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High output heavy-duty post driver is latest fencing innovation from Bryce Suma
Bryce Suma have launched a heavy-duty post driver that can be operated by a medium size tractor. Jock Bryce of the Kelso-based manufacturer says that normally, Suma heavy-duty post drivers are carried on the rear three-point hitch and they require a sizeable tractor to keep the device secure and stable on site and whilst on the road.
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 12 October 2018 | 0 min read
“But not everyone has need of a 120-150hp tractor, so our new Suma TR400 is a trailed design that can be operated by a small tractor, whether new or quite elderly,” he explains. “As long as the tractor can summon up a 25-30 litres/min oil supply to operate the 400kg hammer at a sensible speed, then that’s all you need.”
The Suma TR400 has the same performance and operating features of a top-end tractor-mounted post driver but it has greater storage space for about 20 strainer posts 100 round or square fencing stakes or eight to 10 rolls of 100m net, plus barbed or plain wire. The chassis is the home for a secure chainsaw container plus other hand tools. There are also tool trays for fencing gear on the drawbar and adjacent to the hydraulic controls, and vertical slots for storing wooden support blocks to place beneath the two stabilising hydraulic jacks. These extend from the frame by the offside wheel and from the bottom of the mast as part of a package of hydraulic features that also provide mast side-shift and two-way vertical alignment. The operator can accurately position the mast for driving fence posts by using the back-shift and side-shift. There is also an integral hydraulic swing-around rock spike which is under patent. The design of the drawbar enables the chassis to be ‘jack-knifed’ up to 90 degrees to the tractor which allows it to tackle tight and awkward corners. The wheels are wide with large flotation tyres which give good stability and flotation when working on soft ground. As on all Bryce Suma post drivers, the mast on the new TR400 is a two-stage telescopic design that provides 3.6m of hammer drop to strike the steel cap that holds and protects the post. “The unique and patented auto tele mast provides the operator with a choice of any length of hammer stroke without having to make any adjustments to the mast itself,” explains Mr Bryce. “It also reduces overall height to avoid overhead cables or branches when working amongst trees, and also for transport when the mast is set at an angle to further reduce overall height and bring the weight inwards.” Other patented features include a greasing arrangement that allows both sides of the telescopic mast to be lubricated without the operator having to clamber on to the machine’s frame. The new machine has been tested on a modern 47hp utility tractor, a regular 60hp farm tractor and on mature two and four-wheel drive tractors, which can be fitted with an auxiliary tank and pto-driven h hydraulic pump if their built-in hydraulic system is inadequate. Jock Bryce comments: “This new post driver will suit a professional operator who wants the benefits of the TR400’s storage capacity in addition to its top-notch performance or someone wanting to upgrade to a high-output machine but does not have the budget for a big tractor to go with it.”
The Suma TR400 has the same performance and operating features of a top-end tractor-mounted post driver but it has greater storage space for about 20 strainer posts 100 round or square fencing stakes or eight to 10 rolls of 100m net, plus barbed or plain wire. The chassis is the home for a secure chainsaw container plus other hand tools. There are also tool trays for fencing gear on the drawbar and adjacent to the hydraulic controls, and vertical slots for storing wooden support blocks to place beneath the two stabilising hydraulic jacks. These extend from the frame by the offside wheel and from the bottom of the mast as part of a package of hydraulic features that also provide mast side-shift and two-way vertical alignment. The operator can accurately position the mast for driving fence posts by using the back-shift and side-shift. There is also an integral hydraulic swing-around rock spike which is under patent. The design of the drawbar enables the chassis to be ‘jack-knifed’ up to 90 degrees to the tractor which allows it to tackle tight and awkward corners. The wheels are wide with large flotation tyres which give good stability and flotation when working on soft ground. As on all Bryce Suma post drivers, the mast on the new TR400 is a two-stage telescopic design that provides 3.6m of hammer drop to strike the steel cap that holds and protects the post. “The unique and patented auto tele mast provides the operator with a choice of any length of hammer stroke without having to make any adjustments to the mast itself,” explains Mr Bryce. “It also reduces overall height to avoid overhead cables or branches when working amongst trees, and also for transport when the mast is set at an angle to further reduce overall height and bring the weight inwards.” Other patented features include a greasing arrangement that allows both sides of the telescopic mast to be lubricated without the operator having to clamber on to the machine’s frame. The new machine has been tested on a modern 47hp utility tractor, a regular 60hp farm tractor and on mature two and four-wheel drive tractors, which can be fitted with an auxiliary tank and pto-driven h hydraulic pump if their built-in hydraulic system is inadequate. Jock Bryce comments: “This new post driver will suit a professional operator who wants the benefits of the TR400’s storage capacity in addition to its top-notch performance or someone wanting to upgrade to a high-output machine but does not have the budget for a big tractor to go with it.”