TM 5-3810-307-10
Observe the following precautions during pile driving operation:
1.
Never leave the impact hammer unattended while in operation.
2.
Do not exceed the recommended pile driving criteria of 20 blows per inch (2.5 cm).
3.
Never adjust the height of the spotter below the horizontal position particularly
when working near the spare tire mount. Damage to the spare tire mount could
occur.
4.
When hoisting piles into position underneath the impact hammer, ground personnel
must stand at least the 1-1/2 times the length of the pile from the bottom of the lead
tower. The bottom of the pile can suddenly swing upwards after contacting the
direct drive assembly of the impact hammer.
5.
The crane operator must always monitor the load moment indicator (LMI) system
during operation of the Pile Driving System. The capacity of the crane, as
indicated by the LMI system, should never be exceeded during any operation.
6.
If the pile line (aux. hoist) remains connected to components during pile driving
operations (i.e. ground-release shackles are not used), simultaneously pay out the
pile line (aux. hoist) cable as load lowers. Do not allow tension to develop on pile
line (aux. hoist) during pile driving operations.
7.
While the impact hammer is driving a pile and traveling down the lead tower,
simultaneously pay out hammer line (main hoist) cable to maintain the hammer trip
assembly in the middle portion of the hammer trip track rails. Do not allow tension
to develop on hammer line (main hoist) during pile driving operations.
8.
Pile driving should be performed over the rear of the crane within a 120 degree arc
on either side of the crane.
HAND SIGNALS FOR PILE DRIVING OPERATIONS (REFER TO FIGURE H-11.)
All the conventional hand signals used for hydraulic crane operations are utilized during
operation of the Pile Driver System. Additional hand signals include for the raising and lowering
of the hammer line (main hoist), the raising and lowering of the pile line (aux. hoist), and
extension or retraction of the hydraulic spotter.
A decal illustrating crane signals and additional pile driving hand signals is attached to the
outside box of the spotter on the crane operator's left-hand side.
To raise or lower the pile line (aux. hoist), the signaler will touch their right elbow and indicate
either raising a load signal (index finger pointing up and twirling) or lowering the load (index
finger pointing down and twirling). To raise or lower the hammer line (main hoist), the signaler
will touch their hard hat and indicate either to raise or lower the load using the same index finger
motions.
To raise the hammer line (main hoist), pile line (aux. hoist), and lead tower together, the signaler
will extend both arms with the palms upward and motion in an upwards direction. To lower the
hammer line (main hoist), pile line (aux. hoist), and lead tower together, the signaler will extend
both arms with the palms downward and motion in a downwards direction.
To extend the hydraulic spotter, the signaler will put his right arm in front of them in view of the
operator and motion towards the crane operator with their palm facing the crane operator. To
retract the hydraulic spotter the signaler will put his right arm in front of them and motion
towards their body with the palm of their hand facing their body.
Change 1 H-29
