Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the main Advantages of the Postmaster vs. a Falling hammer or percussion hammer?
A: The Postmaster’s main advantages would be installation speed due to its high frequency vibration, followed by its safety. Falling weight machines can pose a health risk if the cage is not installed or properly closed. Percussion hammers are usually modified rock breakers and as such have a slower rate of impact and as standard these post drivers cannot remove posts unless fitted with additional equipment such as a lifting ram. One other unique feature of the Postmasters is the hydraulic jaws ability to clamp onto the posts, this enables the user to remove misaligned, old posts or ones which can not be driven due to the soil conditions/rocks.
With 60kN of force and vibrating at 50x a second the Midi Postmaster is as powerful if not more powerful than other post drivers on the market, making the Maxi Postmaster look like a beast! The Maxi Postmaster has double the power of the Midi Postmaster.
Another advantage of the Postmaster Post Drivers, is the size of attachment itself. Often it can be attached to a smaller host machine such as a mini excavator allowing the machine and attachment to be towed by a smaller vehicle like a utility vehicle (Ute) instead of a truck and flat bed trailer. This will save on transportation costs due to the reduction in fuel usage, maintenance and up keep of a larger the tow vehicle. With the use of a smaller host machine and tow vehicle it allows for easier access on restricted sites, less fuel consumption and maintenance costs, and less impact on nature sensitive areas.
Q: How fast can I install a post?
A: This will depend on the diameter of the post, if it is hollow or solid, pointed or blunt, and the ground conditions. In average/fair conditions the installation speed is typically 15 seconds to 1 minutes. Installation speed will increase with operator ability/experience of using the attachment.
Q: How does the Post Driver hold the post?
A: The Postmaster has a set of Hydraulic jaws which will grip the post when flow is increased. If the flow to the attachment is reversed it will open the jaws and release the post.
Q: How does the Post Driver attach to my machine?
A: The post driver will come with a machine specific head bracket or an adjustable bracket which will either attach directly to your excavator bucket pins or will be supplied with a back plate to go onto your loader/skid steer etc.
Q: Are there any other features available?
A: Yes there are optional extras, such as:
The Post Rotator – used for position critical posts for solar arrays.
The Compactor Plate can be attached to the underside of the post driver which allows it to consolidate hardcore prior to laying concrete.
Q: What information is required when ordering a Postmaster?
A: We require the make, model and type of machine. The machine’s hydraulic flow rate specification such as Litres/min and Operating Pressure in Bar. The type and size of hose couplers i.e. Flat face male and female. The machines bucket pin diameter, centre to centre spacing of pins and the distance between the “ears” of the brackets. We will send you a form to fill out to make things easy!
Q: Can I remove a post that is already installed?
A: If the posts have been rammed or vibrated into the ground it may be possible to extract them using the Postmasters. If the posts has been concreted in situ, it will most likely require other methods to extract them.
Q: How do I keep the post plumb when installing it?
A: The Postmasters have a pendulum hitch bracket to keep the position level forward and back. The host machine can be positioned left to right with the help of the trusty spirit level. Two posts can be installed plumb at either end of a run, or regular intervals, with a string line attached at the top and bottom of the post. The post can installed using the string lines as a visual aid to maintain the post in a plumb position.
Q: What information is required when ordering a Postmaster?
A: We require the make, model and type of machine. The machine’s hydraulic flow rate specification such as Litres/min and Operating Pressure in Bar. The type and size of hose couplers i.e. Flat face male and female. The machines bucket pin diameter, centre to centre spacing of pins and the distance between the “ears” of the brackets. We will send you a form to fill out to make things easy!
Q: Where can I find the information for the head bracket dimensions?
A: This can sometimes be found in the operators user manual for your machine. You can ask the repair shop or dealer who sold you your machine. If you are able to, you can take the measurements yourself. In some circumstances we are able to assist with the dimensions for your machine.
Q: Can the Postmaster be used in harder soil conditions?
A: Yes it can but test your soil first! A hollow or pointed end post will drive in quicker than a solid or blunted end post but in harder soils it may be necessary to create a pilot hole first, which can be done with the aid of our Rock Spike attachment and/or an auger. We can provide you with a Rock Spike which is held in the jaws and vibrated into the ground and removed to create a pilot hole.
Q: Can the Postmaster be used with my quick hitch?
A: Yes so long as we have some information for the head bracket, so contact us for more info.
Q: Do the jaws damage the top of the post?
A: Even with the use of treated softwood there is little damage to the post allowing it to be driven and removed and re-installed if required.
