Post driver "exhaust" question.

[wilnis]

Hi-TN60A and I'm borrowing a Shaver 12 post driver from a friend. No problems with anything except how to hook up the connection from the driver to the tractor to circulate or exhaust the fluid to the tractor when the driver descends. The manual suggests (page 3-23) using the "zero-pressure return port" but finding a fitting is a problem(metric on tractor, SAE on pounder, much cobbling to get it done). The Shaver dealer has a connection that fits where the dipstick is in the transmission/hydraulics sump that the "exhaust hose" is supposed to connect there but UPS has been slow and I haven't gotten it as yet. I've searched the site and can't find how others have done this and I'd be interested in any advise or suggestions any of you may have as far as connections, use of the pounder, etc. (My neighbor and I are making vineyards-lots of posts, and I need to replace many of my "treated" fence posts that were supposed to last longer than 5 years) Thanks-Bill!!

 

[BTDT]

Welcome to TBN. Nothing in your profile, where are you located? Any pics of pounder and tractor setup? Any drawings in manual? Doesn't seem logical to dump fluid from a ram down the dipstick hole to me. It may work, but maybe route it back through the fill plug hole (hard pipe it in). I think TSC sells one that runs off of a small compressor, but that would just vent to atmosphere.

 

[MikePA]

It's not an exhaust, it's the return line and my post driver dumps the fluid back into the hydraulic fill hole not the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube will be way too small unless it's a honkin' big dipstick tube. The driver drops as fast as the fluid can be dumped into the sump.

I removed the factory fitting (Part 19 picture) and replaced the end of the return line with a female quick connect and a member on TBN (5030) tapped the sump fill plug with a 45 degree fitting and short extension. I added the male coupler. The instructions recommended removing the sump fill plug, laying the factory fitting on top of the sump hole and 'securing' it. For my tractor, this created nothing but a mess.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Quote from MikePa: It's not an exhaust, it's the return line and my post driver dumps the fluid back into the hydraulic fill hole not the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube will be way too small unless it's a honkin' big dipstick tube. The driver drops as fast as the fluid can be dumped into the sump.

I removed the factory fitting (Part 19 picture) and replaced the end of the return line with a female quick connect and a member on TBN (5030) tapped the sump fill plug with a 45 degree fitting and short extension. I added the male coupler. The instructions recommended removing the sump fill plug, laying the factory fitting on top of the sump hole and 'securing' it. For my tractor, this created nothing but a mess.


I can understand you wanting it neat, and youve certainly done that. That return flow iis pretty fast tho, and the quick connect fitting causes significant backpressure as the fall speed builds. I went with a good 5/8 reinforced plastic garden hose section and standard female hose fitting mating with 3/4 male pipe on the tractor. The valve end I just clamp to a 3/4 hose nipple that Ive found the hose to stretch over with coaxing. Unrestricted, but not as clean - I have to unscrew hose and cap the 3/4 pipe. Not really messy cuz the return hose drains fairly soon after you stop work.
larry

 

[MikePA]

...and the quick connect fitting causes significant backpressure as the fall speed builds.

I'm sure you're right, but in driving 187 4" x 4" x 8' posts and 40 T Posts, I didn't notice any issues.

 

[wilnis]

Thanks for the replies. I decided to go to my favorite shopping center, Farm and Fleet, and I was able to get enought couplers, nipples, and a reducer to plumb the exhaust or return line into the zero pressure return port, and the machine works fine. Attached find pictures of the pounder on my tractor, the first coupler on the port on the tractor, the finished plumbing job attaching the line to the tractor. I also put a picture of my dipstick and hydraulic sump filling port where the dipstick fits. My dipstick has a 1 3/8" x 1 1/2" rubber hunk around it and a large enough hole, 1 3/8" in diameter to accomodate it and I still am waiting to see what Shaver sends as a way to put the return line into the sump. Thanks again for the replys. Bill