What are the different types of post rammer?
What are the different types of post rammer? |
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If you need to install multiple posts, or would like a less physically demanding way to install your posts, there are other options available to you: | |||
Fuel-powered post rammer |
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This type of post rammer is usually fitted with a small four-stroke engine, which uses an internal piston to create striking vibrations, forcing the fence post into the ground. | |||
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Fuel-powered post rammers are designed for smaller posts, but there are adapters available for use with posts of all sizes. | |||
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A hand-held tool designed to be used by a single person, they are easily transportable as they are relatively light (approximately 14 kilograms (30 lbs)). | |||
Air-powered post rammer |
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Pneumatic post rammers, or air post drivers as they are also called, use compressed air for power.
A striking piston within the pneumatic post rammer strikes down onto the top of the post, forcing it into the ground. |
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Air-powered post rammers vary in size, from small 18 kilogram (40lbs) hand-held rammers to much larger versions, which should be used by two people at once. | |||
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Post rammers operated by compressed air will complete the task quickly and will be able to cope with posts of all shapes and sizes.
The downside of pnuematic post rammers is that they require an air compressor to create the pressure needed and have to be attached to the compressor at all times. |
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Air rammers operate under air pressure which has to be a certain PSI (Pounds per Square Inch – the rate at which air is forced under pressure) to work effectively.
The air pressure is created by forcing air into a cylinder (container or vessel) by the use of a motor, or engine driven, compressor. The compressor uses pistons (rather like a bicycle pump) to compress the air, forcing it into a cylinder where it is stored until required. When a preset pressure is reached, the compressor will shut down. The air in the cylinder is used to operate the rammer, with the compressor switching back on when the pressure in the cylinder drops below a preset level. |
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The downside is that it requires an air compressor at all times to operate. Using a petrol driven compressor, however, and a good length of hose, use of the post rammer is not limited to an electrical supply. | |||
Hydraulic post rammer |
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This heavy duty post rammer is much larger, and is mainly used by contractors and farmers, who have the equipment available to operate it.
This rammer requires a hydraulic system to operate, such as those commonly found on tractors and similar equipment. |
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The hydraulic rammer works by using an oil and piston system, where a piston tries to compress hydraulic oil (an oil that cannot be compressed).
The force created by this action is then transmitted through a series of valves and pistons which create movement. The rammer is powered when the correct amount of pressure is obtained. |
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This type of post rammer is designed to be used extensively over a large surface area, and will withstand continual use.
However, it will require regular maintenance, and should only be operated by users with knowledge of hydraulic systems and machinery. |
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