce blind spots
- Real-time productivity and quality reporting through WorksManager cloud software
The system ties machine control to cloud reporting. Project managers can track productivity and troubleshoot problems without standing in the dust.
How Integration Works
On a solar job, the Vermeer PD10R or PD25R can now navigate itself to the next pile location. The Trimble system handles positioning and depth with minimal operator input. One operator with a remote control can do the work that used to take a crew. Navigation speed improves, and operators focus on driving piles instead of steering machines. From the press release:
“The combination of machine control and remote control pile drivers represents the next step on the road to autonomy and has the potential to vastly improve worker safety, productivity, speed and accuracy on solar projects,” said Elwyn McLachlan, vice president of civil solutions at Trimble. “Together, Vermeer and Trimble are changing how projects are completed and can improve the process of solar farm construction for the benefit of our customers and of our planet.”
Vermeer PD10R Overview
The PD10R is built for maneuverability with a 20-ft mast and remote operation. It weighs about 15,560 lbs and runs on a 49-hp Deutz diesel. Its high-frequency hammer delivers up to 1,500 blows per minute with max hammer energy of 950 joules. Autoplumb comes standard. A laser receiver and GPS-ready design are optional.
Vermeer PD25R Overview
The PD25R steps up with a 25-ft telescoping mast and a rotating upper half for easier row-to-row moves. It tips the scale at 18,600 lbs and packs a 74-hp diesel. The hammer offers the same 1,500 bpm rate, but with heavier downforce for tougher soils. Standard features include autoplumb, a rotating platform and intelligent on-rig diagnostics.
Availability
Pile driving is the backbone of solar construction. Hundreds or thousands of posts must be placed with tight tolerances. By combining Groundworks automation with Vermeer’s remote control machines, operators reduce labor, speed up setup and improve accuracy. Trimble Groundworks is available now for Vermeer PD10R and PD25R pile drivers worldwide through the SITECH channel. Learn more at trimble.com/groundworks.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
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