The part of a post-driver that makes all the difference when it comes to how smooth it is to operate?The hydraulic valve bank.
Think of it as the heart of your post rammer. It’s like the command center for every movement the machine makes, and a high-quality valve unit makes the difference between a jerky machine, and one that's easy and smooth to operate. That’s why at FencePro, we developed a custom valve for our tractor mounted post drivers—making fencing faster, easier, and more precise.
Chances are you’ve come across a “bad” engine in your time—the sort that stutters, hesitates, or has dead space when you press the accelerator. When you switch to a high-quality engine, the change is instantly noticeable. It idles smoothly, responds instantly, and can cruise easily whether you’re going 50 kph or 100. It’s the same for a valve bank.
At FencePro, we were already using some of the best hydraulic valve banks available on the market in our post rammers and rural fencing equipment, but that wasn’t enough for us. We’re committed to being at the leading edge of post driver design and function. Our premium fencing gear uses smart engineering and we’re continuously making improvements.
So when our hydraulics team identified a way to improve usability, we did just that. Working closely with a leading Italian hydraulic manufacturer, we developed a custom-made hydraulic valve bank specifically designed for post driver use. The main difference between a cheaper valve and our custom-made version is that ours are progressive.
What is a progressive valve, and what are its benefits?
Think of a progressive valve like a blender. A cheap blender is either on or off. Whereas a quality one lets you control the speed progressively. A progressive valve works the same way—you precisely control how much oil is going through the hydraulic post rammer valves, and easily make small or large post driver movements depending on how much you pull/push the lever.
With a cheaper option, when you push/pull the lever to operate the hydraulic function, it’s either on or off, which can make it jerky to use. With a quality valve like the FencePro valves, the amount you pull or push the lever directly controls how much oil flows through the valve.
The result? Smooth, precise control. It makes all the difference to the usability and longevity of the machine. Whether you’re lining up a post on uneven ground or making a fine adjustment, you can easily and smoothly dial in exactly what you need and adjust the post rammer position with far greater precision, down to moving the post rammer by only a few millimetres. You finish the job faster, with less wear and tear on both the machine and your body. Fencing becomes easier, time is saved, and you become more efficient. It’s a win all round.
FAQs
Why should you choose a post-driver with a high-quality valve bank like the FencePro drivers?
The key benefit is that you get a much smoother machine to use. If during a fencing job you need to make a small adjustment or fine-tune your position, this can be done easily and accurately.
How many valve functions or levers do the FencePro machines have?
Depending on your requirements, our post-drivers can have anywhere from three valve functions/levers through to 15+.
Does a progressive valve help with machine longevity?
Yes, smooth, controlled movements reduce hydraulic shock and wear on the machine's components. Jerky, on/off operation puts far more stress on seals, hoses, and fittings over time. A progressive valve, like the ones in FencePro’s post drivers, means less wear and tear on your hydraulic post rammer, which translates to fewer repairs and a longer working life for your machine.
Does the quality of the valve bank affect driving speed?
Absolutely. Precise control means less time repositioning and correcting. When using a tractor mounted post driver, you can line up a post accurately on the first attempt, even on uneven terrain. That efficiency compounds across a full day's fencing, saving you significant time on large jobs.
Can I retrofit a progressive valve bank onto my existing post driver?
This depends on the machine. Contact the FencePro team or your nearest dealer to discuss whether an upgrade is possible for your current setup.
What hydraulic flow requirements does a FencePro post driver need from my tractor? FencePro post drivers are fitted with valve banks that are optimised to operate at 40 L/min oil flow.
Why did FencePro choose an Italian manufacturer for the custom valve?
Italy has a long-standing reputation for precision hydraulic engineering. Partnering with a leading Italian manufacturer gave FencePro access to the expertise and manufacturing quality needed to develop a quality, progressive valve built specifically around the demands of post driver use.
Where can I purchase a FencePro Rural Fencing Equipment?
You can find FencePro dealers throughout New Zealand. Find your nearest dealer here, or call us direct on 06 777 5366