Post drivers: Mast, Percussion and Portable

A post driver is an essential tool in viticulture, mainly used to install trellising posts in vineyards. Trellising is a technique that consists of holding and guiding vines on support wires, in order to optimise their growth and exposure to the sun. Traditionally, stakes were installed by hand, but developments in farming techniques have led to the use of more mechanised methods to improve efficiency and precision.

There are three main types of post driver used in viticulture, each adapted to specific needs

Mast post drivers

The mast post driver is one of the most robust and efficient solutions available on the market. Designed for large-scale work, it is particularly well-suited to large winegrowing operations or to land with a certain degree of uniformity. Its operation is based on a simple but effective mechanism that enables the posts to be driven in quickly and accurately.

Key features

High impact force : The mast post driver works by lowering a heavy weight (up to 150 kg) along a vertical mast. This system generates sufficient impact force to drive posts into relatively hard ground without difficulty.
Easy to install: It is usually attached to a chassis with a three-point linkage, making it easy to fit and use with inter-row tractors.
Precision adjustments: The mast is often fitted with an adjustment system to adjust the inclination and offset of the post driver, enabling the stakes to be placed with great precision, even on slightly sloping ground.

Component parts

Driving part drive

Two types of drive are available:

Either via the tractor's hydraulic pump.
Or via the power take-off (540 rpm), which drives a hydraulic power unit to ensure a constant flow rate for driving in the pegs.

The weight

The stakes are driven by a weight that slides on a mast. The sledgehammer's momentum of around 150 kg enables the head of the posts to be driven flat into the hardest soil.

Mast pile driver

The post driver

The posts are held in place before and during work by a post clamp. This ensures that the post is held in place and remains plumb. On some tools, the hammer cannot be released while the post driver is open.

The post clamp

Advantages

Effectiveness on flat ground : This system is ideal for flat or moderately hard ground, where the impact force is sufficient to ensure optimum driving of the posts.
Adaptability : The adjustable inclination and offset allow great flexibility when working in different terrain configurations.

Safety and settings

It is essential to follow safety instructions, particularly with regard to the mobile weight, which can be dangerous if mishandled.
Regular maintenance of the weight and mast will ensure long tool life and optimum performance.
The mast is tilted mechanically, but a hydraulic option is available for plumb adjustment.
In most cases, the tool is offset mechanically, but a hydraulic system is available as an option.
The hydraulic options for offset and mast tilt offer real advantages in terms of time saving and efficiency.

Percussion post driver

The percussion post driver is a high-performance model that uses a hydraulic striking system to drive posts at high speed. The percussion mechanism generates successive shocks that allow the post to penetrate the ground quickly and effortlessly. This type of post driver is particularly recommended for hard or rocky ground, where other systems might encounter difficulties. This type of post driver is often mounted on heavier machinery, such as tractors, to resist vibration and ensure good stability.

Key features

Hydraulic system : The percussion post driver is powered by a hydraulic pump that delivers powerful blows at a high frequency (up to 1,000 blows per minute), enabling posts to be driven quickly and accurately.
Attachment to a range of equipment: This model can be mounted on tractors, mini-excavators, front-end loaders and high-clearance tractors, making it extremely versatile.
Impact bell: The percussion post driver uses a bell to hold and stabilise the post throughout the driving process, eliminating the need for a holding clamp.

Component parts

Driving part drive

Two drives are available.

either via the tractor's hydraulic pump
or by the power take-off (540 rpm), which drives a hydraulic power unit to ensure a constant flow rate for driving in the stakes. These percussion tools require a higher flow of oil than mat-type post drivers.

The bell

The posts are driven by a bell which strikes the post like a jackhammer. These tools are faster (around 1,000 blows/min) and more precise than post drivers with a sledgehammer. They are highly effective and do not require a post driver, as the bell holds the post in place.

When driving metal posts, it is essential to use and place a martyr (or borrow) between the bell and the post in order to maintain the integrity of the iron post.

Bell of a percussion post driver

Advantages

Speed : This system allows you to drive a large number of posts in a short space of time, increasing the productivity of the operation.
Efficiency even in hard ground: Thanks to the frequency of blows and hydraulic power, it is capable of working in terrain where other tools would struggle to perform.
Hydraulic adjustments : The ability to adjust the offset and tilt of the mast via hydraulic controls offers ease of use and great precision.

Safety and adjustments

This type of post driver presents a lower safety risk than those with sliding weights, thanks to the striking bell that stabilises the posts.
Maintenance mainly involves checking the hydraulic system and the striking bell to avoid premature wear.
The mast is hydraulicallytilted , allowing the mast to be adjusted in plumb when the post is driven in.
The tool is laterally offset using the hydraulic system. This adjustment allows the tractor to be moved away from the row of vines at the start of the driving operation, to maintain a suitable working distance. It can also be increased or decreased depending on the condition of the plot (slope, for example) for greater safety and stability.
As an option, some models can rotate to work on two rows at a time per pass.

Rotation system

Offset cylinder

Thermal or pneumatic post driver

These portable models are powered either by an internal combustion engine or by compressed air. They offer great mobility and are ideal for small farms or difficult-to-access sites. Lightweight and easy to use, they are also popular for work outside the vineyard, such as residential fencing. Their main feature is their autonomy, as they are not dependent on heavy machinery to operate.

Main features

Internal combustion or pneumatic models: These post drivers can be powered by internal combustion engines (petrol or diesel) or pneumatically, using an air compressor.
Integrated hammer: An integrated hammer strikes the post at a high frequency, similar to that of a jackhammer, enabling rapid driving even in slightly compacted soil.
Lightweight: These post drivers are relatively light, weighing around 15 kg, making them easy to handle by just one person.

Component parts

The engine or compressor

Equipped with a two-stroke or 4-stroke combustion engine, depending on the model, the hammer is operated by a trigger.
The pneumatic version, which is less widespread, depends on an air compressor to operate the hammer.

The hammer

The posts are driven by a bell which strikes the post like a jackhammer at a rate of around 1,500 to 1,700 blows/min.
When driving metal posts, it is essential to use and place a martyr (or borrow) between the bell and the post to preserve the integrity of the iron post.

Pneumatic post driver

Thermal post driver

Advantages

Portability: Thanks to their light weight and motorised system, these post drivers are particularly well suited to confined spaces or areas that are difficult to access with heavier equipment.
Ease of use: The simplicity of the tool means that you don't need any complex training to operate it. All you have to do is hold the post in place while driving.
Autonomy: These models can operate independently, without the need for an external power supply (for thermal models), or with a mobile compressor (for pneumatic models).

Safety and settings

Although lightweight, these tools can generate considerable vibration. It is therefore advisable to use them with gloves and to limit periods of continuous use.
Maintenance mainly involves checking the condition of the engine or compressor, as well as the hammer's moving parts.
This portable post driver is designed for small jobs and small to medium diameter posts. One person is all you need to handle and operate the tool.
Handy and precise, it weighs in at around 15 kg, but the work rate is low compared with percussion or hammer post drivers.
As far as safety is concerned, the fact that the user has to use both hands to support the weight of the tool limits the risk of injury to the upper limbs. However, repeated use and the weight of the tool can cause other physical strains.

Different mountings

Tractor-mounted models: Post drivers can be installed on inter-row tractors, with different mounting options (rear frame, front frame or between the wheels). These machines enable you to work efficiently over large areas, driving the posts at regular intervals and with great precision.
High-clearance tractors: For better manoeuvrability and an unobstructed view of the vineyard, some post drivers are mounted at the front of high-clearance tractors. This type of mounting is particularly suited to difficult terrain or sloping vineyards.
Mini excavators and front-end loaders: These machines are extremely versatile, and can be used in confined spaces or for specific tasks. Post drivers mounted on mini-excavators are appreciated for their precision and ability to manoeuvre in inaccessible areas.
Portable post drivers: Used mainly for smaller projects or hard-to-reach areas, these models are often thermal (motor-driven). Their portability means they can be used manually, which also makes them handy for work outside the vineyard, such as fencing around private properties.

Use outside viticulture

Although mainly used in viticulture, post drivers are also useful in general agriculture, particularly for fencing off meadows or livestock pens. What's more, portable models are becoming increasingly popular with private individuals for jobs such as demarcating a house.

All in all, the post driver is an essential tool for winegrowing professionals, enabling them to streamline the process of installing trellis stakes while guaranteeing high precision and reduced physical effort.

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