Mississippi Valley Equipment Co.
1198 Pershall Road
St. Louis, MO 63137
Toll Free: 1-800-325-8001
Website: www.mve-stl.com
Mississippi Valley Equipment Company Office
A Winning Team!!
Mississippi Valley Equipment Co.
 Mississippi Valley Equipment was founded
in St. Louis, MO in 1933
 We are a distributor of MKT Pile Driving and
Drilling Equipment: vibratory hammers,
hydraulic augers, hydraulic impact
hammers, air hammers, leads, accessories,
SPI diesel hammers, and custom / design
manufacturing, etc.
1.) 3 Main Components of a
vibratory driver / extractor system
 1.) Diesel-driven
hydraulic power unit
MKT HP-365 power unit
3 Main Components of a vibratory
driver / extractor system (cont.):
 2.) Pressure-rated
hydraulic hose bundle
3 Main components of a vibratory
driver / extractor system (cont.):
 3.) Exciter case fitted
w/ suspension and
hydraulic clamp
assemblies to fit
different applications
MKT V-22 w/ caisson beam
2.) How a hydraulic vibratory driver /
extractor system works:
 A.) A vibratory hammer
drives a pile through a
combination of driving
force, frequency,
amplitude, and freehanging weight. The
driving force of a
hammer is determined
by it’s eccentric
moment & steady-state
frequency.
MKT V-52 w/ caisson beam
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.):
 Eccentric Moment – term used to describe the
effectiveness of a force to produce rotation about
an axis. It is the value in inch-pounds equal to the
weight of the eccentric multiplied by the distance
from the center-line of gravity to the center-line of
rotation, then multiplied by the total number of
eccentrics used in the machine.
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.):
 The size of the eccentric moment affects the
driving force, attainable amplitude, operating
frequency, and power requirements for the
hammer
Eccentric moment = distance from center line
of gravity to center line of rotation, times
total # of eccentrics in machine
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.):
 Amplitude – the vertical movement of the
total vibrating system, and the direct result
of the applied force generated by the
rotating eccentrics
a.) amplitude = (eccentric moment)
(vibrating mass)
X2
b.) the “vibrating mass” consists of the
weight of the hammer + the total pile weight
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.):
 Amplitude (cont.)
 Example: AN MKT V-22 vibratory driver / extractor is
driving 40’ PZ-27 sheet pile: What amplitude can the
contractor expect?
PZ-27 = 40.5 lbs/ft x 40’ (sheet length) = 1,620lbs x 2 (driven
in pairs) = 3,240 (total weight of pair)
2,600 in/lbs (eccentric moment)
8,750 (V-22 weight) + 3,240 (pile weight)
X2
(2,600)
(11,990) X 2 =
(.216) x 2 = .432 amplitude, or 7/16” amplitude
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.):
 Amplitude (cont.)
 As a rule of thumb, for effective driving the
hammer must have amplitude of equal to or
greater than ¼”
 Generally speaking, the higher the amplitude, the
more effective the hammer will be at driving pile in
soils considered marginal to vibratory driving
 Higher amplitudes may also increase risk of
damage to adjacent structures. Be sure to have
trained professionals carefully evaluate soils &
project information
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.):
 Frequency = the number of cycles, or
rotations per minute the system can achieve
while free-hanging
 Steady-State Frequency = the number of
cycles per minute the system can achieve
while attached to a pile and introduced to
the dampening characteristics of the soil
being penetrated
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.):
 Free-hanging weight – the
overall weight of the
hammer, in combination
with it’s frequency &
driving force, helps to drive
the pile.
 Bias weights can be added
to the hammer in cases
where soils are considered
marginal to vibratory
driving
MKT V-22 with bias weight
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.)
 In order to effectively drive a pile, work must
be done. To do work, force must be
exerted through a given distance. In a
vibratory hammer, this force is generated
through the rotating eccentrics. This is also
known as centrifugal force.
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.):
 The eccentrics of a vibratory hammer are attached
to a shaft, and are mounted in pairs opposite one
another, on a horizontal plane inside the gearbox.
The pinion shaft(s) are connected to a hydraulic
motor/motors mounted to the outside of the gear
box. As the eccentrics rotate in opposite
directions, their horizontal forces cancel one
another out, leaving only vertical vibration (see
following diagram)
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.):
Position # 1
Position # 2
Position # 3
Position # 4
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.):
 By virtue of being firmly clamped to the pile, the
vertical vibration created in the gearbox by the
rotating eccentrics is transmitted into the pile being
driven.
 The vibrations exerted through the pile and then
into the soil cause a process referred to as soil
liquefaction. This occurs when the loose, granular
particles in the soil become loose & jumbled, or
liquefied. The shearing action created by the
vibration of the pile coupled with the combined
weight of the hammer & pile allows for the pile to
be driven through the “liquefied” soil.
How a vibratory driver / extractor
system works (cont.):
 The upward vertical vibrations created by the rotating eccentrics in the
hammer are absorbed by the hammer’s suspension assembly, or
suppressor assembly. This assembly contains a number of rubber
elastomers, which absorb the vibrations imparted by the hammer and
prevent damage to the crane boom.
 The elastomers should be periodically inspected when hammer is
being used regularly. They can break, or “pop”, in hard driving
conditions
3.) Vibratory Hammer Set-Up
 1.) Be sure that hydraulic power unit is set on level
ground
MKT HP-700 power unit
Vibratory Hammer Set-up (cont.)
 2.) Connect hydraulic
hose bundle to power
unit (quick couplers
have the plug &
couplers alternately
matched to prevent
incorrect hose
connection).
MKT Quick Disconnects
Vibratory Hammer Set-up (cont.):
 Wipe & clean all connectors & couplers prior
to connection in order to prevent system
contamination -- can use simple diesel fuel
 Take great care not to damage hose bundle
by kinking, cutting, running over, etc.
 After use make sure to wipe clean &
plug/cap all connectors
Vibratory Hammer Set-up (cont.):
 Check all fluid levels in
engine prior to start-up
Check radiator fluid level
Check engine oil
Vibratory Hammer Set-up (cont.)
 Check level of
hydraulic fluid in
reservoir to make sure
it is not below the
inspection gauge
 Check oil level in
pump-drive
Hydraulic reservoir
Pump drive
Vibratory Hammer Set-up (cont.):
 With the hammer level
and in the vertical
position, check exciter
housing lubrication oil
via sight glass on
hammer.
 Oil level should not be
allowed to drop below
halfway in sight glass
Vibratory Hammer Set-up (cont.):
 If reconnecting hydraulic
lines, lift hammer in
vertical position. Bleed
clamp cylinder of any
excess air that may have
become trapped in the
system. First make sure
clamp is completely
closed, in order to maintain
pressure. Then bleed
clamp via Allen wrench, as
shown in picture on bottom
right. Bleed clamp until
fluid runs clear.
Close clamp completely
Bleed clamp using Allen wrench
Cold Weather Vibro Set-Up / Start-Up
4.) Vibratory Hammer Operation
 1.) Prior to driving or extracting, make sure top of pile is
flush with bottom of inside of clamp housing. Failure to do
so can cause unnatural stresses on jaws and clamp
assembly resulting in potential failure of jaws and/or clamp
components & system
Vibratory Hammer Operation (cont.)
 Close jaws via clampclose switch on either
remote pendant, or
control panel. Pilot
operated check-valves
ensure jaws remain
locked in place until
powered in the other
direction
Vibratory Hammer Operation (cont.)
 Piles are driven by
completely relaxing the
hoist line once the
hammer is properly
clamped to the pile,
and the vibration of the
hammer is started
MKT V-52 driving sheets
Vibratory Hammer Operation (cont.)
 When a pile can be driven no further due to an
overload of the pile/soil system, the frequency of
the hammer will noticeably slow down
 If pile can be driven no further due to striking an
impenetrable object, there will be a considerable
drop-off in drive pressure and exciter will “dance”
in place. To continue driving, object must be
removed, or alternate method of driving must be
selected (ex. impact hammer )
Vibratory Hammer Operation (cont.):
 Piles are extracted by tensioning the hoist
line, while hammer is vibrating. Pulling
capacity is limited by rating of suspension
assembly and tensile strength of pile.
 2nd crane line should be attached to
adjacent pile (dead man) and drawn tight as
a precautionary measure against sudden
loss of load
5.) Service & Maintenance
 Vibratory hammers should be inspected regularly to keep
in good operating condition.
 Proper maintenance begins w/ cleanliness. Make sure no
foreign material enters hydraulic fluid circuit.
 All filters should be changed after initial (50) hours of
operating time on new hammers. During normal operation
these filters should be changed after every 200 hrs, or at
least twice per year. On larger units (V-22, V-52), pump
drive fluid should be changed approx every 500 hrs.
 Change exciter case oil after approx. 50 hrs drive time, or
as needed
 Hydraulic fluid should be maintained at all times. Make
sure all hydraulic hose connections are tight & leak-free.
Service & Maintenance (cont.)
 Check hydraulic fluid level on tank before and during
operation. Do not operate if fluid level registers below
inspection gauge.
 In normal, safe operation of MKT vibratory system,
hydraulic fluid temperatures should remain in range of 115
degrees Farenheit to 165 degrees farenheit.
 If hydraulic oil temperature becomes excessive (above 180
degrees), stop operation and consult w/ factory or nearest
MKT factory authorized servicing distributor
Service & Maintenance (cont.)
 MKT vibratory drivers / extractors typicallly uses a
petroleum base gear oil, Shell Omala 220 or equivalent.
 If hammer is consistently being pushed beyond
recommended duty cycle, or if hammer is being operated
in excessively hot conditions, a synthetic alternative is
available. Shell Omala 220 RL or equivalent.
 Our experience shows the synthetic oil reduces the
hammer’s operating temperature by 15-20 degrees. In
addition, the synthetic alternative offers superior corrosion
protection, improved oxidation, and thermal stability
Service & Maintenance (cont.)
 Warning: Do not start power unit if main pump has been
inactive for a long time w/o first checking to make sure
pump is full of oil. This will prevent the starting of the pump
w/o the proper lubrication, which can potentially cause
pump damage. To check the main pump remove the drain
hose and visually inspect to determine there is the proper
amount of oil. If oil must be added, extreme care must be
taken to ensure cleanliness of oil, so as not to contaminate
entire system. MKT recommends the oil being introduced
to system pass through a 10 micron filter.
Service & Maintenance (cont.)
 After start-up & operation of the hammer, check the
following:
 Inspect lines for hydraulic leaks
 Inspect oil seal areas in pump drive & control valves for
leaks
 Allow hydraulic oil temp to rise slightly above pour temp
(preferably 30 degrees or more) before starting the
hammer
 Before attaching to pile, open & close clamp jaws to ensure
proper function
 Be sure hydraulic lines are free of kinks and they hang
uniformly
 Always maintain a close check on lifting cable to ensure
integrity
6.) Safety (general)
 Virtually all jobsite accidents that involve product
operation, maintenance, and repair are caused by
failure to follow fundamental safety rules or
precautions. Accidents can often be avoided by
identifying potentially unsafe situations before an
accident occurs. Be cognizant of your
surroundings and alert to potential hazards.
Those operating the equipment should have the
necessary training, tools, and skills to do so.
Safety (cont.)
 Do not operate or perform any lubrication, maintenance, or repair on
this equipment until you have read and understand the applicable
information in the Operation & Maintenance manual.
 The information, specifications, and illustrations in the manuals are
based on information available at the time it was written. The specs,
torques, pressures, measurements, adjustments, illustrations, and
other items can and do change at any time. These changes can effect
the performance and service given to the product. Obtain the latest
and most complete information about the product to be used prior to
job start-up. MKT Manufacturing, Inc & MKT distributors have the most
current information available.
Safety (cont.)
 Use caution when removing filler caps, grease fittings,
pressure taps, breathers or drain plugs. Hold a rag over
the cap or plug to prevent being sprayed or splashed by
hot liquids under pressure.
 Always wear hard hat, protective glasses, hearing
protection, and other protective equipment as required.
 Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing or jewelry that can get
caught on controls or other parts of equipment.
 Make certain all protective guards & covers are in place
 Use all cleaning solutions w/ care.
 Report all needed repairs.
Safety (maintenance)
 To properly service the equipment, stop the hammer or drill, & engine.
 Disconnect battery whenever performing any maintenance or before
servicing the electrical system. If engine has electric starters,
disconnect and protect the battery ground leads to prevent accidental
start-up
 NEVER attempt any repairs or adjustments to the engine or hammer
while it is running.
 Do not attempt repairs or adjustment you do not understand. Call the
factory! Use proper tools: replace or repair broken or damaged
 If applicable, block or restrain the equipment before performing
maintenance.
 Do not adjust, or set, hydraulic pressures. Contact MKT to have a
factory trained technician perform this work.
Safety: Pressurized Air & Water
 Pressurized air or water can cause personal injury. When
using pressurized air or water for cleaning, wear protective
face shield, protective clothing, and protective shoes.
 The maximum air pressure must be below 30 psi, and
maximum water pressure must be below 40 psi for
cleaning purposes.
Safety: Fluid Penetration
 Wear eye protection at all times when cleaning the cooling system.
Pressurized water could cause debris and/or hot water to be blown,
and result in personal injury.
 Always use a board or cardboard when checking for a leak. Fluid
escaping under pressure, even through a pin-hole size leak, can
penetrate body tissue, causing serious injury or death.
 Hot liquids coming into contact with skin can cause severe burns.
 If fluid is injected directly onto your skin, it must be treated by a doctor
familiar with this type of injury immediately.
Safety: Hoses, Lines, & Tubes
 Do not pull on, or attempt to move equipment, with hydraulic hoses.
Move power unit closer to work if hoses do not reach.
 Replace any damaged or kinked hoses immediately. Failure to do so
could result in personal injury or death.
 Do not lift, or support, hydraulic hoses w/ wire-rope slings.
 Do not attempt to pull out kinks in hydraulic hoses. Kinks can reduce
the hose safety factor by up to 50%.
 Do not bend or strike high-pressure lines. Do not install bent or
damaged lines, tubes, or hoses.
Safety: Hoses, Lines, & Tubes
(Cont.)
 Inspect all lines, tubes, and hoses carefully. Do not use bare hands to
check for leaks….wear protective gloves. Tighten all connections to
factory recommended torque.
 Repair any loose or damaged fuel and oil lines, tubes or hoses prior to
equipment start-up. Leaks can cause fire and/or injury.
 Make sure that all clamps, guards, and heat shields are installed
correctly to prevent vibration, rubbing against other parts, and
excessive heat during operation.
 Do not allow hot oil to come into contact with skin, as it can cause
severe burning and/or personal injury.
Safety: Hoses, Lines, & Tubes
(cont.)
 Before equipment start-up, check all lines, hoses and tubes
for the following:
 1.) End fittings damaged, leaking, or displaced
 2.) Outer covering chafed or cut, and/or broken wires
 3.) Outer covering ballooning locally
 4.) Evidence of kinking or crushing
Safety: Fire or Explosion Prevention
 All fuels, most lubricants, hydraulic oil, and some coolant mixtures are
flammable. Diesel fuel & gasoline are obviously flammable. Mixing
diesel and gasoline can be EXTREMELY explosive.
 Do not weld or flame-cut on pipes or tubes that contain flammable
fluids. Clean them thoroughly with nonflammable solvent before
working on them.
 Clean and tighten all electrical connections. Check regularly for loose
or frayed electrical wires. Refer to maintenance schedules for
intervals. Replace, repair, and / or tighten all loose or frayed electrical
wires prior to equipment start-up.
 Wiring must be kept in good condition, properly routed, and firmly
attached. Routinely inspect wiring for wear or deterioration. All wires
and cables must be of the recommended gauge and fused.
 Always have a fire extinguisher available. Keep it inspected & serviced
Safety: Crushing or Cutting
Prevention
 Make sure equipment and attachments are properly supported when
working underneath them.
 NEVER attempt adjustments while the engine is running unless
otherwise specified in the equipment manual.
 Stay clear of all rotating and moving parts. Guards should be in place
whenever maintenance is not being performed.
 Keep hands away from all hydraulic clamps once equipment is turned
on.
 Keep objects away from fan blades. They will throw or cut any object
or tool that falls or is pushed into them.
 Wear protective glasses when striking objects to avoid eye injury
 Wear hearing protection while equipment is in operation.
Safety: Mounting & Dismounting
 Prior to mounting hammer, and before each lift, operator
must review excavator/crane lifting capacity to determine
weight of equipment is within the rated lifting capacity of
the crane/excavator.
 Do not climb on, or jump off the equipment or stand on
components that cannot support your weight. Use an
adequate ladder. Always use steps and handholds when
mounting / dismounting.
Before Starting Hammer or Drill
 Make sure that all lifting equipment, including cranes, wire ropes,
slings, hooks, shackles, etc., are properly sized for the worst case
loads anticipated during operations. Check wire rope slings for
tightness, and wire ropes for wear daily.
 If you have any questions about weights, specifications, or
performance of the hammer or drill, contact MKT prior to start-up
 NEVER attempt to connect to quick-disconnect couplers while the
power unit is running.
 Make sure that all ground vibrations will not damage adjacent
structures or excavations.
 Make sure no one is working on or close to the equipment prior to startup
Hammer and/or Drill Operation
 Only well-trained and experienced personnel should attempt to operate
or maintain this equipment.
 Do not stand any closer to equipment than necessary when it’s in
operation. Parts may loosen and fall. Piling may shatter or break.
 Do not operate the hammer, crane boom, piles, leads, wire rope and
other equipment within 15’ of electrical power lines, transformers and
other electrical equipment, or within such distance as required by
applicable safety codes.
 Do not side-load crane boom or hammer. Dangerous crane boom or
hammer damage may result. Always be sure that crane boom is
aligned w/ center line of the pile.
Hammer and / or Drill Operation
 Always use the pile handling / safety line to attach the pile
to the hammer. This way, should the clamps suddenly lose
hydraulic pressure, the pile will not fall to the ground.
 Leave the pile handling / safety line attached to the pile at
all times until it is firmly stuck in the ground.
7.) Hammer Selection & Soils
Analysis
 In order to accurately select a hammer for a
given project, a basic understanding of both
the hammer and soil system are necessary.
However, this is not an exact science, and
several factors should be taken into
consideration. Successful pile-driving with a
vibratory hammer is contingent on good
knowledge of the site & soil conditions
Hammer Selection & Soils Analysis
(cont.):
 Analyze available soils information – read
any and all available soils reports on the
project. Important areas of concern on
these reports include the blow count (also
referred to a “N” value, or “SPT”), moisture
content, type of soil, profile of pile to be
driven, pile layout, etc.
Hammer Selection & Soils Analysis
(cont.): see attached
 The “N” value, or blow
count, refers to the # of
times it takes to drive an
open-ended, hollow tube
through 18” of material,
using a 140lb drop
hammer. The tube itself is
referred to as a split-spoon
sampler. The first 6” of
soil are considered
“disturbed” during this type
of testing, and are thusly
disregarded. The final 12”
are collected and
analyzed.
Hammer Selection & Soils Analysis
(cont.):
 Using the formula discussed earlier,
calculate the hammer’s amplitude when
clamped to the pile. Then compare /
contrast this to any available soils analysis,
project and / or pile info, etc.
amplitude (inches) = (eccentric moment / vibrating mass) X 2
Soils Analysis (cont.)
 Please see memory stick for soils reports.
Sheet Pile-Driving: Techniques
 Every precaution should be taken to select the
proper type of pile, and to install them safely and
effectively.
 When driving a sheet wall, take time to ensure the
first pile is driven accurately, vertically, and / or
plumb. It’s then much easier for subsequent piles
to be interlocked with the first pile, which acts as a
guide for the remainder of the wall.
 In general, sheets should be driven at a rate of 1
foot per minute or more, in order to prevent
overdriving and potential damage to both the
sheet pile and the hammer
Sheet Pile-Driving: Techniques
 1.) Set & Drive
Method: The simplest
way of driving a sheet
wall. Each sheet pile
is driven to it’s full
depth before setting
the next pile. Can only
be utilized as an
effective installation
method in loose soils
w/ short pilings
Sheet Pile-Driving: Techniques
 2.) Panel Driving Method: Helps ensure good verticality & alignment.
Minimizes risk of installation difficulties by driving out of interlock. Drive
1st set of sheets fully, then set the next 3 sets. Once those pairs are
set, fully drive the final pair. Then drive remainder of panel, working
backwards towards the 1st pair. The last pair of the first panel becomes
the 1st pair of the 2nd panel. Because the whole panel has been set,
it’s unnecessary to drive all piling fully in order to continue operations.
If obstructions are encountered, individual pilings can be left high
without fear of disruption to progress of setting the wall
Sheet Pile-Driving: Techniques
 3.) Staggered Driving –
Preferred method in
difficult soil conditions.
Pilings are installed using
a template, then driven in
short steps. If soils are
very dense, piles can be
reinforced using pile
shoes, or pile tips. If
driving slows to less than 1
foot per minute, a larger
hammer (if possible) or
alternate method of driving
is strongly recommended.
Sheet Pile-Driving: Cofferdams
 1.) Panel-driving method (rectangular): Before
driving commences adjacent to a corner pile,
make sure the crane has sufficient reach to enable
each pile to be interlocked into the previously set
pile. Working around the perimeter, the final and
closing panel (which should include a corner pile),
must be set & interlocked with the partly driven 1st
pair of pilings. This ensures closure of the
cofferdam.
Sheet Pile-Driving: Cofferdams
 2.) Set & Drive Method (rectangular): Piledriving operations should start & stop at (5)
double pilings from the final corner. Closure
of the cofferdam is achieved by adjusting
the alignment of the wall either inwards or
outwards to suit the dimension of the pilings
being used. It’s important to maintain
verticality of the pilings in order that they can
be properly & safely interlocked
Sheet Pile Driving: Cofferdams
 3.) Driving Circular Cofferdams: For small
cofferdams, when possible, set & interlock all
pilings around a driving template prior to driving
them to their full depth. Driving should progress in
stages using a short leading increment of one pile
to the adjoining pile. In large circular cofferdams,
verticality is usually maintained using panel-driving
techniques to facilitate closure of the cofferdam.
May also be necessary to re-arrange final panel by
increasing or reducing the radius of the cofferdam,
or by introducing a specially fabricated pile.