We are entering the spring season where we receive tons of calls from customers asking us about hydraulic vanes for their mini excavator or mini excavator.
Many of our customers start by asking themselves: How do hydraulic vanes work? What does “energy class” mean when comparing post-liberators? And how much maintenance is there?
In this article, I will answer all your questions, and if you want to know more at the end, give me a call!
key points
– Hydraulic vibratory feelers use auxiliary hydraulic fluid from the miniature or excavator to push a piston up against a nitrogen chamber.
– When the piston is in the top position, a mechanical valve releases the hydraulic pressure, allowing the nitrogen charge to force the piston down.
– The energy class of a post librador is a measure of the force it exerts with each stroke, expressed in foot-pounds.
– Most post-mixer maintenance is limited to regular greasing and an annual nitrogen top-up.
What’s going on inside a Post Pounder?
Vibratory hydraulic pushers use hydraulic fluid from the auxiliary hydraulic line of your miniature or excavator in combination with nitrogen back pressure to create hammer action on an internal piston.
The internal piston strikes the post driver tool, which transfers energy to the fence post.
Hydraulic pressure VS nitrogen pressure
Hydraulic fluid is not compressible, while nitrogen gas is. Therefore, the rear pusher uses hydraulic fluid to lift the piston and nitrogen gas to return it to the hammer.
Hydraulic fluid is sent from the mini or excavator to the throwing machine via the auxiliary hydraulic pump and hydraulic lines.
When the piston is at the bottom of its stroke, an internal mechanical valve directs hydraulic fluid into a chamber that will raise the piston.
Once the internal piston reaches the top of its stroke, it is pushing against a chamber filled with nitrogen gas. The pressure against the nitrogen chamber is what will create the enormous downforce once the hydraulic pressure is released.
With the piston at the top of its stroke, forcing itself against a nitrogen chamber, the mechanical control valve releases hydraulic pressure and the piston slams down.
A note on nitrogen
From time to time it comes up in conversations that there are people who believe that nitrogen is used in push buttons just because it is available at most welding shops. This is not the case!
Nitrogen gas is used for back pressure because it is non-flammable, inert and stable. Putting any other gas, including compressed air, into the nitrogen chamber can be very dangerous, so don’t do it.
Other Post Pounder Components
Hydraulic vibratory push buttons also have an internal accumulator. Inside the faucet, the hydraulic fluid constantly circulates between extreme pressure and no pressure, and therefore needs a means of damping the internal hydraulic forces.
The hydraulic accumulator is a small bladder that applies a small amount of pressure against the regular flow of the hydraulic system. When there is a sudden increase in pressure, the accumulator will fill with hydraulic fluid and absorb the shock.
Because the accumulator is slightly pressurized, when there is a sudden drop in hydraulic pressure, the accumulator will push fluid back into the hydraulic system, cushioning the pressure loss.
What does “energy class” mean for postal drivers?
The energy class refers to how many foot-pounds of force your vibratory pusher is applying. It’s a simple way to compare the strength of one pole against another.
For example, a Montana 750R post setter has an energy class of 750. This means that this post putter will apply 750 foot pounds of force to each stroke. When you consider he’s delivering 500-900 strokes per minute, that’s a lot of force.
*Foot-pounds of energy are defined as the amount of force required to move an object one foot. So in the example above, the Montana 750R can move a 750-pound object one foot per stroke.
What maintenance is required for hydraulic choppers?
With very few exceptions, the hydraulic winch is one of the easiest accessories to maintain.
Other than making sure all hoses and connections are tight, there are only two items of regular maintenance required.
Greasing
Push buttons create a lot of heat when in operation and therefore require regular greasing to aid cooling and lubrication.
You will find a grease zerk located on the main body of the accessory, which will feed the grease internally. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the type of grease and the frequency of greasing.
Using the wrong grease can cause the grease to heat up and burn through the bottom of the tool. If you notice this, stop hitting immediately and investigate the cause.
Nitrogen filling
Finally, you will need to refill the nitrogen charge in your vibrating pusher.
Manufacturers may not provide a recommended recharge interval.
If you start to notice that your mail controller isn’t quite as powerful as it used to be, it may be time to top up the nitrogen.
If you suspect your nitrogen is low, you can purchase a refill kit from your dealer. It is important to note that the nitrogen bottle will arrive empty, as it is illegal to ship full bottles to the United States.
You can fill your empty nitrogen bottle at a welding shop and then easily fill your wristband when you return to the shop.
conclusion
Hydraulic vibratory push buttons are simple hydraulic accessories that do not require electrical or high-flow hydraulic connection.
Simple hydraulic operating principles require as little as 8 gallons of hydraulic flow per minute, making this attachment suitable for use on almost any skid steer or excavator.
With just a simple dab every few hours, you’ll be hitting posts like a pro.
