PD40 Torque Head
PD40 Torque Head
Single-speed torque heads
Digga’s single-speed screw pile torque heads are designed for installing ground screws and micro, or domestic screw piles with a maximum pile rating up to approximately 33,000 Nm. This powerful, entry-level drive is an economical solution for operators installing foundations for housing, patios, sheds, and similar structures. Equipped with a high-performance Digga/Danfoss Bell motor and a compact Digga planetary gearbox, it delivers the reliable power and efficiency expected from a Digga drive.
To protect your investment, the drive features Digga’s patented Energy Control Valve (ECV), which prevents pile kickback caused by rapid oil decompression. This innovation reduces stress on internal components, extends the drive’s lifespan, and ensures long-term performance.
Speeds
Halo Alignment System
Machine Suitability
Optimum Torque Range
Ideal Application
Warranty
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Specifications
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Operator's Manuals
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About Torque Heads
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FAQs
Features
Efficient. Danfoss bell motor.
Compact & Powerful. This drive is both incredibly compact and remarkably powerful, delivering exceptional performance and impressive output torque for its size, ensuring optimal efficiency and reliability for demanding tasks.
Lifetime Shaft Pull-out Warranty. Equipped with in-house designed, & manufactured shaft locking nut, this system is guaranteed to prevent shaft pull-out.
Built Tough. Digga gearboxes are built to last, renowned for their quality, dependability, and a legacy of trusted performance spanning over four decades. Crafted with precision-machined gears, delivering outstanding performance, reliability, and an excellent return on investment.
Specifications
This single-speed torque head is ideally suited for up to 27 tonne machines and is designed for screw piling applications within a flow range of up to 230 lpm at 130 bar, with a 50 kW maximum combined hydraulic power output. For a more detailed look at the PD40 torque head, please refer to the specifications below. If you need further assistance, our knowledgeable sales team is ready to help with quotes, orders, product details, and general inquiries—don’t hesitate to reach out.
Specifications
| Machine Size Suitability | Up to 27 tonnes |
| Recommended Flow | Up to 230 lpm |
| Nominal Torque | 33,041 Nm |
| Pressure Valve | Included |
| Energy Control Valve | Included |
| Case Drain Recommended | Not Required |
Build Information
| Overall Length | 1152 mm |
| Diameter | 355 mm |
| Weight (Without Frame) | 300 kg |
| Standard Output Shaft | 100 mm Square |
| Maximum Pressure | 240 bar at 130 lpm |
| Maximum Flow | 230 lpm at 130 bar |
| Maximum Power | 50 kW (67 hp) |
| Swing Control | Optional |
| Diggalign | Optional |
| Halo Available | Optional |
Torque / Speed Charts
Torque chart (Nm)
| Pressure (bar) | Output Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|
| 120 | 16,455 |
| 140 | 19,197 |
| 160 | 21,939 |
| 180 | 24,682 |
| 200 | 27,424 |
| 220 | 30,167 |
| 240 | 32,909 |
Speed chart (RPM)
| Flow (lpm) | Output Speed (rpm) |
|---|---|
| 120 | 14 |
| 130 | 15 |
| 140 | 16 |
| 150 | 17 |
| 160 | 19 |
| 170 | 20 |
| 180 | 21 |
| 190 | 22 |
| 200 | 23 |
| 210 | 24 |
| 220 | 25 |
| 230 | 27 |
Output speed and torque specifications are theoretical. Speed and torque outputs are dependent on overall system efficiencies associated with the prime mover's hydraulic system. This information should be used for comparative purposes only. When determining criteria, application-specific information is required. please contact DIGGA.
Mounts
Frames
The frame is the connector between parent machine attachment. Digga manufactures hitches and frames for most skid steer loaders, backhoes, tele-handers and mini machines. Our frames feature a slide cradle which allows the user to offset the attachment mounted on the frame, enabling trenching and drilling close to structures.
Hitches
As with frames, hitches are also connectors used between the parent machine and attachment. Digga manufactures a range of hitches up to 90 tonne excavators. Configurations include single pin, double pin, fixed, loose pin, and the Digga-developed Ryno hitch for larger drives.
Ryno Hitch
Digga’s Ryno Hitch was designed to make it easier to connect large augers and anchors onto a drive unit. Using a Ryno Hitch will eliminate the costly need for a crane to connect screw anchor tools to your ausger drive or screw anchor drive.
Specifically designed to handle the torsional loads of screw anchors and screw piling, the Ryno Hitch allows the operator to cradle the drive unit up to a 90 degree angle for easy connection to augers or screw anchors. It suits Supa Drives, Mega Drives, Ultra Drives, and Xtreme Drives (4,000 Nm – 500,000 Nm).
Accessories
Energy Control Valve (ECV)
Digga’s Energy Control Valve (ECV) protects hydraulic motors during screw piling by controlling rotational energy kickback, preventing motor damage and costly repairs. It easily converts any Digga PD drive into a dedicated screw anchor drive and is standard on all Digga anchor drives. Ideal for screw piling and anchoring.
2 Way Flow Reversal Valve
Digga’s 2-Way Flow Reversal Valve converts a single-flow hammer circuit into bi-directional flow, enabling forward and reverse control for auger drives and other attachments using a 12 or 24-volt signal. Integrated valves bolt to Digga top port motors for enhanced protection and fit models from PD4HF to PD10HF and PD12 to PD50. External valves mount on the host machine, allowing two-way control for up to 115 lpm or 300 lpm flow, and are compatible with non-Digga motors and other attachments.
Pressure Differential Gauge
Differential Pressure Gauge uses transduces located within the drive unit to calculate actual pressure received to the power head. The calculation is achieved by measuring the pressure from the feed line and subtracting the back pressure in the return line.
The differential pressure is then displayed in the operator’s cab. The operator can cross reference the displayed figure with the supplied torque chart to determine the theoretical output torque of the drive unit. To suit anchor drives (6,000 to 500,000 Nm).
Torque Hub
The Torque Hub measures actual live torque generated by the drive unit by way of a load cell. This converts the mechanical force into digital values that the operator can read and record through the wireless 178 mm display. The display is connected via WiFi for a more reliable connection.
The Torque Hub is over 99 % accurate, it also shows the inclination of the pile and allows the operator to manually add pile depth. The data is stored internally and can be exported by the operator to produce pile reports for engineers. To suit anchor drives (13,000 to 95,500Nm) with 75 mm or 100 mm Square shafts sizes.
Torque Spool
Utilising the same technology as the Torque Hub, the Torque Spool has the load cell located between two flanges. This allows the operator to change the unit between different size output shafts and different drive tools avoiding adaptors and the need for multiple units.
The Spool uses the same 178 mm display as the Torque Hub which is also connected via WiFi for a more reliable connection. The Torque Spool is1 over 99 % accurate, it also shows the inclination of the pile and allows the operator to manually add pile depth. The data is stored internally and can be exported by the operator to produce pile reports for engineers. To suit anchor drives (110,000 to 500,000 Nm).
Swing Control System (SCS)
Digga’s Auger Drive and Swing Control System reduces unwanted movement by using grease-filled dampening cylinders, improving control and safety without extra hydraulics. It enhances efficiency, allows for faster operation, and can be retrofitted to most Digga auger drives. The patented design offers adjustable dampening for smooth, safe operation.
Diggalign
The Diggalign Inclinometer ensures precise alignment for drilling, screw piling, and core barrelling. Available in standard (2 °) or high-definition (0.5 °) increments, it’s suitable for all machinery and can be retrofitted to existing drives. It highlights misalignment and improves efficiency, working with both 12V and 24V systems.
HALO
HALO is an easy-to-use alignment system built into the drive unit’s hood ring. It uses LED lights to show the operator if the unit is plumb. When the lights turn green, the drive unit is aligned. If it moves, a red and green light sequence guides the operator back to the correct position. Currently available for Digga PDD-PD50 drive units.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT TORQUE HEADS
From understanding the different types of torque heads available, to learning about components and maintenance, we hope you find this information helpful.
Torque Measuring Systems
Digga offers a range of torque measuring solutions which are operator friendly and easy to install to ensure the correct torque specifications are met and accurate data recorded every time.
Track every turn.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you sell screw piles?
Digga does not manufacture Screw Piles. Screw Piles are designed and manufactured to meet specific engineered foundation requirements. As such a screw pile is required to be a certified foundation pile to meet the stringent building codes of most countries worldwide.
Digga’s forte lies in the manufacture of the Hydraulic Drive Tool for the effective installation of the screw Pile to meet with the specific torque requirements of the individual screw pile. These torque requirements can be from as low as 1000 Nm up to a massive torque requirement of 500,000 Nm. Digga has a drive head to meet all your torque requirements.
How do I install screw piles?
A screw-pile comprises a circular hollow section of steel shaft with one or more helical plates welded near to the end of it. The size of the shaft (diameter, wall thickness and length), combined with the size and placement of the helical plate are Engineer designed to take full advantage of the available soil capacity. Screw-piles are screwed into the ground like a self-tapping screw using rotary hydraulics, namely DIGGA SCREW/ANCHOR DRIVES, attached to earthmoving equipment to a specified torque capacity and a depth as directed by a certified foundation engineer.
Why do I need an ECV (Energy Control Valve), aka, Swoosh Valve
Digga torque head unit's output torque is used to screw the pile into the ground. As the anchor reaches the desired compression torque or depth the operator stops. At this point the pile (or anchor) is under load.
When the operator stops, the load is trying to spin the pile backwards. While the anchor is only tensioned to say a ¼ or ½ a turn when it releases it does so in under 1/10 of a second. This motion can have dire effects on both the gearbox and the motor as it sends reverse energy back up into the drive unit. This motion effectively turns the reduction gearbox into a multiplier, essentially turning the hydraulic motor into a pump.
Swoosh Control (ECV) was designed to relieve the kick/flick back motion of the pile on the drive head. Basically, it prevents a pile of kickback/flick back by controlling the release of oil to the low-pressure side of the motor. The added benefit of the design is that it does not reduce the power available to the drive when the drive is installing the anchor. Its name came about as when the valve is working you can hear the controlled release of oil. A very gentle Swooossshhhhh... sound is heard.
When is a Swoosh Valve (ECV Valve) needed on an anchor drive?
Swoosh (ECV) is required for all drives used installing screw piles from PD4HF – PD50 to maintain a full gearbox and motor warranty (3 yr Gearbox & 2 yr Motor).
Should you be installing screw piles with a torque requirement up to 16,000 Nm and do not have an ECV fitted you will have limited warranty (2 yr Gearbox & 1 yr Motor).
Using drive units without ECV for installing screw piles with an installation torque requirement of greater than 16,000 Nm will have NO WARRANTY for Gearbox or Motor.
What size torque head do I need for screw piling or screw anchoring?
This will be determined by the maximum torque requirement of the specific screw piles that will be installed at the site in question. This in turn will be specified by the foundation engineer who has designed and designated the exact dimension, installation and torque requirement for this job site.
What size machine is needed for screw anchoring - Does size matter?
This will be determined by the maximum torque requirement of the specific screw piles that will be installed at the site in question. This in turn will be specified by the foundation engineer who has designed and designated the exact dimension, installation and torque requirement for this job site.
Does rpm speed change when I use larger drive units with more torque?
Dependent on the available flow and pressure available from the parent machine there will be a variation in the rpm speed of a smaller drive to a larger drive.
e.g. With the same parent machine with flow 200 lpm fitted with an SD45 would have 17 rpm at maximum torque, as opposed to same machine with same flow fitted with an SD95 would have 8 rpm at maximum torque. So, a definite flow decrease the larger the torque head.
It is worth noting, speed (rpm) is dependent on Flow (lpm). Power (Nm) depends on pressure (bar).
What is kW and why does it matter?
Every hydraulic motor fixed to a planetary gearbox has a listed maximum power (kW) rating. Exceeding this rating will cause motor damage and failure.
Power is created by combining pressure and flow. You may increase pressure while reducing flow, or increase flow while reducing pressure – maximise both simultaneously may exceed the motor's safe operating limits. The kW Power can be calculated with the following formula (kW) = Flow (litres/minute) × Pressure (bar) ÷ 600.
Operating outside the rated kW will cause:
- Excessive heat buildup, degrading hydraulic fluid
- Internal seal and shaft damage
- Motor seizure and failure
- Costly downtime and replacement
Can a torque head for screw anchors be used for auger drilling as well?
Yes, all torque heads are capable of use in screw piling and also as an auger drive. Larger torque heads with higher torque capabilities will be limited by the rpm that will satisfy your drilling requirements.
Can my 1.7 tonne machine install screw piles?
Yes, but the size of the screw pile would be limited by the amount of torque required, so that the machine is not compromised and is not at risk of boom failure or machine tipping. For safety factors, It is advised to confirm with the machine supplier for the machine in question.
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