Don't have an account?Don't have an account?By Latin American Construction02 November 2020Vermeer is expanding its product line with the introduction of two new models: Vermeer PD5R and PD5, equipment that the company says combine efficient operation and precision in a compact and lightweight machine, and are suitable for working on solar installation projects, congested work and civil fencing and railing installation applications.The PD5R pile driver.With a 4.6 meter mast that can remain fully assembled during transport and aided by a 90 degree turntable, the design of the PD5 and PD5R can help ease the installation and removal process.With a transport weight of 4,708.3 kg for the PD5 and 4,685.6 kg for the PD5R, multiple units can be transported on a single trailer.The PD5 features integrated machine controls located on the side of the machine.The PD5R features a full function wireless remote control that can activate the hammer, accurately align the pile to complete verticality using the auto plumb function, and position the machine.Both machines can use an optional laser receiver or compatible third-party GPS system to help improve productivity by better aligning the machine with the specified stack installation location.“The solar industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, and the Vermeer PD10 and PD10R are among the most widely used machines for installing ground-mounted solar piling,” explains Ed Savage, product manager for Vermeer.“Of course, not all jobsites are the same, so we created the new PD5R and PD5 pile drivers to give contractors smaller, lighter options.These units include many of the same features as the PD10 and have similar productivity in a variety of soil conditions,” he adds.Both pile drivers are powered by a Cat 49 HP (36.5 kW) Tier 4 Final diesel engine, have a forward travel speed of 3.9 km/h and feature a drop down mast that is rigidly attached to the chain of the mast to deliver powerful force.Both machines will be available at the end of 2020.