Telescopic leader rigs are the most commonly used plant for installing sheet piles thanks to their performance with vibratory hammers and auger drive units. They can pitch, drive, and extract piles up to 22m long, and easily switch between driving, augering, and pressing, making them highly versatile. In augering mode, they can also install king posts. Different sizes and weights are available, each with a maximum pile handling height.

State-of-the-art technology and variable moment hammers minimise vibration during installation and extraction. Set-up times are under 30 minutes, and the tracked carrier system provides high mobility on all sites, with a retractable undercarriage for easier transport and access.

Side grip vibratory hammers provide the reach and access of an excavator for installing sheet piles or king posts. The ‘side grip’ function allows piles to be gripped from the side, enabling the excavator to pitch and drive piles up to 13m long.

These machines are suitable for specific ground conditions; however, by treating the ground prior to driving the piles (pre-augering) or by impact driving afterwards, ESS (CE) Ltd can, from years of experience, advise on the suitability of the rig in relation to anticipated ground conditions and any other environmental factors.

An MPU Presser is a hydraulic attachment used with a telescopic leader rig to install sheet piles without vibration. Instead of hammering or vibrating the piles into place, it applies steady hydraulic pressure to press them into the ground — making it ideal for vibration-sensitive sites or locations with strict noise and environmental restrictions.

Telescopic leader rigs are the most commonly used plant for installing sheet piles due to their performance with vibratory hammers, auger drive units, and pressing systems. They can pitch, drive, and extract piles up to 22m long, and switch easily between driving, augering, and pressing, making them highly versatile.

One of the original methods of installing sheet piles before advances in plant, this is now one of the least-used techniques in modern construction. Using spud piles with crosshead beams and walkways, a gate and frame system is set up, and a crane-suspended hammer is used to install and drive the piles while maintaining vertical alignment.

This method is typically chosen when limited or restricted access for plant is a key requirement. It is often used in marine, bridge, and infrastructure environments.

This state-of-the-art, silent pile press installs and extracts piles in highly sensitive locations. Its compact size makes it ideal for height-restricted sites, such as inside buildings or under bridges. It can press piles into most soil types; however, depending on stiffness or density, pre-augering or water jetting may be required.

After the first four piles are installed, the machine travels along them, using their reactionary force to press in the next pile instead of using a hammering or vibratory action. This results in minimal noise and vibration. Known as self-travelling, it operates without additional machinery, apart from a crane to lift each pile into the press chuck.