Can an Auger Drive Install Screw Piles?

Yes—some hydraulic auger / drilling drives can also be used for screw-pile or ground-anchor installation, but the drive must be suitable for anchoring and configured correctly. Do not assume that every drilling drive is automatically an anchor drive.

Why Screw-Pile Installation Is Different From Drilling

A screw pile stores rotational energy as installation torque builds. When rotation stops, that stored energy can react back through the pile and hydraulic drive. The drive, valve system, mounting hardware and output connection therefore need to be suitable for anchoring loads and pile kick-back.

Energy Control Valve (ECV / Anti-Kickback Valve)

Digga uses an Energy Control Valve to manage the rapid decompression of hydraulic oil caused by pile kick-back. Digga states that drilling drives used for anchoring require the appropriate ECV configuration for warranty protection on applicable models.

Important: compatibility is model-specific. Digga's current guidance states that its ECV is not available as a retrofit on two-speed drilling drives. Verify the exact drive model before planning a conversion.

Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)

The drive also needs appropriate pressure control so the hydraulic system does not exceed the drive's rated operating pressure or the installation-system limits.

Torque Capability

The drilling drive must be capable of reaching the required installation torque while remaining within its rated pressure, flow and mechanical limits. At the same time, the drive should not encourage exceeding the pile manufacturer's maximum allowable installation torque.

Output Shaft & Pile Adaptor

The drive output must connect to the pile system through a suitable hub, torque monitor, flange or drive tool. Common interfaces include 2" Hex, 2-1/2" Hex, 3" Hex and square outputs depending on drive family.

Torque Monitoring

If the installation procedure requires torque to be monitored or recorded, decide whether the project will use direct driveline torque measurement or a drive-specific pressure-derived torque relationship.

Read: Direct Torque Monitoring vs Pressure-Derived Torque

Warranty & Model-Specific Limitations

Digga distinguishes between drilling-drive and anchor-drive applications in its warranty guidance. Some DSS/DDS drilling drives may be used for anchoring with the appropriate ECV, while dedicated ADS/ALS and other anchor-drive families are designed specifically for anchoring applications.

Always verify the exact model, motor/gearbox configuration, ECV availability and warranty requirements before using a drilling drive for screw-pile work.

When a Dedicated Screw-Pile Drive Makes More Sense

• You need a higher torque class than the drilling drive provides
• The drilling drive cannot accept the required ECV / anchoring configuration
• You need a different output shaft for the pile system
• You need built-in anchoring features such as PRV/ECV or a heavy-duty gimbal/linkage
• The drive will be used primarily for screw-pile installation rather than occasional anchoring

What to Send Rev-Pile

• Existing drive model and serial/SKU if available
• Carrier make/model, GPM and PSI
• Pile system and required installation torque
• Drive output shaft
• Current valve configuration / whether an ECV is fitted
• Torque-monitoring requirement

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