UK firm BSP is now offering an improved range of piling systems, with its SL30 model and compact BH120. The SL30 can be used to drive Z piles in pairs and its hammer has a drop weight of 2.5tonnes, delivering an impact energy of 30kNm at up 84blows/minute. The SL piling hammer is designed for driving sheet piles and small bearing piles and is available with legs and inserts for use when freely suspended or with backguides for operating from a piling mast. The unit is said to offer control of hammer stroke and blow rate and can match the energy required to piling needs. It has a double acting cylinder that produces high impact energy from a short stroke, allowing a high blow rate. Its slim design means that the hammer can also pass between existing upstanding piles.
The firm’s BH120 is a compact hammer designed for mounting on backhoe loaders. The hammer is compact, versatile and is suitable for driving small sheet piles, small bearing piles as well as general post driving.
With an operating weight with leader of 750kg, the BH120 has a basic length of 1.5m and a width 0.35m. It requires a hydraulic flow of 20-40litres/minute at a pressure of 160bars. The working rate can vary from 120-150blows/minute depending on driving conditions. Features include total control of hammer stroke and blow rate, a fast blow rate for high productivity, low hydraulic flow demand and low fuel consumption.
With a quick coupler, the hammer can be attached or detached quickly and the unit can be transported on the carrier machine both on site and on the highway. It is capable of driving round, square, rectangular and H-section piles of different materials.
Moving up a size scale somewhat, Liebherr’s new LRB 16 rig is said to offer high stability and performance, as well as a machine that can cope with a wide range of applications for common piling and drilling methods. The machine is equipped with several advanced operator assistance systems that are said to deliver high working accuracy.
The LRB 16 is an all-round piling and drilling rig for diverse applications within the deep foundation sector and gets its name from the 16m travel distance for the sledge unit. Fitted with a longer leader, the machine becomes the LRB 18. Weighing in at 48tonnes the rig is said to feature a low ground pressure, while its durable undercarriage ensures stability, which can be further increased with the optional rear supports.
The LRB 16 can be transported in one piece in most territories, even with its mounted counterweight as it has a transport weight of only 43.5tonnes. The design is also said to ensure quick set-up times on site as well as reducing the time needed for transporting the machine between sites. As an option the loading and set-up processes can be carried out by a single person using a remote control. The machine has a large air-conditioned cab with good visiblity and ergonomic controls.
As a standard, the new piling and drilling rig is fitted with sophisticated control systems. Attachment recognition provides time recording for the tool used, while performance data is also transmitted by Lieberr’s LiDAT system.
An improvement for use in slurry wall applications is the obstacle recognition system, which can identify obstacles in the soil, protecting the machine and the tool as a result. A cruise control system is available for automatic drilling processes and allows for values such as pulldown speed and rotational speed to be programmed in advance. For installing slurry walls the machine can be equipped with Liebherr’s own LV 20 vibrator. However the LRB 16 can be used for a wide array of other piling tasks including drilling with continuous flight auger, double rotary head or Kelly bar, soil mixing, and piling work with a hydraulic hammer.
Soilmec is offering a new piling control system as well as its new Hydromill SC-135 Tiger piling rig, which is said to offer high productivity and performance. The machine offers Hydromill technology, said to allow the construction of diaphragm wall in a variety of soil conditions, delivering accurate level of verticality control at drilling depth, which was previously unattainable.
The new machine allows operation in a wide range of working radius and module rotations. The unit has several improvements, as well as a patented hydraulic system with the filters installed directly on the main lines to avoid any possible breakdown due to bentonite contamination.
The hydraulic swivel, Cat C27 diesel delivering 708kW and innovative winders are to allow operation down to 150m depth, while delivering high performance in a range of conditions. It has a high depth vertical sensor with independent mobile flaps and the DMS on board complete with the 3D graphic print out panel options. In addition the machine has been designed for a modular assembly, with an operating weight of 20.5tonnes.
The XR130E benefits from highly sophisticated technology, which is said to be capable of meeting the demands of the market for high quality machines. With power from an imported engine, the XR130E can be configured to meet the European Stage IIIA, IIIB and Stage IV emissions requirements. It also has a high power reserve, which allows it to deliver high performance and productivity. The firm claims that it is able to support the machine with timely and effective after-sales service for local customers. Meanwhile its high versatility allows the machine to carry out multiple functions, with a wide range of rig configurations available as options. This means that the rig can be highly effective when in use in different strata, according to the firm.
The XR130E can be configured with different stools and equipment for a range of piling functions and to meet the needs of customers. Rotary drives with more power can be fitted if required for tougher piling conditions, while the machine can be configured to deliver greater piling precision.
Safety features include an optional remote control unit as well as ladders and walkways designed to optimise access, while the machine has an ergonomic cab layout.
Although Zoomlion’s piling rigs have had success in China and emergent markets, the firm is looking to boost its presence worldwide. And the company is already establishing its piling rigs in the Australian market, with spare parts centres in Melbourne and Sydney, as well as service staff on standby around the clock.
Zoomlion’s latest 4.0 piling range offers increased performance and capacities, with six models planned for the complete line-up. These new designs are said to be more efficient to operate, with improved hydraulics and electronics as well as energy saving features. Based on a modified crane chassis, the ZR360CC rig is the first model available in the range and features tracks that can be widened to 4.5m to provide stability when working. The machine benefits from the firm’s latest electronics, which allow for future systems upgrades. The machine can be used to deliver a maximum output of 360kNm, while power comes from a diesel delivering 313kW and which meets China Stage III emissions requirements. The rest of the range will feature the same China Stage III emissions compliance as the line-up is being aimed at the Chinese market as well as emergent territories. The ZR360CC can handle piles with diameters of up to 2.8m and has a mast height of 27m. The rig can be used to drive friction type piles to depths of 98m and lockable piles to depths of 64m. The winder system has a maximum lifting force of 360kN, while the crowding cylinder can deliver 300kN.
