3pt Post Driver Flow Rate - Advice Needed

[eric5899]

I'm looking at 3pt mounted hydraulic post drivers. The manufacturer sites show models that require anywhere from 3gpm to 30gpm hydraulic flow rates. I have a 2013 Kioti DK50SE hydro-static drive compact. In the tractor specs it says 16.8gpm maximum flow rate for the hydraulic system. I also found on the loader specs it lists 10gpm flow rate to the loader. Since I won't be using other implements and the tractor will be stationary while pounding posts, can my tractor handle any driver below a 16.8gpm flow rate or is there some efficiency loss or other consideration I need to factor in? Or if the loader only gets 10gpm, is that all that is available to implements? Also, some of the drivers show 1500psi hydraulic pressure and some 2000psi. I can't find that in my tractor specs anywhere.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[SDCouch]

I am guessing that you are looking at either the Shaver or the Kencove Post Driver. The Kencove has 2 models (PD8 and PD10) and the Shaver has 3 (HD8, HD10 and HD12). All of them have requirements below what your Kioti will handle. You will be fine with whatever you choose. Also, it is worth noting that all of these, the GPM is listed for raising the Post Driver. The force behind them for driving the post comes from dumping all the fluid back directly into the sump. Even if you had a lower GPM on the tractor, that would just mean that the driver would raise a little slower.

Curious, which one are you looking at? I just got a Kencove (because it was cheaper than the Shaver and shipping was free) and I love it!

 

[eric5899]

Great to hear it is working for you. I am looking at the Kencove PH10h and HD10 plus the Worksaver HPD-22Q SHC Worksaver. Is the Kencove PD10H a rebranded Shaver HD10? The specs are very similar. The Worksaver is about $500 less and 300# more weight (which could be a plus or minus). Did you research that one at all? I'm early in my search. I'm actually considering doing some fencing for others as a part-time business so want to make sure I get something that is reliable. Thanks for you reply.

 

[SDCouch]

I did look at the Worksaver, but for the ones I was looking at the Kencove was a little cheaper. Add in the fact that Kencove will ship it for free (which is HUGE) I went that direction. While it looks a lot like the Shaver, I do not think it is a re-branded Shaver. There are some subtle differences such as how the 3pt hitch mounts. I went with the PD80 since the largest post that I would drive would be 8". I did not opt for the hydraulic lateral adjustments since that was $800 more. If I was going to do fencing on the side, then I defiantly would have gotten that option. The other thing that I think is different is that Kencove is now providing their PDs with a universal type valve (a Salami) that can be configured for open center as well as closed center hydraulics. I have also found out that it can be configured to work off my existing backhoe connections that use Power Beyond. This means that I don't have to run any more taps, and I still have 3pt hitch operation as well as the PD operation - without any additional plumbing on the tractor. I think (and someone can correct me if I am wrong), the Shaver does not come with a universal type valve like that.

 

[SDCouch]

Oh - the PD80 and PD100 are the Kencove products. The PD8 and the PD10 are Shaver. I would also add that Kencove has been pretty awesome to work with. That is where I get all my fencing supplies. They also have all the parts on hand to repair their PDs when/if necessary.