Kinghitter Post Driver FAQ

For most New Zealand dairy farms, the Series 1 is ideal. It handles 100-150mm posts commonly used for boundary fencing and laneways, works well in typical dairy country soils (including Waikato volcanic and Taranaki clay), and requires only 20 L/min hydraulic flow which most 45hp+ tractors can provide.

Choose the Series 2 if you're:

• A fencing contractor doing daily commercial work
• Regularly driving 150mm+ strainer posts
• Working in extremely rocky or difficult ground
• Driving posts deeper than 1.5m regularly

Your tractor needs:

1. Hydraulic flow: Minimum 20 L/min (Series 1), or 25 L/min (Series 2), or 30L/min (Series 2 Expander).
2. Hydraulic outlets: At least one auxiliary outlet. The Series 1 range requires a high flow return line. A ¾" Quick release fitting is suitable for this application. 1/2" QRC fittings have too little flow and will create back pressure, which in turn slows down the hammer fall speed.
3. Three-point linkage: Category 1 (Series 1 Option) or CAT 2 standard
4. Tractor HP: 45hp+ (Series 1), 60hp+ (Series 2), or 65hp+ (Series 2i Expander)
5. Tractor Weight: Larger and heavier tractors provide better stability. Check with your local dealer for compatibility. Post drivers can become unstable on uneven ground, so the physical size of the tractor is important.

How to check your hydraulic flow: Check your tractor manual or contact your dealer. Most modern tractors over 45hp provide adequate flow. Older tractors (pre-1990) may have lower flow rates. It is a good idea to get your tractor oil flow tested prior to purchase.

Yes, financing options are available through:

• Kinghitter Authorised Machinery Dealers
• Talk to your bank or accountant about capital equipment depreciation

Yes, all authorised Kinghitter dealers accept trade-ins on older post drivers from any manufacturer. Contact them with:

• Brand and model (serial number is ideal too)
• Age and condition
• Specification
• Photos if possible

Kinghitter have a comprehensive database of all post drivers manufactured for your reference. Contact them on 09 482 0866

Daily (when in use):

• Visual inspection for damage
• Grease all pivot points (5 grease points)
• Check hydraulic hoses for leaks or damage
• Clean post cradle of mud/debris

Weekly:

• Check all bolts are tight
• Inspect mast for cracks or bends
• Check hammer falls freely

Monthly:

• Change hydraulic oil (if unit has reservoir)
• Inspect safety cage for damage
• Check hydraulic fittings are secure

Annually:

• Full service by qualified technician
• Check structural welds
• Repaint any rust spots

Time required: 10-15 minutes daily, 30 minutes monthly.

Warning signs to replace hydraulic hoses:

• Cracks or abrasion on outer layer
• Swelling or soft spots
• Visible wire braiding
• Any leaks

Kinghitter service options:

1. On-farm service: Authorised Kinghitter Dealers New Zealand wide
2. Dealer network: Authorised Dealers offer workshop services
3. DIY: Most maintenance is simple - we provide guides and phone support

Parts: Same-day dispatch from our NZ warehouse for most components. Generally overnight delivery for courier size parcels ordered before 3pm.

Common wear items (every 2-5 years):

• Wire rope - $150-$200 each
• Post Cap inserts, rubber, wood Plastic $50 - $150
• Rock Spike inserts $150 - $220
• Auger tips $175 - $250
• Augers 4" $1200 – 8" $1600
• Rope and Chain for post cap - $12

Kinghitter structural components rarely need replacement. Most maintenance is preventive (greasing, cleaning) rather than repairs.

Yes! Most maintenance and minor repairs are DIY-friendly:

• Greasing and daily checks: Very easy
• Rope replacement: Moderate (need basic tools)
• Bolt tightening: Easy
• Cleaning: Easy

Kinghitter provide detailed manuals, video tutorials, and phone support for DIY maintenance.

Yes if you:

• Do a lot of line fencing (posts need precise alignment)
• Fence alone without a ground crew
• Want to avoid constant repositioning of tractor
• Are a contractor (time = money)

Maybe not if:

• Only doing occasional fencing
• Always have someone on the ground to guide
• Tight budget

Time saving: Using a Terminator Base generally saves over a minute per post. Over 500 posts, that's over 8 hours saved. At a charge out rate of a tractor and operator at $100/hr, that's a $800 saving.

Cost: $7500 + GST for the Terminator side mount base only.

Return on investment: Pays for itself in time saved alone when the owner has built new boundary fences on ten 2.5 ha paddocks.

Average Farm Fencing Costs (per meter, including materials and labour)

Fence Type	Average Cost per Metre (NZD)
3-wire, permanent posts	$8.62 – $10.35
4-wire electric	$4.40 – $13.21
5-wire (with 2 electric)	$16.70 – $23.00
7 or 8-wire post and batten	$29.90 – $39.10
Post and rail (2-4 rails)	$95 – $135
Non-electric netting	$8.82 – $26.81

Key Factors Influencing Cost:

• Fence Type and Materials: Different materials and wire configurations have vastly different price points. Wire fences are generally the cheapest, while post and rail systems are more expensive.
• Terrain: Installation on steep or difficult terrain increases both material and labour costs due to the added complexity and time required.
• Labour: Professional contractors generally charge around $57.50 to $74.75 per hour, or a per-meter rate. Landowners doing their own work can save significantly on costs, as labour can be up to half the total cost of a fence.
• Site Access/Preparation: Easy access for machinery like post drivers helps keep costs down. Additional costs may be incurred for clearing the fence line or using diggers/bulldozers on difficult ground.
• Length: Longer fences may benefit from bulk discounts on materials.
• Add-ons: Gates, corners, and specialised bracing add to the overall cost.

Essential for:

• Hard substrates such as Papa clay or Iron pan
• Precise post placement (e.g., building posts)
• Very hard dry clay in summer
• Driving posts near underground services (pre-drill to check)

Nice to have for:

• Any challenging ground
• When driving very large posts (200mm+)
• Deeper posts (1.2m+)

Auger Sizes:

• 75mm - 150mm for standard posts
• 150mm to 200mm for large strainer posts

Speed: Pre-drilling adds time per post but reduces jams, bent posts, and frustration in hard ground.

Essential if:

• Transporting under low bridges
• Under power lines regularly
• Limited shed height for storage
• Frequent road transport

Not needed if:

• Clear transport routes
• Adequate shed height (5.0 m+)
• Post driver stays on farm

Models:

• Hydraulic fold: $2,250 (fold from valve bank)

When to use a Rock Spike:

Rock Spikes are essential in soil types that incorporate loose rocks and stones such as those found in Canterbury in particular. Farms near rivers often have this type of soil, Marlborough is another example.

How does a Rock spike work?

A rock spike is a solid round shaft, typically around 90mm which is driven into the ground by the post driver, creating a pilot hole for the fence post. Pulling the Rock Spike out requires a large amount of force, so Kinghitter have a dedicated Rock Spike Extractor fitted with a hydraulic ram which has 8 tonnes of lift. In some circumstances, operators will pour water down the hole before installing the fence post. This helps in two ways – firstly the water acts as a lubricant, and secondly the fence post forces the water into the soils structure, much the same way as oil explorations uses fracking. This slight loosening of the pilot hole wall allows the post driver to install the fence post reasonably quickly and accurately. In these situations, the fence posts are pointed, rather than having a flat end. This also helps the post be guided down the pilot hole.

A Rock spike is also great for fencing under trees, where tree roots throw fence posts off line and tangle with augers.

When to use an Auger System:

The Kinghitter auger system is designed to drill a pilot hole in hard ground, or in soil that has a hard pan of either Papa clay, a solid rock type substrate or a bed or sandstone rock. There are a variety of auger sizes available, from 75mm to 200mm. This allows a wide range of fence posts and strainers to be installed. The augers can be fitted with three types of cutting tip; the standard Earth tip which suits most applications, the Rock tip, which has a tungsten tooth to resist wear (but does not cut through dirt very well), and the spade tip, which is best in hard clay.

Yes, you can have both options on a Kinghitter post driver. Once the Rock Spike is removed from the Rock Spike Extractor, the auger fits onto the carrier of the Extractor, using the ram to control the up/down drilling action. Fencing Contractors who have both systems are never stuck in a situation that they cannot install fence post due to challenging substrates.

The Kinghitter Rock Drill is branded the Torque Drill, which has a hydraulic motor powering a planetary drive gearbox for extreme torque. The auger is slowed down, increasing the torque exponentially. Ideal for Otago rock, schist, pretty much any substrate that cannot be fenced any other way. As a comparison, concrete is a lot easier to drill than these rock types.

All models – 24 months from date of purchase.

Not covered:

• Normal wear items - wire rope, post cap inserts etc
• Damage from misuse or lack of maintenance
• Modifications by non-authorized persons

Contact Kinghitter or the Dealer you purchased it from.

There is a QR Code on the side of the mast of your new Kinghitter. Use the photo app on your phone to scan this and fill out the Jotform. The rest of the process is automated. You will receive a conformation email.

Alternatively, fill out the warranty card included with the operator handbook, and send either a copy or a scan back to Farmgear Ltd.