Control Box for Parmiter Post Driver

Frank-the-Wool

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
East Sussex
We have an elderly Parmiter contractor post driver which still works quite well. However the control box with the levers that control all the hydraulic rams have got very worn and sticky.
Anyone know if it is possible to get parts to revamp the box to keep it working for a few more years?

Or is it time to get a new knocker?
 

Mr Happy

Member
Location
Norwich
We have an elderly Parmiter contractor post driver which still works quite well. However the control box with the levers that control all the hydraulic rams have got very worn and sticky.
Anyone know if it is possible to get parts to revamp the box to keep it working for a few more years?

Or is it time to get a new knocker?
Quite possible that you can either get replacement parts or replace the spool valve. Depends on what parts are available and the cost. Have got any pictures of the item?
 

tinman

Member
Location
Ulster
im not familiar with the machine but when you say control box, are you on about a monoblock valve chest?
how many levers are on it?

pictures would be good?
 

Matt77

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
East Sussex
We have an elderly Parmiter contractor post driver which still works quite well. However the control box with the levers that control all the hydraulic rams have got very worn and sticky.
Anyone know if it is possible to get parts to revamp the box to keep it working for a few more years?

Or is it time to get a new knocker?
I reckon it’s time to get a new knocker on a 360 digger, I’m sure there’s a neighbour that would be interested in sharing ;)
 

David.

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
J11 M40
If it is a PPD200 with the electric controls you will be largely on your own, Robydome built the electronics but they were not much help to me when the microprocessor died.
@Pheasant Surprise was much more helpful and suggested a means to repair the thing, which I am about to do.
Under the joysticks are simply 4 microswitches, easily available to solder in, which may be all you need.
Failing that or D King, bypass the lot with a lever operated spool stack, but it will need to be 1/2 inch, will need 8 (I think) slices and will likely be 7 to 800 pounds.
I still think that is a goer if the knocker is otherwise tidy, bet a replacement is £8k all day long.
 

Bury the Trash

Member
Mixed Farmer
important thing is to make sure it will cope with high flow like that 3/4 one in the link..
.or else if using a smaller rated flow one... you could divert some flow if you have a flow divider / controller on the tractor.
or you can fit one inline with a t off to the return pipe ...but thats extra cost and hassle
that also depends on what knocker needs to work effieciently ..usually not too high a flow actually come to think of it...:unsure:


its a long intricate oilway for it to go through so bigger the better with modern tractor flow rates ….else things might get a little 'warm' ;)
 
Last edited:
If it is a PPD200 with the electric controls you will be largely on your own, Robydome built the electronics but they were not much help to me when the microprocessor died.
@Pheasant Surprise was much more helpful and suggested a means to repair the thing, which I am about to do.
Under the joysticks are simply 4 microswitches, easily available to solder in, which may be all you need.
Failing that or D King, bypass the lot with a lever operated spool stack, but it will need to be 1/2 inch, will need 8 (I think) slices and will likely be 7 to 800 pounds.
I still think that is a goer if the knocker is otherwise tidy, bet a replacement is £8k all day long.
Yep sorry David. I completely forgot, but I think I owe you some answers on something there. Thanks for the reminder.
 

David.

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
J11 M40
Yep sorry David. I completely forgot, but I think I owe you some answers on something there. Thanks for the reminder.
Dont owe me anything, I am already in debt to you for advice received.:)
If you could give me a link to some suitable resistors to put in line with the control relays I would appreciate it though.;)
 

David.

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
J11 M40
Are you sure that’s one block? Eight valves is awfully long.
I think this machine is the same as one I have borrowed locally; 2 independ hydraulic legs, boom telescope in out, boom crowd, boom left right, etc. Indeed about 8 services.
It is a big old valve bank but does sit neatly and conveniently to hand on the machine.
 

milkloss

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
East Sussex
I think this machine is the same as one I have borrowed locally; 2 independ hydraulic legs, boom telescope in out, boom crowd, boom left right, etc. Indeed about 8 services.
It is a big old valve bank but does sit neatly and conveniently to hand on the machine.

I just thought one solid block would have been more awkward to manufacture than say two four-valve chests bolted together.

Perhaps replacing some pins, bushes and lever linkage might give the old girl a few more years yet if they are replaceable?
 

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