Operating Instructions - Dawson EMV 550 Owner's Manual

PREPARATIONS - BEFORE DRIVING / EXTRACTING PILES
It is the excavator operator's responsibility to ensure that the equipment is functioning and performing
correctly and that the EMV method of piling is implemented efficiently.
In order to meet this responsibility please note the following points:
a. Bundles of sheet piles should be set out on the job site so as to minimise the amount of handling
and travelling required with the EMV.
b. Ensure that all piles have Ø40mm(Ø1½") holes cut in them approximately 250mm(10") down from
the top edge and central prior to commencement of the piling operation.
c. Allow the excavator engine to warm up, particularly in temperatures below minus 10°C and warm
the excavators hydraulic system by, for example, tracking backwards and forwards – this avoids the
EMV's blow-off valve spitting oil on initial start-up.
d. Before work commences slowly operate the bucket ram lever in both directions. It is particularly
important that the vibrator is allowed to run freely for approximately 30 seconds, this allows the
gearbox oil to reach all the necessary lubricating points.
e. Review section "Basic Safety Points" in this manual before starting work.
f. Review section "Daily Maintenance" before taking the equipment into service.
g. It is particularly important that you make sure that during a piling operation the vibrator is kept
directly above and in line with the pile, otherwise the piling energy is transferred to the excavator
arm and causes unnecessary wear and may lead to pile damage.
DRIVING PILES
a. Ensure that all safety procedures and maintenance has been carried out before starting the
excavator – see above.
b. Ensure that it is safe to move the dipper arm. Release the stand from the jaws of the vibrator by
operation of the retract bucket ram control function in the cab. Manoeuvre the vibrator above one
end of the pile to be pitched, so that there is enough distance to allow safe insertion of the lifting
chain through the hole at the top of the pile.
c. Manoeuvre the vibrator above one end of the pile to be pitched, so that there is enough distance to
allow safe insertion of the lifting chain through the hole at the top of the pile.
d. Check which way around the pile has to be lifted before inserting the lifting chain – was the
previous pile pitched left or right handed? Insert the lifting chain correctly (no twists, knots etc)
through the lifting hole in the pile and finally with the chain clamp. Allow enough free chain length
for the pile to rotate to vertical during the lifting process without jamming against the underside of
the clamp body. If this happens the chain will be overloaded, may subsequently break and allow
the pile to fall – this is a sever hazard to all site personnel and must be avoided at all times. Do not
allow too much chain so that the top of the pile hangs too far away from the clamp when it is raised
to the vertical – this will make it difficult to engage the pile in the clamp.
e. Clear all personnel standing in the
ground.
f. Lower the pile slowly so that the pile can be correctly inserted into the clamp. Once firmly inserted,
close the jaws.
g. Manoeuvre the pile to the insertion point and push the pile slowly into the ground. Plumb the pile
and ensure all personnel are out of the

operating instructions

High Risk Area and lift up the pile until it just hangs freely off the
High Risk Area.
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