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In 1887, Vulcan Iron Works manufactured and sold the first #1 hammer, the beginning of a long line of air/steam hammers. Today the Vulcan air/steam pile hammers represent more than a century of development, refinement, and improvement while still adhering to the basic concept of a hammer that is basically free of persistent breakdown, thus avoiding expensive and embarrassing delays. The result of all of this is the long standing reputation of the Vulcan air/steam hammer for reliability and pile driving capability.

Since the 1960's Vulcan's air/steam hammers can be classified in two basic ways:

  1. Application
    1. Onshore Hammers.  These hammers are intended for use in construction of land based and coastal structures.  Until the early 1970's they were all held together using column keys.  Their ram weights generally do not exceed 30,000 lbs..
    2. Offshore Hammers.  These hammers are of more rugged construction for use with stub leads to drive pipe piles for offshore oil and other structures.  Their ram weights start at 10,000 lbs. and go up to 300,000 lbs.
  2. Operating Principle
    1. Single-Acting Hammers.  These use an unassisted gravity drop to develop the striking energy of the hammer.  These are the most common.
    2. Differential-Acting Hammers.  These add a downward assist to the ram for higher energy in shorter strokes and higher blow rates.

To view information and specifications on the type of hammer you are interested in, use the box below.  Also included are the field service manuals for all the air/steam hammers and the wave equation properties as well.

Select Vulcan Hammer Type

Wave Equation Properties

One of the most important application of hammer specifications is the wave equation properties of the hammer.  We have furnished in Adobe Acrobat format wave equation data for most Vulcan hammers.  It is an excerpt from the WEAP86 manual, but is applicable to all wave equation programs.  Click here for more information on the wave equation for piles and free downloads of wave equation programs.  If you need these properties, select them using the box above.
 

This entire site Copyright © 1997-2001 Don C. Warrington.  Last Revision: May 30, 2001.  All rights reserved.
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The Fine Print

All of the information, data and computer software ("information") presented on this web site is for general information only. While every effort will be made to insure its accuracy, this information should not be used or relied on for any specific application without independent, competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy, suitability and applicability by a licensed professional. Anyone making use of this information does so at his or her own risk and assumes any and all liability resulting from such use. The entire risk as to quality or usability of the information contained within is with the reader. In no event will this web page or webmaster be held liable, nor does this web page or its webmaster provide insurance against liability, for any damages including lost profits, lost savings or any other incidental or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use the information contained within.

This site is not an official site of Vulcan Iron Works Inc..  All references to sources of equipment, parts, service or repairs do not constitute an endorsement.  Official information from Vulcan Iron Works should be obtained directly from the company itself.