Unlike a hydraulic pin press, you won’t spend $1,500 – $2,500 to build this track pin driver.
To set up the tool, just thread the required drill rod. A hydraulic pin press takes quite some time to install on the track and requires straps to keep it in the air.
Swapping the drill rods allows you to use it on most steel track sizes, and if you or your apprentice happen to hit and break the hose, you can just pop it off and put another one.
The hose dampens vibration, so the guy hanging on to it doesn’t feel it. You can play with the hose length to further customize the track pin driver.
The longer the hose you use, the less vibration, but the tool is more flexible and hard to wield. The shorter the hose, the more vibration, but it’s easier to wield.
In addition, this track pin driver is collapsible and easy to store.
What are the only “cons” to this tool? First, the drill rods will eventually mushroom and start to get chunks that’ll break off. So we highly recommend using safety glasses or a shield mask while wielding this track pin driver.
Second, for every 15 to 20 hits, you’ll have to retighten the drill rod and handle.