Ivor King uses Movax Sheet Piling techniques
As part of our extensive in-house fleet of plant and equipment, Ivor King owns and operates a number of excavator-mounted, side-grip Movax units – an innovative piling solution designed to deliver speed, precision, and versatility across a wide range of ground conditions. Whether for temporary sheet piling, permanent sheet pile walls, or challenging sites with restricted access, Movax piling provides an efficient alternative to traditional piling methods.
What equipment is used for Movax Sheet Piling?
Movax piling units are mounted directly to the arm of an excavator, using the machine’s hydraulic power and lifting capacity to handle, pitch, drive, and extract piles.
By eliminating the need for large-scale piling rigs, Movax equipment offers a compact, cost-effective, and highly flexible solution – making it especially suitable for urban sites, sensitive environments, or restricted access piling projects.
The system integrates fully with the excavator (carrier), either through the standard auxiliary hydraulics or the machine’s electronic control system, while preserving the excavator’s full original functionality. Put simply, Movax piling equates to the use of a sheet pile driver for excavators.
Movax Equipment in Action
Side Grip Vibratory Pile Drivers
Movax side grip vibratory pile drivers are high-frequency, excavator-mounted units offering the optimum solution where:
- A high degree of precision is required
- Piling must be carried out in sensitive environments
- Limited space, headroom, or access is available.
These machines can handle, pitch, drive, and extract a variety of piles, completing the entire piling process without manual handling or additional machinery.

Hydraulic Piling Hammers
For load-bearing piles, or for sheet pile driving in particularly difficult soil conditions, Movax piling hammers (sometimes known as hydraulic pile drivers or excavator mounted sheet pile drivers) provide the required impact force.
Often, hydraulic pile driving hammers are used alongside side grip drivers to complete installation after refusal is reached.

Multi-Tool Piling Leaders
The excavator-mounted MOVAX multi-tool piling leader provides a versatile, multi-tool solution for a wide range of piling requirements in a variety of site and soil conditions, and for different types of piles and piling methods. Unlike free-standing rigs, this piling leader is mounted on an excavator boom, which makes it more mobile and compact while still providing the accuracy of a leader mast.
In short: it combines the precision of a leader rig with the flexibility and compactness of an excavator-mounted system. This versatility makes them ideal for more complex and specialised projects.

Benefits of Movax Piling for Sheet Pile Installation
Movax piling offers clear advantages over traditional sheet pile driving methods:
✅Compact footprint – Ideal for projects with restricted space, limited headroom, or where traditional rigs cannot be accommodated.
✅Reduced mobilisation time – Mounted directly to an excavator, set-up is quicker and simpler, with no need for cranes, trestles, or heavy gantries.
✅Improved efficiency – Side grip pile driver attachments enable faster handling and positioning of sheet piles.
✅Precision control – Advanced control systems and excavator arm positioning ensure accurate alignment and driving, reducing errors and delivering high-quality sheet walls.
✅Versatility – A single unit can handle multiple pile types and adapt to a variety of projects and soil conditions.

Movax sheet piling uses a hydraulically operated, excavator-mounted system to drive piles quickly and accurately.
Unlike traditional standalone rigs, the Movax system attaches directly to the excavator, combining piling and excavation in one machine. This reduces setup time, improves precision with advanced control tools, and makes Movax sheet piling a versatile and cost-effective solution for many ground conditions.
Movax equipment is compact and highly manoeuvrable, making it especially effective in restricted access areas or tight city sites. For urban piling, its reduced footprint, lower noise, and vibration control features help minimise disruption to nearby structures and the public – key advantages when working in built-up environments.
Yes. Movax technology is suitable for temporary sheet piling, such as excavation support or cofferdams, as well as for constructing permanent sheet pile structures like retaining walls, flood defences, or foundations. This versatility makes it a practical choice for contractors needing one system for multiple applications.
The Movax side grip pile driver allows operators to handle, position, and drive piles from the side, improving control and safety. Its ability to grip and drive without extra handling equipment speeds up installation, reduces labour needs, and keeps the site footprint small – boosting both efficiency and productivity.
Compared with large hydraulic pile drivers or conventional vibratory hammers, Movax systems are lighter, more flexible, and excavator-mounted. This means easier transport, faster mobilisation, and reduced site costs. At the same time, Movax equipment still delivers powerful driving performance with less disruption, especially in sensitive or space-restricted locations.
Our Fleet of Movax Units
As part of our in-house fleet, Ivor King operates a dedicated selection of excavator-mounted Movax units, available for both our own projects and for hire.
If you prefer to drive your own sheets, our hire desk can arrange Movax hire, advising the right unit for your project requirements.
⚠️ Important note: For safety, a piling mat or suitable hard standing must always be installed before commencing piling operations.
Get in Touch
Whether your project requires speed, precision, or the ability to work effectively in confined or sensitive environments, Movax piling offers a proven, efficient solution.
📞 Contact us today on 024 7639 7272 to discuss your requirements – we’ll be delighted to help.
Need help selecting the right piling method for your site?
Ivor King has over 50 years of experience in steel sheet piling, we specialise in providing innovative and bespoke piling solutions.
Take a look at the range of Steel Piling Solutions we can design and install, and get in touch with our knowledgeable and friendly team to discuss how we can help. Whatever your piling project, we’re your people.

Sheet Pile Retaining Walls
The quick and easy solution that eliminates the need for temporary earthworks support.

Sheet Pile Basements
Maximise your basement footprint with a cost effective watertight construction solution.

Cofferdams
Allows excavation and construction in otherwise poor working environments

Temporary Sheet Pile Walls
Allowing earthworks to take place, sheet piles can be re-used on project completion

Steel Bearing Pile Foundations
Providing excellent load and resistance and high strength in compression and tension

Ground Anchors
Economical and practical alternative to propping, enabling greater retained heights

Inland Waterways & Marine Piling Solutions
Flood defences and water retention systems, including rivers, canals, harbour and dock wall stabilisations, marinas and reservoirs
Plant & Equipment to Hire See our extensive range of equipment available for hire
