PDT50 Torque Head

Up to 39,000Nm - 2 Speed

Versatile 2-speed torque heads

Digga’s 2-speed screw pile torque heads provide the flexibility to install both small and large screw piles with a single unit, rated for installations up to 39,000Nm of torque. Start with high speed/low torque for quick positioning, then switch to low speed/high torque for secure installation. This efficiency reduces downtime, increases job speed, and minimises equipment wear. The simple 12V or 24V electrical connection comes with optional joystick switches, floor-mounted switches, and pre-wired cigarette plugs for easy setup.

Speeds

2 Speed

Halo Alignment System

Optional / Retrofit Available

Machine Suitability

Excavators

Optimum Torque Range

Up to 39,000Nm

Ideal Use

Foundations & screw anchor installations

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Specifications

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Operator’s Manuals

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About Screw Anchor Drives

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FAQs

Features

Wider Range Of Applications. Install small and larger piles with just one drive unit, with the best of both worlds: High speed when you need it, and high torque allowing you to take on that slightly larger job with the same equipment.

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

Our 2 speed drives for excavators suit machines with flows up to 200 lpm, The PDT50 Screw Pile Torque Head provides speed and performance, without having to detune your machine. Choose from a 12v or 24v coil, as well as optional pre-wired joystick switches, floor mounted switches, and cigarette plugs to suit.

Machine Size Suitability Up to 28T
Recommended Flow30lpm - 200lpm
Nominal Torque39224Nm
Pressure ValveIncluded
Energy Control ValveIncluded
Case Drain RecommendedYes
Overall Length1307mm
Diameter355mm
Weight (Without Frame)400kg
Standard Output Shaft100mm Square
Maximum Pressure240bar at 150lpm
Maximum Flow180lpm at 200bar
Maximum Power60Kw (80hp)
Swing ControlOptional
DiggalignOptional
Halo AvailableOptional

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 90T 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).

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 115lpm or 300lpm 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 7” (178mm) 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 75mm or 100mm 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 7” (178mm) 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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Everything you need to know about your Digga attachment, including: operators manuals, safety information, risk assessments, electrical guides, maintenance, tips and how- to’s as well as related information where applicable. With a user-friendly interface and easy navigation, you can instantly find the support you need.

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.

Learn more about screw anchor drives.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS [FAQS]

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 1000Nm up to a massive torque requirement of 500,000Nm. 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 (3yr Gearbox & 2yr Motor).

Should you be installing screw piles with a torque requirement up to 16,000Nm (12,000Ft/Lbs.) and do not have an ECV fitted you will have limited warranty (2yr Gearbox & 1yr Motor).

Using drive units without ECV for installing screw piles with an installation torque requirement of greater than 16,000Nm (12,000Ft/Lbs.) will have NO WARRANTY for Gearbox or Motor.

What size torque head do I need to do a screw piling or screw anchoring job?

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 do I need to do screw anchoring, and does machine 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 the RPM speed change when I use larger drive units that have 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 200Lpm fitted with a SD45 would have 17 RPM at max torque, as opposed to same machine with same flow fitted with a SD95 would have 8 RPM at max torque. So, a definite flow decrease the larger the drive.

It is worth noting, speed (RPM) is dependent on Flow (LPM or GPM). Power (Nm or Ft/Lbs.) depends on pressure (BAR or PSI).

If I get a drive unit for screw anchoring, can it also be used for auger drilling as well?

Yes, all drives are capable of use in screw piling and as an auger drive. Larger drives with higher torques will be limited by the RPM that will satisfy your drilling requirements.

Can my 1.7t do 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. Best to confirm with the parent machine supplier of the safety factors for the machine in question.

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