Any Shaver Post Driver Users ?

[zzvyb6]

Watching a Shaver HD-8 post driver coming up for sale. I've watched the videos and looked at the TBN posts already here. Question: Any reason I can't use my loader hyraulic circuit to feed the main supply with the valve propped open ? This one has hydraulic f/a and side to side angular positioning controls, presumably connected to just 1 set of outlets. (as opposed to the base model which has only the driver lift ram). Any reason I can just prop my loader control valve open to then service all 3 valves on the attachment thru a single connection ? I have float in each loader circuit, so I would need to position the stalk at the wide open position on one of them.

This one is a 3 point fitment, but I'd likely switch it to being mounted on the loader frame with a Rubed JD QA frame. I dig holes now with a high-torque-low rpm hydraulic motor arangement I put together from scrap parts. It mounts on one side of my loader frame using a single QA bracket. Awesome sighting, ddrilling and has auger reverse. In my experience, any digger works good with a new fence line, but replacing broken posts is another matter for me. Wire tends to get caught up in the auger, frame, gearbox, etc. My goal would be to drive in a new post along side the old one (or pretty close to it). Seems like the Shavers can line up right at the existing wire and go to town. Still a 2 person operation, but I like the idea and willing to try it.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I too am interested in getting one, but never used one before ...

I currently only have a single remote on the back, I don't quite understand the hydraulic flow requirements, as in is it more like a power beyond for a backhoe?

 

[DJ54]

Feeding the circuit won't be a problem, rather returning oil on the downstroke will be the problem. It has to dump that oil PDQ. IIRC mine has a 1" return line with no restrictions. I had mine rear mounted on a Ford 2000 and ran the return line into the fill plug/port on the rear to dump the oil quickly.

I'm thinking running return through a quick disconnect fitting may cause a restriction unless it's huge. If you can figure out a way to return the oil in an unrestricted hose into the main hyd. reservoir through the fill port, you shouldn't have a problem. Mine was fairly easy as the fill plug is a SAE pipe fitting, maybe 1-1/2"..?? It's been 15 years, so can't quite remember.

2 things I do remember, no need to sharpen posts, and if you hit a larger rock and the post decides to go off at an angle, you're not bringing it back in alignment. You definitely want the hydraulic tilt. My neighbor at the time bought a manual tilt model. He was continually adjusting the screws, where mine just a tough of the control got the adjustment. A small torpedo level is handy to keep the post plumb both ways.

 

[zzvyb6]

Feeding the circuit won't be a problem, rather returning oil on the downstroke will be the problem. It has to dump that oil PDQ. IIRC mine has a 1" return line with no restrictions. I had mine rear mounted on a Ford 2000 and ran the return line into the fill plug/port on the rear to dump the oil quickly.

I'm thinking running return through a quick disconnect fitting may cause a restriction unless it's huge. If you can figure out a way to return the oil in an unrestricted hose into the main hyd. reservoir through the fill port, you shouldn't have a problem. Mine was fairly easy as the fill plug is a SAE pipe fitting, maybe 1-1/2"..?? It's been 15 years, so can't quite remember.

2 things I do remember, no need to sharpen posts, and if you hit a larger rock and the post decides to go off at an angle, you're not bringing it back in alignment. You definitely want the hydraulic tilt. My neighbor at the time bought a manual tilt model. He was continually adjusting the screws, where mine just a tough of the control got the adjustment. A small torpedo level is handy to keep the post plumb both ways.

Thank you for the replay. I actually saw that recommendation on a recent YouTube video. The reservoir fill has a threaded cap on my JD, so all I would need is an adaptor to join the hose to the tank and then not loose the fill cap in the process.

 

[D&D]

Watching a Shaver HD-8 post driver coming up for sale. I've watched the videos and looked at the TBN posts already here.

Since you have to run a 3/4” return to the sump, wouldn’t it be just as easy to run a supply line off of a rear remote?
If you can get it for a price you’re happy with, you won’t regret having one

 

[zzvyb6]

Since you have to run a 3/4” return to the sump, wouldn’t it be just as easy to run a supply line off of a rear remote?
If you can get it for a price you’re happy with, you won’t regret having one

I don't have rear remotes, just the loader ciruits. The unit needs hydraulics with a low flow rate to raise the hammer. BUT, when the hammer is released, there is a very large surge in the cylinder to empty it. Thus a dump to a standby tank (which can drain to the supply) or dumping directly into the hydraulic tank fill opening. Mine tank top is threaded so I'd just couple it up there. Still waiting for the auction to end, but think I can get it. Money is not the problem, whether it works on my soil is the only concern. If not: caber wars ahead !