Yc-8 Hydraulic Impact Pile Hammer Design Features And Advantages

For offshore pile driving, a hydraulic impact pile hammer（YC-8） converts cylinder force into controlled ram fall, delivering energy that diesel hammers cannot match at the same weight. The YC-8 produces 120 kNm from an 8,000 kg ram on a 1,500 mm stroke, at 30/100 bpm. Its 13-ton body suits crane-suspended marine work.

Core Advantages of the Hydraulic Impact Hammer

The hydraulic pile driving hammer separates lifting from striking. A cylinder raises the ram, a valve releases it, and gravity drives the blow. This split lets the operator set energy without changing hardware. A diesel hammer cannot adjust while running.

• Adjustable stroke from the cab or control panel

• Constant energy per blow across the drive

• No exhaust plume on deck

• Lower noise than a diesel unit of equal energy

How Stroke Control Beats Fixed-Energy Hammers

Layered seabed conditions change resistance across a single pile. A hydraulic impact hammer holds the chosen stroke through soft clay and dense sand alike. The operator shortens stroke over soft strata and lengthens it when refusal approaches.

1. Set short stroke for soft soil at the start.

2. Extend stroke as resistance rises.

3. Hold the setting through the final set.

4. Record blows per meter at each stroke setting.

YC-8 Specifications

The compact 1,190 mm by 976 mm footprint fits crowded barge decks where space between piles is tight. The 13-ton body allows crane suspension without a heavy-lift crane, and a diesel hammer of equal energy would weigh more.

Marine-Specific Design Features

The sealed hydraulic circuit holds pressure during salt spray exposure. Shut-off valves isolate the cylinder during transport and storage, keeping hydraulic fluid out of the water. The frame limits vibration transfer to the crane and to nearby pilings, which matters on platform work where an existing structure sits close to the new pile.

Installation Checks Before the First Lift

1. Confirm the pile cap matches the pile diameter.

2. Verify hose routing clears the barge edge during swing.

3. Check power pack output against hammer pressure demand.

4. Log stroke setting against soil resistance.

5. Record cycle count against the service interval.

Common Faults and Corrective Actions

•  Ram does not reach full stroke: check hydraulic pressure and valve timing

•  Blow rate drops under load: verify power pack flow against hammer demand

•  Oil leak at the cylinder: inspect seal kit and hose fittings

•  Pile head damage: shorten stroke or check cushion thickness

•  Vibration transfer to crane: verify frame dampers and suspension point

Matching the Hammer to Marine Project Conditions

A 120 kNm unit suits conductor pipe and smaller monopiles in shallow to medium water depth. Longer monopiles in dense sand need higher energy, so stroke stays at the upper setting through the final set. The 13-ton body keeps the crane within a lower capacity class, which reduces mobilization cost on barge-based work.

For offshore work, the YC-8 offshore pile driving hammer pairs with a 300P Hydraulic Power Pack to complete the drive system.

Operating Principle

The operating cycle consists of a few parts ram, cylinder, powerpack. It begins with the lifting part of hydraulic cylinder through the energy transmitted from the hydraulic power system. When the hammer ram lifted by the hydraulic cylinder reaches the preset stroke position, the part of piston automatically allows the ram to freely fall under the acceleration of gravity.

And then the hammer ram produces the hitting energy to complete the pile driving process. After impact, the cycle is repeated automatically.

Detailed Introduction

Product Features

ROBUST AND RELIABLE

Solid and simple frame design is the basis for a long working lifetime. Vibration and noise reduction levels are achieved through a special and innovative frame design. Optimal frame weight and balance guarantee high efficiency of the hammer.

STRONG BUT GENTLE

Accurate strokes and balanced hammer block acceleration prevent pile head damage and guarantee a long working lifetime of the hammer.

EASY CONTROL

The ingenious hydraulic and electrical system design allows the impact energy, blow rate and frequency to be easily adjusted according to soil conditions and pile type. YONGAN hammers can also be crane suspended. Different accessories make crane suspension an easy process.

YONGAN HAMMERS ARE GREEN

Hammers are equipped with shut-off valves which prevent oil leakages. Biodegradable oils can be used. All exhaust gas is filtered when YONGAN power packs are used.

NOISE REDUCTION

As a result of sustainable development for a safer and more efficient solution to reduce noise demands, YONGAN has improved structural solutions and accessories, including special drive caps, insulation skirts to significantly reduce noise pollution.

VERSATILITY AND SITES

YONGAN hammers can drive concrete piles, steel piles, straight piles, batter piles, and marine pilings. They are also fit for onshore, offshore, underwater and Wind Power base, bridge construction projects and adapted for all kinds of conditions 

Piling Project Example for YC-8 Hydraulic Impact Pile Driving Hammer Piling Hammer