Skip to main content
Anteprima. Sito in manutenzione per il pubblico. Stai vedendo la versione completa con il tuo cookie di anteprima.
Green hydraulic rotary drive on the arm of a mini excavator, with a T-Block ground screw attached, coming down on the point marked by cones in the arena of the Circolo Ippico Sette Colli in Rome.

How it works · Installation method

Installation with an excavator and rotary drive

A hydraulic rotary drive is fitted to the arm of the mini excavator: the machine turns the T-Block and guides it into the ground, while an operator on foot keeps it on the mark. It is the method for jobs with many points and for the largest T-Block models.

When to use it

The hydraulic drive is needed for the series that can no longer be installed by hand or with the power driver: T10 and T15. It is also used on large jobs, when there are many points to install.

  • Timber structures and housing modules on a platform
  • Equestrian arenas, sports grounds, event structures
  • Small wind turbines and tall supports
  • Road signage
  • Jobs with many points to install

What you need

Between the rotary drive and the T-Block you need a three-piece adapter: the machine-side socket, the coupler and the socket that matches the T-Block head, given on the model data sheet.

The adapter

The 50 mm socket fits the output of the rotary drive; the PMBB coupler joins it, back to back, to the 1" socket that takes the T-Block head.

For headless T-Block models for a Ø60 post

The temporary hexagon interface slides into the top of the T-Block and takes the 60 mm socket. It comes off when installation is finished.

Step by step

  1. Rotating laser level on a tripod in the foreground, operator with the staff and mini excavator with rotary drive in a fenced grass area at Ca' della Nave.
    Ca' della Nave

    Step 1: Set out the points and levels

    With a rotating laser level, or a total station on more complex layouts, mark the points with pegs and fix the height of the heads.

  2. T-Block ground screws laid on the sand of an arena next to the cones marking the installation points.
    Circolo Ippico Sette Colli, Rome

    Step 2: Lay out the T-Block screws

    Each T-Block is laid next to its point, so the machine does not waste time looking for them.

  3. Step 3: Pilot hole, where the ground needs it

    In hard or stony ground, a pilot hole is opened first, with a rotary hammer or an auger: a small hole, not an excavation. In sand it is usually not needed.

  4. T-Block ground screw attached to the green rotary drive, lifted upright above the installation point marked by cones.
    Circolo Ippico Sette Colli, Rome
    Exploded view of the adapter: 50 mm machine-side socket, PMBB coupler and the socket for the T-Block head.
    The adapter

    Step 4: Attach the T-Block to the drive

    Fit the adapter to the rotary drive: machine-side socket, coupler and the socket that matches the T-Block head. Attach the T-Block, lift it, and the operator on foot guides its tip onto the mark.

  5. The T-Block ground screw going into the arena sand under the rotary drive, with the helix still visible.
    Circolo Ippico Sette Colli, Rome
    The green rotary drive taking the T-Block almost to full depth, with the operator on foot beside it.
    Circolo Ippico Sette Colli, Rome

    Step 5: Screw it in

    The drive turns the T-Block and the arm follows it down. The operator on foot checks that it stays vertical and signals to the machine operator.

  6. Operator holding the digital level against the shaft of the T-Block while it is still attached to the rotary drive.
    Circolo Ippico Sette Colli, Rome
    Flanged head of an installed T-Block at finished level in the grass, with the label on the shaft.
    Ca' della Nave

    Step 6: Check plumb and level

    A spirit level or inclinometer held against the shaft shows whether the T-Block is plumb; the head must reach the design height.

  7. Timber platform resting on T-Block ground screws, in a fenced area.
    Ca' della Nave
    Timber building under construction on the platform supported by T-Block ground screws.
    Ca' della Nave

    Step 7: Fix the structure

    The structure goes on the heads: a platform, a frame, a support. Work starts as soon as the T-Block screws are at level.

Caution

What not to do, what to watch out for

  • Keep the T-Block vertical from the first turn: the operator on foot guides the tip onto the mark and signals to the machine operator.
  • Fit the adapter complete: the PMBB coupler is the part that holds the machine-side socket and the head socket together.
Video hosted on YouTube: it only loads when you press play.

See it done

WindCity small wind turbines in Torbole, on Lake Garda: T-Block ground screws installed with a mini excavator, no concrete.

The other methods

Every stage of a job

Got a project?

Tell us what you need to install and where: we will help you choose the model and the installation method. The configurator suggests the T-Block series and quantity, starting from the application and the soil.

Contact us Open the configurator