Vermeer is set to expand its pile driver product line with the introduction of two new models, the company announced. The Vermeer PD5 and PD5R pile drivers combine efficient operation and accuracy into a compact, lightweight machine well-suited for working on smaller solar installation projects, congested jobsites and civil fencing and guardrail installation applications.

“The solar industry has experienced tremendous growth in the last few years, and the Vermeer PD10 and PD10R pile drivers have been among the most widespread machines used for installing ground mount solar piles,” explains Ed Savage, product manager at Vermeer. “Of course, not every jobsite is the same, so we created the new PD5R and PD5 pile drivers to give contractors smaller and more lightweight options. These units include many of the same features as the PD10 and have similar productivity in a variety of soil conditions.”

With a 15-foot (4.6-meter) mast that can remain fully assembled when transporting and aided by a 90 degree rotating platform, the design of the PD5 and PD5R can help ease the setup and teardown process. With transportation weights of 10,350 pounds (4,694.7 kilograms) for the PD5 and 10,300 pounds (4,672 kilograms) for the PD5R, multiple units can be transported on a single trailer.

The PD5 features machine-integrated controls located on the side of the machine. The PD5R features a full-function wireless remote control that can engage the hammer, accurately align the pile to complete verticality using the auto plumb feature and position the machine. Both machines can use an optional laser receiver or a compatible third-party GPS system to help improve productivity by better aligning the machine to the specified pile install location.

Both pile drivers are powered by a Cat 49 horsepower (36.5 kW) Tier 4 Final diesel engine, have a forward travel speed of 2.6 miles per hour (4.18 km/h) so operators can move quickly from pile to pile and feature a mast pull-down that is rigidly attached to the mast chain to deliver powerful force, and will be available early 2020.

For more information about the Vermeer PD5 and PD5R pile drivers, visit Vermeer.com or contact your local Vermeer dealer.

Vermeer Corporation, based in Pella, Iowa, serves utility drilling, surface mining and pipeline drilling markets. The company also works in agriculture, biomass and other equipment areas. To learn more, visit vermeer.com.