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Hydraulic Press Square

Key Benefits & Advantages


A powerful silent, vibration-free solution with a force of up to 80 tonnes for effective installation and extraction of U & Z profiles in panels of up to four piles

Leader guided system reduces interlock friction and produces high quality installation

Fast and efficient process delivering significant productivity and commercial benefits

Numerous environmental benefits:

Sheet piles can be installed close to property boundaries, maximising the development footprint

Reduced vibration and noise help to mitigate any party wall issues

Sheet piles can be installed with minimal arisings; significantly reducing disposal or land fill costs

On extraction of the piles, the site can be returned to the original ‘greenfield’ condition

An alternative silent, vibration-free pressing solution may be offered by the used of a Telescopic Leader Rig fitted with a Hydraulic Press attachment.

Our extensive range of rigs each have a 360 degree tracked base unit to which a telescopic mast is fitted. Attaching a hydraulic press that applies a ‘downward’ force of up to 80 tonnes allows pressing of the steel sheet pile into the ground without vibration. Sheet piles are installed in panels of four, simultaneously.

The downward pressing force requires an equal and opposite reaction. Most of this reaction force is provided by the combined weight of the rig, down-crowd hydraulic force and skin friction against previously installed sheet piles. As the penetration of the pile panel advances, the skin friction between the reaction piles and the ground becomes the key factor in developing an adequate total reaction.

Once all of the piles in the group are advanced by the full stroke of all the hydraulic cylinders, the entire pressing devise retracts ready to repeat the cycle. With the pile panel installed, the next panel of four piles can be positioned and the whole process is repeated.

The leader rig guides and provides excellent pile alignment that minimises interlock friction, therefore creating a robust method of installation.

Plant Equipment Our Leader Rig Mounted Hydraulic Press Equipment & Rig Specification Guide

Plant & Equipment to Hire See our extensive range of equipment available for hire

Get in touch to discuss your requirements and we’ll be happy to recommend what you’ll need to get the job done, all at competitive prices.
Piling Solutions
Hydraulic Press Square

How does a leader rig mounted hydraulic press install sheet piles? caret-down

A hydraulic press attachment on a telescopic leader rig pushes sheet piles into the ground using controlled downward force. The system installs piles in panels of up to four, advancing them through repeated pressing cycles. The rig and previously installed piles provide the reaction needed for pressing, while the leader guides the panel along the intended pile line.

Which sheet pile profiles can the hydraulic press install? caret-down

The system can install U and Z sheet pile profiles in panels, subject to the chosen press attachment and pile specification. Ivor King reviews the section sizes, required depths and ground conditions when selecting the equipment. The available pressing force and reaction are also important in assessing whether the system can achieve the planned installation.

How does the leader rig help maintain pile alignment? caret-down

The leader guides the sheet pile panel during pressing, helping maintain alignment and reducing friction between the interlocks. This supports controlled installation of the wall. Accurate setting out, suitable equipment and checks during the work remain important, because the completed pile line must meet the project’s design and installation requirements.

Is hydraulic pressing suitable for noise- and vibration-sensitive sites? caret-down

Hydraulic pressing avoids the repeated hammer blows or deliberate vibration used in impact and vibratory driving. It can therefore be considered where reducing pile installation noise and vibration is important, including near neighbouring properties. The rig and supporting site activities still produce noise, so working restrictions and nearby structures need to be assessed when planning the operation.

What site access and working space does a leader rig need? caret-down

A leader rig needs suitable access, headroom and a working platform for the tracked base machine, along with space to handle and position the sheet pile panels. The pile line, overhead obstructions and nearby boundaries all affect the setup. Ivor King reviews these requirements with the ground information before confirming whether a rig-mounted press is practical for the site.

Can the hydraulic press extract temporary sheet piles? caret-down

Yes. A suitable hydraulic press attachment can be used for both installation and extraction of sheet piles. The decision to remove temporary piles depends on their condition, the ground conditions and the effect of extraction on surrounding structures or retained ground. The removal sequence and any requirements for the voids left by the piles should be included in the temporary works plan.