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The Protech P230S Post Driver is a contractor-grade machine designed for driving posts into the ground, suitable for use on stony or hard ground, and capable of creating pilot holes with an optional rock spike. It is a hydraulically operated attachment for tractors, requiring a minimum of 90 hp, an auxiliary oil flow of 50 L/min, and an auxiliary oil pressure of 170 bar. The machine has an overall weight of 1150kg (including the rock spike) and a driver weight of 300kg. All dimensions are in millimetres, and the total machine weight may vary depending on the driver weight option.
The P230S features a robust main frame with lower link and top link mountings for attachment to a tractor. It incorporates a slew arm that can pivot through 120 degrees, allowing for versatile positioning of the mast. The slew arm is controlled by a dedicated lever on the control panel. A slew lock pin is provided to secure the arm in the transport position, perpendicular to the main frame. The machine also has a telescopic arm that extends and retracts the inner slew arm by 800mm, controlled by a telescopic arm lever. Both the slew and telescopic arm controls are mounted on the slew arm itself, requiring the operator to work within a defined control area to avoid trapping zones.
For stability during operation, the P230S is equipped with a hydraulic rear leg and footplate, which can be extended and retracted using a dedicated control lever. Additionally, the machine has front legs, which may be hydraulic (if fitted). The mast itself offers significant adjustability, with a mast forward tilt control that pitches the mast forward and back by 23 degrees from the vertical position, and a mast side tilt control that pitches the mast side to side by 35 degrees from the vertical position. These tilt functions are crucial for maintaining a vertical mast on undulating ground. Lock plates are provided for both the mast forward tilt and mast side tilt to secure them during transport.
The core function of post driving is managed by the driver weight, which is raised and lowered by a lever arm, controlled by the driver weight control. The machine uses a rope and pulley system to lift the driver weight. A post cap plate is used to hold posts, and a post cap lock chain connects the driver weight to this plate. It is imperative that the post cap plate is used at all times to hold posts, and manual holding is strictly prohibited.
An optional rock spike is available for creating pilot holes in challenging ground conditions. The rock spike has its own control valve to maintain sufficient clearance of the support collar from the head of the rock spike. It is mounted on a rock spike carrier and secured with a rock spike lock pin. The rock spike hinge allows it to be positioned underneath the post cap plate for operation.
The control panel is designed for safe operation, with levers clearly marked for each function: LEFT LEG UP/DOWN, RIGHT LEG UP/DOWN, ROCK SPIKE UP/DOWN, SLEW ARM, TELE ARM, REAR LEG, MAST FORWARD TILT, MAST SIDE TILT, and WEIGHT UP/DOWN. The controls are positioned to ensure the operator maintains a safe distance and good visibility of the work area. A safe working zone, measuring 300mm to the front and sides and 500mm to the rear of the control panel, is defined for the operator.
Safety is paramount with the P230S. The manual emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding all sections before operation. Daily PUWER checklists must be completed, and any defects rectified. A risk assessment must be conducted before working on site. Key dangers highlighted include injury to feet, crushing under the falling weight, trapping zones from the tilting mast and slew arm, becoming trapped between the tractor and machine, machine overbalancing, electrocution from overhead power lines, flying debris, and high-pressure oil injection. Operators are required to wear ear defenders and safety glasses. The manual also provides clear instructions on when not to use the machine, such as when unfamiliar with its operation, if poorly maintained, or if the tractor does not meet specifications.
For transportation, the machine must be carried low to the ground with the mast crowded back, the weight fully lowered, and the front legs fully raised. The slew arm must be parallel to the main frame and locked with the slew lock pin. The telescopic arm must be fully retracted, and the mast tilt ram fully closed, with all safety lock plates fitted. If a rock spike is fitted, it must be retained in its carrier with the lock pin.
Installation involves positioning the tractor squarely to the machine, connecting the lower link arms and top link, and then connecting the hydraulic pressure and return hoses. Before operation, safety lock plates must be removed, and all cylinders primed by moving the control levers slightly. Full operation of all controls is recommended to ensure proper function.
Maintenance is divided into daily, weekly, and monthly checks. Daily checks include inspecting the lift rope, hydraulic hoses, greasing the mast and pivots, checking nuts and bolts, and ensuring guarding is in place. Weekly checks involve looking for hydraulic leaks, ensuring rope pulleys turn freely, checking all pivots for wear, and inspecting pins and lynch pins. Monthly checks include verifying engine and hydraulic oil levels and topping up as necessary, and tightening wear pads. The visibility of warning stickers should also be checked monthly. The manual includes an addendum showing old and new style guarding and fixings, specifying M8 and M12 threads for the new fixings. A record of checks is provided for documentation.
General| Brand | Protech Machinery |
|---|---|
| Model | P230S Post Driver |
| Category | Construction Equipment |
| Language | English |
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