AUSTRALIA'S PREMIER
PILE TRIMMING SPECIALISTS
CONTIGUOUS & SECANT PILES ~ PRECAST PILES ~ AUGERED PILES
Pile Breaker Hire and Pile Trimming Services Available Nationwide
Mr Cropper offer a variety of Pile Breaker Solutions for various pile types and sizes.
Our highly experienced staff are on call to provide comprehensive advice and assistance when planning your next pile trimming task.
Whether you call it pile breaking, pile cropping, pile crushing, pile cutting or pile trimming, Mr Cropper has a solution!

PILE TRIMMING
HOW TO
FAST, SAFE AND SIMPLE
The Cropper attaches to the external hydraulic lines of your excavator via quick release fittings that are easy to attach and remove.
The Cropper hangs from the excavator lifting point via chains or a lifting frame.
Attachment
Straight reinforcement bars are required and we recommend a saw cut is installed at cut-off level to prevent fractures below.
For circular piles, we recommend debonding is used to sleeve the reinforcement bars. This will (amongst other things) reduce time, reduce dust, and result in an incredibly clean finish without any manual trimming required at cut-off level.
Pile Preparation
Lower the Cropper over the pile up to 500mm and operate the cropper blades until the pile section 'pops' free (as pictured).
The broken pile section can then be lifted to a dumper or disposal area.
Continue this process working downwards from the top of the pile until the cut-off level is reached. Note that at least 300mm should be left for the last 'bite'.
Operation
De-bonded piles
Lower the Cropper over the top of the pile up to 300mm, always cropping from the top down.
Operate the Cropper until the blades penetrate or 'crunch' the pile, forming a horizontal break through the concrete.
Release the Cropper blades from the pile and continue this process in up to 300mm increments down to cut-off level.
Operation
Bonded piles
Following these mthods it is possible to trim up to 200 piles per day!
The only labour required for the cropper method is the Cropper operator and Banksman to guide the Cropper onto the piles.
Away you go!
Finish
The result is an unbelievable finish with no manual trimming required!
Finish
PILE CROPPING MADE SAFE
Our Pile Breakers eliminate many of the health and safety issues associated with traditional methods.
Risk of vibratory disorders such as HAVS (hand-arm vibration syndrome) are drastically reduced and the need for hand held vibratory tools is virtually eliminated.
Use of Pile Breakers significantly reduces dust and noise, and allows workers to remain a safe distance from the bulk pile breaking works.
CROPPER MAINTENANCE
Lifting Frame & Chain Certification
Mr Cropper ensure that any lifting frame and chains that are provided with our Croppers are certified by a NATA accredited company.
On hire and Off hire Reports
Maintenance reports are carried out prior to, and after every hire to check that all aspects of the Cropper are in proper working condition.
NDT testing
NDT tests and hydraulic proof testing are carried out annually or when deemed necessary by our engineers.
CROPPING TIPS
Do
✔ Keep a safe exclusion zone and keep clear of all moving components whilst cropping
✔ Check all bolts, blades, chains, hydraulic hoses, grease nipples and fittings before use.
✔ Wear appropriate PPE
✔ Ensure operators familiarise themselves with the appropriate operation manual
✔ Use a Banksman
✔ Ensure the Banksman and Operator maintain verbal contact and use visual hand signals when operating the Cropper
Do Not
x Pull on the chains or Cropper
x Operate the Cropper for any other use than instructed in the operation manual
x Trim more than the recommended depth per 'bite'
x Trim piles from the bottom up
x Disconnect the Cropper hydraulics from the excavator without releasing the pressure first.
x Use the Cropper for stripping or pulling the piles
x Guide or maneuver the Cropper using the hydraulic hoses.
Note. damages to equipment will incur charges.
SAFETY
DEBONDING
PILE BREAKING SOLUTIONS
For circular piles, we recommend debonding is used to sleeve the reinforcement bars. This will (amongst other things) reduce time, reduce dust, and result in an incredibly clean finish without any manual trimming required at cut-off level.
The separation between concrete and reinforcement allows the Cropper to form a clean break through the pile and lift the excess concrete in one section!
For more information and pricing, contact us today.
