U.S. patent application number 12/287930 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-15 for self-propelled post driving apparatus.
Invention is credited to William Tanner.
Application Number | 20100089602 12/287930 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42097836 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100089602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanner; William |
April 15, 2010 |
Self-propelled post driving apparatus
Abstract
A self-propelled post driving apparatus includes a frame; a post
driving mechanism including a post stabilizer and a post ram; a
stabilizer and ram control assembly; a driving assembly including a
first driving wheel; a second driving wheel; a first wheel driving
assembly for driving the first driving wheel; a second wheel
driving assembly for driving the second driving wheel; a power
assembly including at least one machine for supplying power to at
least one of the post driving mechanism, the first driving wheel
and the second driving wheel; and a driving control assembly for
selectively applying power to at least one of the first driving
assembly and the second driving assembly for at least one of
individual and simultaneous operation of the first driving wheel
and the second driving wheel for selective directional movement of
the post driving apparatus for selectively positioning the
apparatus at a post driving location.
Inventors: |
Tanner; William; (Reva,
VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark Taylor
907 W Haven Blvd.
Morehead City
NC
28557
US
|
Family ID: |
42097836 |
Appl. No.: |
12/287930 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
173/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/263
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
173/27 |
International
Class: |
E21B 7/02 20060101
E21B007/02 |
Claims
1. A self-propelled post driving apparatus comprising: a frame; a
post driving mechanism mounted to the frame including: a post
stabilizer; and a post ram, a stabilizer and ram control assembly
for controlling operational movement of the post stabilizer and the
post ram; a driving assembly including: a first driving wheel
mounted to the frame at a first position; a second driving wheel
mounted to the frame at a second position oppositely from the first
driving wheel; a first wheel driving assembly for driving the first
driving wheel; a second wheel driving assembly for driving the
second driving wheel; a power assembly including at least one
machine for supplying power to at least one of the post driving
mechanism, the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel;
and a driving control assembly for selectively applying propulsion
power to at least one of the first driving assembly and the second
driving assembly for at least one of individual and simultaneous
operation of the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel
for selective directional movement of the post driving apparatus
for selectively positioning the post driving mechanism at a post
driving location.
2. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 1
wherein the power assembly includes a liquid-fuel engine.
3. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 2
wherein the power assembly includes a working fluid compressor and
fluid distribution system operatively associated therewith, the
compressor being operatively associated with the liquid-fuel
engine.
4. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 3
wherein the first driving assembly includes a first fluid-driven
motor operatively associated with the first driving wheel and the
second driving assembly includes a second fluid-driven motor
operatively associated with the second driving wheel for applying
propulsion power to at least one of the first driving wheel and the
second driving wheel, and wherein the first driving assembly and
the second driving assembly are each operatively associated with
the compressor using the fluid distribution system for applying
propulsion power to the first driving assembly and the second
driving assembly.
5. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 1 and
further comprising an assembly for selectively engaging said first
driving wheel and sand second driving wheel from said power
assembly, thereby allowing selective free rotation of said first
driving wheel and said second driving wheel.
6. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 4
wherein the first fluid-driven motor and the second fluid-driven
motor are each formed as a hydraulic motor and the working fluid
compressor is a hydraulic compressor.
7. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 1
wherein the first driving assembly includes a first motor
operatively associated with the first driving wheel for propulsion
thereof and the second driving assembly includes a second motor
operatively associated with the second driving wheel for propulsion
thereof.
8. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 1
wherein the first driving assembly includes a first fluid-driven
motor operatively associated with the first driving wheel and the
second driving assembly includes a second fluid-driven motor
operatively associated with the second driving wheel for applying
driving power to at least one of the first driving wheel and the
second driving wheel.
9. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 8
wherein the power assembly includes a liquid-fuel engine, a working
fluid compressor and fluid distribution system operatively
associated therewith, the compressor being operatively associated
with the liquid-fuel engine, wherein the first driving assembly and
the second driving assembly are each operatively associated with
the compressor using the fluid distribution system for applying
propulsion power to the first driving assembly and the second
driving assembly.
10. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 9
wherein the stabilizer and ram control assembly is operatively
associated with the compressor using the fluid distribution system
for applying power selectively to the post stabilizer and the post
ram.
11. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 1
and further comprising an assembly for extending the ram laterally
away from the frame and a control assembly associated with the ram
extending assembly for selectively moving the ram laterally away
from the frame.
12. A self-propelled post driving apparatus comprising: a frame; a
post driving mechanism mounted to the frame including: a post
stabilizer; and a post ram, a stabilizer and ram control assembly
for controlling operational movement of the post stabilizer and the
post ram; and a propulsion assembly including: at least one
apparatus mounted to the frame for propelling the post driving
apparatus along a support surface; and a zero turning radius
control assembly for controlling the apparatus during movement
thereof including at least two drive wheels, with the drive wheels
being selectively individually drivable in either direction of
rotation to attain zero turning radius movement for selectively
positioning the post driving mechanism at a post driving
location.
13. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 12
wherein the propulsion assembly includes a power assembly including
at least one machine for supplying power to at least one of the
post driving mechanism and the at least two drive wheels.
14. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 12
wherein the power assembly includes a liquid-fuel engine.
15. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 14
wherein the power assembly includes a working fluid compressor and
fluid distribution system operatively associated therewith, the
compressor being operatively associated with the liquid-fuel
engine.
16. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 12
wherein the propulsion assembly includes a first driving assembly
for driving the first driving wheel; a second driving assembly for
driving the second driving wheel; and a power assembly including at
least one machine for supplying power to at least one of the post
driving mechanism, the first driving wheel and the second driving
wheel.
17. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 15
wherein the zero turning radius assembly includes a driving control
assembly for selecting at least one of the first driving assembly
and the second driving assembly for at least one of individual and
simultaneous operation of the first driving wheel and the second
driving wheel for selective directional movement of the post
driving apparatus for selectively positioning the post driving
mechanism at a post driving location.
18. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 15
wherein the first driving assembly includes a first fluid-driven
motor operatively associated with the first drive wheel and the
second driving assembly includes a second fluid-driven motor
operatively associated with the second drive wheel for applying
propulsive power to at least one of the first driving wheel and the
second driving wheel.
19. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 17
wherein the first fluid-driven motor and the second fluid-driven
motor are each formed as a hydraulic motor and the working fluid
compressor is a hydraulic compressor.
20. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 12
and further comprising an assembly for extending the ram laterally
away from the frame and a control assembly associated with the ram
extending assembly for selectively moving the ram laterally away
from the frame.
21. A self-propelled post driving apparatus according to claim 1
and further comprising an assembly for selectively engaging and
disengaging said first driving wheel and said second driving wheel
from said at least one apparatus mounted to the frame for
propelling the post driving apparatus along a support surface,
thereby allowing selective free rotation of said first driving
wheel and said second driving wheel.
22. A method for driving a post into the ground comprising the
steps of providing a self-propelled post driving apparatus
including: a post stabilizer; a post ram; a stabilizer and ram
control assembly for controlling operational movement of the post
stabilizer and the post ram; and a propulsion assembly including:
an apparatus mounted to the frame for propelling the post driving
apparatus along a support surface; a zero turning radius control
assembly for controlling the apparatus during movement thereof
including at least two drive wheels, with the drive wheels being
selectively individually drivable in either direction of rotation
to attain zero turning radius movement; and an assembly for
selectively engaging and disengaging said first driving wheel and
said second driving wheel from said apparatus mounted to the frame
for propelling the post driving apparatus along a support surface;
determining a post driving location; maneuvering the post driving
apparatus using the control assembly to selectively operate the
wheels assemblies individually, simultaneously or both to position
the post ram over the predetermined location; removing a post from
the post magazine; positioning the post over the predetermined
driving location; stabilizing the post using the stabilizer arms;
and ramming the post into the ground using the control assembly to
selectively operate the ram to repeatedly pound the post into the
ground at the predetermined location.
23. A method for driving a post according to claim 22 and further
comprising the steps of: providing a post driving apparatus having
an assembly for extending the ram laterally away from the frame and
a control assembly associated with the ram extending assembly for
moving the ram laterally away from the frame; and moving the ram
laterally away from the frame a predetermined distance using the
ram extending control assembly.
24. A self-propelled service implement comprising: a frame; a
primary work apparatus mounted to said frame; a propulsion assembly
including: at least one apparatus mounted to the frame for
propelling the post driving apparatus along a support surface; a
zero turning radius control assembly for controlling the apparatus
during movement thereof including a first driving wheel and a
second driving wheel, with the first driving wheel and the second
driving wheel being selectively individually drivable in either
direction of rotation to attain zero turning radius movement for
selectively positioning the post driving mechanism at a post
driving location; and an assembly for selectively engaging and
disengaging said first driving wheel and said second driving wheel
from said at least one apparatus mounted to the frame for
propelling the post driving apparatus along a support surface,
thereby allowing selective free rotation of said first driving
wheel and said second driving wheel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related broadly to powered
implements including powered farm implements and, more
particularly, to a self-propelled post driving apparatus that
includes a steering apparatus.
[0002] During fence building or mending operations, driving fence
posts into the ground can be a time-consuming operation for farmers
and others who must essentially plant wooden fence posts in the
ground. Over a large farm, or other broad expanse, the total number
of posts required to make a full-sized fence can make fencing
operation a long process.
[0003] Accordingly, over the years automatic or powered fence post
drivers have been developed. Some of the post drivers have taken
the form of an attachment for a tractor or truck while others are
in the form of a trailer which may be towed behind a tractor or
other vehicle. Still other post drivers are self-propelled. Some of
the self-propelled post drivers are steerable and include a seat
for a driver. Others are merely self-propelled to follow or lead a
walking operator who is not positioned on the device itself. With
the operator positioned on the ground, it becomes easier than with
prior apparatus to maneuver a power driver to accurately position
and drive a fence post.
[0004] The positioning operation is a precise maneuver, given a
margin of error for pole location on the order of several inches
when compared to the size of a field. Therefore, in order to
properly position a post driver, some form of steering is desired.
In order to more precisely place the fence post for driving, a
versatile steering system could enhance the operator's ability to
properly position the driving apparatus over the desired post
location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is accordingly it is an object of the present invention
to provide a self-propelled post driving apparatus that is highly
maneuverable.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
post driving apparatus that includes a zero turning radius steering
system.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such a post driver that also includes enhanced mobility of the ram
in order to precisely position the post driver over a desired post
location.
[0008] To those ends, the present invention is directed to a
self-propelled post driving apparatus including a frame and a post
driving mechanism mounted to the frame including a post stabilizer
and a post ram. A stabilizer and ram control assembly is provided
for controlling operational movement of the post stabilizer and the
post ram. Also included is a driving assembly including a first
driving wheel mounted to the frame at a first position; a second
driving wheel mounted to the frame at a second position oppositely
from the first driving wheel; a first wheel driving assembly for
driving the first driving wheel; and a second wheel driving
assembly for driving the second driving wheel. A power assembly is
included, with the power assembly having at least one machine for
supplying power to at least one of the post driving mechanism, the
first driving wheel and the second driving wheel. A driving control
assembly is provided for selectively applying propulsion power to
at least one of the first driving assembly and the second driving
assembly for at least one of individual and simultaneous operation
of the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel for
selective directional movement of the post driving apparatus for
selectively positioning the post driving mechanism at a post
driving location.
[0009] Preferably, the power assembly includes a liquid-fuel
engine. It is further preferred that the power assembly include a
working fluid compressor and fluid distribution system operatively
associated therewith, the compressor being operatively associated
with the liquid-fuel engine.
[0010] It is preferred that the present post driving apparatus
include an assembly for selectively engaging said first driving
wheel and sand second driving wheel from said power assembly,
thereby allowing selective free rotation of said first driving
wheel and said second driving wheel.
[0011] It is preferred that the first driving assembly includes a
first fluid-driven motor operatively associated with the first
driving wheel and the second driving assembly includes a second
fluid-driven motor operatively associated with the second driving
wheel for applying propulsion power to at least one of the first
driving wheel and the second driving wheel, and wherein the first
driving assembly and the second driving assembly are each
operatively associated with the compressor using the fluid
distribution system for applying propulsion power to the first
driving assembly and the second driving assembly.
[0012] It is further preferred that the first fluid-driven motor
and the second fluid-driven motor are each formed as a hydraulic
motor and the working fluid compressor is a hydraulic compressor.
Preferably, the first driving assembly includes a first motor
operatively associated with the first driving wheel for propulsion
thereof and the second driving assembly includes a second motor
operatively associated with the second driving wheel for propulsion
thereof.
[0013] It is preferred that the first driving assembly includes a
first fluid-driven motor operatively associated with the first
driving wheel and the second driving assembly includes a second
fluid-driven motor operatively associated with the second driving
wheel for applying driving power to at least one of the first
driving wheel and the second driving wheel. Preferably, the power
assembly includes a liquid-fuel engine, a working fluid compressor
and fluid distribution system operatively associated therewith, the
compressor being operatively associated with the liquid-fuel
engine, wherein the first driving assembly and the second driving
assembly are each operatively associated with the compressor using
the fluid distribution system for applying propulsion power to the
first driving assembly and the second driving assembly.
[0014] Preferably, the stabilizer and ram control assembly is
operatively associated with the compressor using the fluid
distribution system for applying power selectively to the post
stabilizer and the post ram. It is preferred that the present
invention further includes an assembly for extending the ram
laterally away from the frame and a control assembly associated
with the ram extending assembly for selectively moving the ram
laterally away from the frame.
[0015] The present invention can also be described as a
self-propelled post driving apparatus including a frame and a post
driving mechanism mounted to the frame including a post stabilizer
and a post ram. The present invention also includes a stabilizer
and ram control assembly for controlling operational movement of
the post stabilizer and the post ram. Also provided is a propulsion
assembly including at least one apparatus mounted to the frame for
propelling the post driving apparatus along a support surface; and
a zero turning radius control assembly for controlling the
apparatus during movement thereof including at least two drive
wheels, with the drive wheels being selectively individually
drivable in either direction of rotation to attain zero turning
radius movement for selectively positioning the post driving
mechanism at a post driving location.
[0016] It is preferred that the propulsion assembly includes a
power assembly including at least one machine for supplying power
to at least one of the post driving mechanism and the at least two
drive wheels. It is further preferred that wherein the power
assembly includes a liquid-fuel engine. Preferably, the power
assembly includes a working fluid compressor and fluid distribution
system operatively associated therewith, the compressor being
operatively associated with the liquid-fuel engine.
[0017] It is preferred that the propulsion assembly includes a
first driving assembly for driving the first driving wheel; a
second driving assembly for driving the second driving wheel; and a
power assembly including at least one machine for supplying power
to at least one of the post driving mechanism, the first driving
wheel and the second driving wheel.
[0018] Preferably, the zero turning radius assembly includes a
driving control assembly for selecting at least one of the first
driving assembly and the second driving assembly for at least one
of individual and simultaneous operation of the first driving wheel
and the second driving wheel for selective directional movement of
the post driving apparatus for selectively positioning the post
driving mechanism at a post driving location.
[0019] It is further preferred that the first driving assembly
includes a first fluid-driven motor operatively associated with the
first drive wheel and the second driving assembly includes a second
fluid-driven motor operatively associated with the second drive
wheel for applying propulsive power to at least one of the first
driving wheel and the second driving wheel.
[0020] Preferably, the first fluid-driven motor and the second
fluid-driven motor are each formed as a hydraulic motor and the
working fluid compressor is a hydraulic compressor. It is preferred
that the present invention further include an assembly for
extending the ram laterally away from the frame and a control
assembly associated with the ram extending assembly for selectively
moving the ram laterally away from the frame.
[0021] It is further preferred that the present post driving
apparatus include comprising an assembly for selectively engaging
and disengaging said first driving wheel and said second driving
wheel from said at least one apparatus mounted to the frame for
propelling the post driving apparatus along a support surface,
thereby allowing selective free rotation of said first driving
wheel and said second driving wheel.
[0022] The present invention is also directed to a method for
driving a post into the ground. The present method includes the
steps of:
[0023] a. providing a self-propelled post driving apparatus
including a post stabilizer;
[0024] a post ram; a stabilizer and ram control assembly for
controlling operational movement of the post stabilizer and the
post ram; propulsion assembly including an apparatus mounted to the
frame for propelling the post driving apparatus along a support
surface; and a zero turning radius control assembly for controlling
the apparatus during movement thereof including at least two drive
wheels, with the drive wheels being selectively individually
drivable in either direction of rotation to attain zero turning
radius movement; and an assembly for selectively engaging and
disengaging said first driving wheel and said second driving wheel
from said apparatus mounted to the frame for propelling the post
driving apparatus along a support surface;
[0025] b. determining a post driving location;
[0026] c. maneuvering the post driving apparatus using the control
assembly to selectively operate the wheels assemblies individually,
simultaneously or both to position the post ram over the
predetermined location;
[0027] e. removing a post from the post magazine;
[0028] f. positioning the post over the predetermined driving
location;
[0029] g. stabilizing the post using the stabilizer arms; and
[0030] h. ramming the post into the ground using the control
assembly to selectively operate the ram to repeatedly pound the
post into the ground at the predetermined location.
[0031] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of
providing a post driving apparatus having an assembly for extending
the ram laterally away from the frame and a control assembly
associated with the ram extending assembly for moving the ram
laterally away from the frame; and moving the ram laterally away
from the frame a predetermined distance using the ram extending
control assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a self-propelled post
driving apparatus according to one preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a front view of the post driving apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1; and
[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulics system of
the post driving apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0035] Turning now to the drawings and, more particularly, to FIG.
1 a self-propelled post driver is illustrated generally at 10 and
includes a generally skeletal frame structure 12 for supporting the
various systems as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.
The frame 12 is ground supported by spaced, opposing left and right
wheels 14, 16 as seen in FIG. 2. Further, a caster 18 is mounted to
the frame 12 at a spaced relationship from both the left wheel 14
and the right wheel 16. The caster 18 along with the wheels 14 and
16 provide a 3-point stance and a balanced structure for the post
driver 10 of the present invention.
[0036] A ram assembly 20 is provided for final positioning and
driving a positioned post into the ground. The ram assembly 20 is
mounted to the frame and includes an upright ram support 22 and a
generally rectangular ramming head 24 which is configured for
generally vertical movement along the ram support 22 as will be
seen in greater detail hereinafter. The ramming head 24 is formed
as a generally hollow body with a rectangular cross section that is
fitted around the ram support 22 for telescoping movement
therealong. A pair of gripping members 28 is pivotably mounted to
the ram support 22 for operator-controlled movement toward and away
from one another. The gripping members 28 are intended to guide and
position a post for ground insertion by the ramming assembly 20. A
ramming surface 26 is mounted to the ramming head 24 for movement
therewith for repeatedly ramming a fence post to drive the fence
post into the ground at a predetermined location under the control
of an operator.
[0037] In order to enhance the precision with which the present
apparatus can position itself for post-driving, the ram assembly 20
is laterally, reciprocally extendable, toward and away from the
frame 12. With reference to FIG. 2, a horizontal drive member 42 is
mounted to the ram support 22 and projects laterally away
therefrom. The drive member 42 projects away from a rear portion of
the ram support 22. The drive member 42 is fitted within a linear
drive receiver 44 for telescoping movement in a reciprocating
manner to allow the ram assembly 20 to be extended laterally away
from the apparatus 10 for positioning the ram surface 26 over a
post location, and back toward the apparatus for travel.
[0038] As stated earlier herein, the present apparatus 10 is
self-propelled and in that regard, includes a propulsion system.
The primary operational system of the present apparatus 10 is a
hydraulic system which will be discussed in greater detail
hereinafter. The hydraulic system is configured for providing and
controlling the propulsion, steering, positioning and ramming
operation of the present apparatus 10. The propulsion system
includes a gasoline motor 30 on order of a large lawn tractor
motor. The gasoline motor 30 is mechanically linked to a hydraulic
compressor 32 which in turn is linked hydraulically and operatively
to a control box 34. For propulsion, the present invention includes
a pair of hydraulic motors 46, 48 attached individually to the left
wheel 14 and the right wheel 16 respectively. The hydraulic motors
46, 48 are individually operable or they may be simultaneously
operated.
[0039] In order to provide a zero turning radius and the enhanced
positioning ability of the present invention, and as stated above,
the wheels 14, 16 are individually drivable by hydraulic motors 46,
48. By driving one wheel faster than the other wheel, steering can
be accomplished. For example, if the left wheel 14 is driven
clockwise, while the right wheel 16 is held stationery, the
apparatus 10 will pivot about the right wheel 16, steering to the
right, causing the apparatus to pivot about a central axis toward
the operator. In other words, the apparatus will tend to move
counterclockwise when viewed from above about its own central
axis.
[0040] Similarly, if the right wheel 16 is held stationery and the
left wheel 14 is driven counterclockwise, the turn will be to the
right except the apparatus 10 will tend to pivot in a clockwise
manner about its central axis when viewed from above. If both
wheels are driven in opposite directions, i.e. the left wheel is
driven counterclockwise and the right wheel is driven clockwise at
the same speed, the apparatus will spin in place about its central
axis. Direction of the spin is dependent on the respective
directions of rotation of the left wheel 14 and the right wheel 16.
When positioning the apparatus, the operator can use controls 36 to
throttle the wheels individually or can drive the wheels
simultaneously for straight line movement along the fence line. For
more precision movement, throttling the wheels individually can
move the apparatus through a series of curves of increasing,
decreasing or constant radius in order to position the ram surface
26 over the intended post location. The zero turning radius aspect
of the present invention provides the operator with precision
control to quickly and accurately position the ram 26 over the
intended fence post location.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the present post driving
apparatus 10 is configured for towing by a tractor, truck or other
towing vehicle, reducing the need to load the post driving
apparatus 10 onto a carrying vehicle. With reference to FIGS. 2 and
3, each hydraulic motor 46, 48 is connected to its respective
driving wheel 14, 16 by an assembly for selectively engaging and
disengaging each driving wheel from its respective hydraulic motor.
The engaging and disengaging assembly includes a manual clutch 62,
64 operatively associated with each hydraulic motor 46, 48 and each
driving wheel 14, 16. Each clutch includes a manually operative
engagement/disengagement handle 66, 68. By disengaging the driving
wheels 14, 16 from their respective hydraulic motor 46, 48, the
post driving apparatus can move about under a free-rolling
condition for towing from one job site to another, for example.
Although a clutch is preferred at each wheel with manual operation,
it is well within the scope and spirit of the invention to use
other means for engaging and disengaging the driving wheels 14, 16
form the hydraulic motors 46, 48 for free-wheeling operation.
[0042] Turning now to FIG. 3, a diagrammatic representation of the
hydraulic system of the present driver apparatus 10 is illustrated.
It should be noted that while a hydraulic system is referred, the
present invention can be assembled and function with a pneumatic
system, or with electrical drive. With continued reference to FIG.
3, the hydraulic system includes a motor 30 in mechanical operative
association with a compressor 32 that provides the hydraulic fluid
for the system. Conventional hydraulic tubing 52 transmits the
hydraulic working fluid to a control box 34 for distribution to
various hydraulic utilities. Conventional hydraulic tubing 54
transmits working fluid to the ram assembly 20 for movement of the
ram head 24 in a reciprocating ramming manner.
[0043] The working fluid also is used to operate the grips 28 and
the ram extender 40 as seen in FIG. 2. The control box 34 also
distributes working fluid to the individual hydraulic motors 46, 48
through conventional hydraulic tubing 56, 58 respectively. The
hydraulic motors 46, 48 are used to individually drive the wheels
14, 16 in a manner that allows a zero turning radius as discussed
above. A group of control rods 36 or other control elements is
provided at the control box 34 so that an operator can effectively
operate the apparatus 10 in a manner to be described hereinafter.
Notably, there are enough controls to individually extend the ram,
grip a post, and cause reciprocating motion of the ram to drive the
post. Further, there are sufficient controls to allow for
individual left wheel 14 and right wheel 16 operation as well as
simultaneous wheel operation. As shown, the controls are
illustrated as moveable rods which will operate selectively
operable valves to route the hydraulic fluid where it needs to go
for the chosen operation. It should also be understood that other
valve operators may be provided to create the necessary valve
lineup to perform the desired function.
[0044] In operation and according to the method of the present
invention, the present post driving apparatus 10 is provided with a
series of fence posts P in the hopper 38 for use as the fence is
constructed or mended. One of the advantages of the present
invention is that one person can move a load of fence posts along a
fence line and plant each post where it needs to be without further
assistance. To that end, the operator engages the controls 36 to
cause the apparatus 10 to move under its own power by applying
working fluid in a controlled manner to the individual hydraulic
motors 46, 48. If working fluid is applied simultaneously to both
motors, they respond simultaneously and the apparatus 10 tracks a
straight line. If one or the other wheels is sped up or slowed down
or even caused to stop, the apparatus 10 will be steered in a
direction in accordance with the stopped wheel. For example, if the
operator stops the right wheel 16, while the left wheel 14 is
allowed to operate, the device will be steered to the right and if
the right wheel 16 is completely stopped, the apparatus 10 will
essentially pivot on the stopped wheel to make a 90-degree right
turn. If the left wheel 14 is stopped, the apparatus may be pivoted
on that wheel by propelling the right wheel 16 and a 90-degree left
turn is executed. If one wheel is driven clockwise and the other
wheel is driven counter-clockwise, the device 10 will pivot about a
central axis. With experimentation and practice, an operator can
achieve precise positioning of the apparatus 10 with respect to the
ramming surface 26 and a desired fence location. It may be useful
for the operator to put a small stake in the ground where the fence
post should go and use the stake as a reference point for
positioning the apparatus 10 using the controls 36 and individually
selectively driving the wheels 14, 16 until proper positioning has
been achieved.
[0045] Once the apparatus 10 has been positioned, the operator
selects a post P, removes the stake from the ground and positions
the post P where the stake used to be and, at this point, the
operator may use the controls 36 to maneuver the grips 28 into
position to stabilize the post P during driving operation. Once the
post P is positioned and stabilized, the operator uses the controls
36 to cause reciprocating movement of the ram head 24 to thereby
cause the ram surface 26 to drive the post into the ground at the
desired location. Once the post is in position, the operator uses
the controls 36 to retract the ram from its extended position and
to place the ram in a traveling position. Once this is achieved,
the operator can cause the wheels 14, 16 to move simultaneously to
cause the apparatus 10 to travel along the fence line to the next
driving post-driving location.
[0046] By the above, the present invention provides a post-driving
apparatus that can be precisely and effectively positioned for
driving a post into the ground at a desired location and is
configured for use by a single operator. Accordingly, the process
of installing fence along a fence line can be greatly shortened and
performed with greater efficiency.
[0047] It will therefore be readily understood by those persons
skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of a
broad utility and application. While the present invention is
described in all currently foreseeable embodiments, there may be
other, unforeseeable embodiments and adaptations of the present
invention, as well as variations, modifications and equivalent
arrangements, that do not depart from the substance or scope of the
present invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to
be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude
such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and
equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only
by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *