Vermeer announces that new PD10R pile drivers can now be outfitted with automated machine positioning technology. Vermeer PD10R pile drivers equipped with a new point-to-point system can reposition themselves automatically using onboard GPS.
How does it work? After driving a pile, the machine operator presses a button and the remote-control-operated PD10R travels and aligns itself to drive the next pile. This automation technology helps ease the pile-driving process by reducing the number of operational steps involved with moving these machines on solar farm construction projects.
“Hundreds of piles need to be driven before racking is assembled and solar panels can be placed, and exact pile positioning is crucial,” explained Ed Savage, product manager at Vermeer. “The optional point-to-point technology package for the PD10R further enhances the PD10R automated function of moving the mast orientation using the unit’s auto-plumb function. Now, pile driver operators can align the hammer with the push of a button and then push another button to move the pile driver into position for the next pile. When using this automation technology, operator input is reduced by eight steps, which also helps ease new operator training.”
The point-to-point system works by syncing GPS coordinates with a digital project map of identified pile sites. After a pile is installed, the automation technology recognizes the next waypoint (pile location) on the map, then moves and positions itself into alignment. In addition, PD10R PTP models are equipped with bump bars on each side that disengage machine movement when they encounter an obstacle.
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