One of the most frequent phone calls we receive is from contractors and engineers asking "Is a Hammer delivering full energy if the blow count per minute is less than listed in the Specifications?" Blow count does not indicate full or less than full energy. A Single Acting Hammer will deliver full energy if the … Continue reading Vulcan Onshore Tip #9: Blow Count/Energy
The Name of the Game -- Heavier Ram - Shorter Stroke Concrete piles cracking while driving in either soft silt or very hard ground? The solution is the same for both problems: Use a thicker cushion block and a hammer with a heavier ram and shorter stroke. The solution and others to related problems, comes … Continue reading Vulcan Onshore Tip #7: 11 Rules for Pile Driving
When some hammers get enough mileage on them to warrant retirement and under certain driving conditions, the contractor may have trouble keeping the ram keys tight. Usually under these circumstances, the contractor will weld the keys to the ram and worry about the consequences later. The drawing above shows a better way of keeping the … Continue reading Vulcan Onshore Tip #6: Keeping Ram Keys Tight
Under certain atmospheric conditions, a film of ice will form on the inside wall of the steam chest. This film prevents the valve from seating properly and also reduces friction between the valve and steam chest wall. In some driving conditions, this lack of friction will allow the valve to "bounce" or "flutter," needless to … Continue reading Vulcan Onshore Tip #3: Valve Flutter
A quick way to check the correct position of the slide bar is shown in the drawing and picture above. Place a straightedge across the machined boss area of the Ram as shown in the picture. The lower edge of the straightedge should be even with the "break" of the round stock of the slide … Continue reading Vulcan Onshore Tip #2: Checking Slide Bar
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