Giken F112 Load Chart PDF + Specifications

The Giken Silent Piler F112 is a specialised hydraulic pile press-in and extraction machine developed for 400 mm wide U-shaped sheet piles in Types II, III and IV. Giken introduced the F112 in 2023, with sales beginning in May of that year, as the successor to the F111 hard-ground model. Its development focused particularly on increasing construction efficiency in dense gravel, cobble, boulder-bearing strata and other difficult ground where conventional static press-in alone may not provide sufficient penetration performance.

The F112 uses Giken’s Hard Ground Press-in Method, in which hydraulic pile pressing is combined with auger drilling immediately around the pile toe. Rather than carrying out large-scale pre-boring, the system excavates only the area necessary for penetration while the sheet pile is simultaneously pressed into the ground. This helps reduce spoil generation and disturbance to surrounding soil while maintaining the low-noise and low-vibration characteristics associated with Giken’s reaction-based press-in method.

In hard-ground configuration, the machine develops a maximum press-in force of 800 kN, equivalent to approximately 82 tonnes, and a maximum extraction force of 900 kN, or about 92 tonnes. The chuck has a vertical stroke of 850 mm. Press-in speed ranges from approximately 0.5 to 4.5 m/min, while extraction speed ranges from approximately 1.1 to 9.4 m/min. The main press-in body weighs about 7,950 kg, while the complete hard-ground machine arrangement including the hose reel is approximately 10,800 kg.

The most important technical feature of the F112 is its PA25 flywheel-type pile auger. The auger incorporates a flywheel mechanism on the rotating shaft, using rotational inertia to increase available torque when the auger encounters particularly hard material. Normal auger torque is approximately 48 kN·m, while maximum inertial torque reaches about 70 kN·m and maximum torque can reach 118 kN·m under specified conditions. This compares with approximately 40 kN·m maximum torque on the previous F111 system, giving the F112 nearly three times the peak torque capability.

The additional torque is intended to prevent sudden reductions in auger rotational speed when the drill encounters resistant strata such as cobbles and boulders. Giken also strengthened the leader mast lock and chuck lock so that the machine can resist the greater rotational forces generated by the auger. By maintaining a more rigid reaction base, more of the available torque can be transmitted to the ground, improving drilling stability, penetration rate and pile alignment.

The PA25 pile auger can accommodate sheet piles up to approximately 24 m long in standard configuration. The auger motor weighs around 2,000 kg, while the casing auger assembly is approximately 10,000 kg, giving the complete 24 m pile-auger system a mass of around 12,000 kg. Auger rotational speed is approximately 10–30 rpm, providing a balance between drilling torque and excavation speed in difficult ground.

The F112 also supports Giken’s optional PPTS Autonomous Operation system. This allows the piling process to be automated using operating data collected during construction. Press-in and extraction speed, stroke and other operating parameters can be adjusted automatically according to ground resistance and machine behaviour. The F112’s casing connection arrangement was redesigned to allow the chuck to grip the casing more efficiently during automated operation, reducing manual intervention during repetitive piling cycles.

Operator information is presented through a high-visibility multifunction LCD monitor, allowing critical piling information to be checked while maintaining attention on the pile head and working area. The machine is radio controlled, consistent with Giken’s emphasis on allowing the operator to work from a position with good visibility and reduced exposure to moving components.

Hydraulic power is provided by the Giken EU300L5 power unit. The diesel engine is rated at approximately 255 kW at 1,800 rpm. Fuel capacity is about 500 litres, the hydraulic reservoir holds approximately 490 litres, and the unit carries approximately 57 litres of AdBlue/DEF. The complete power unit including its crawler undercarriage weighs approximately 7,250 kg.

The EU300L5 complies with European Stage V non-road emission standards as well as Japan’s 2014 regulations for emissions from non-road vehicles. Giken also specifies biodegradable Piler Eco Oil for the hydraulic system, continuing the company’s emphasis on reducing environmental impact around waterways, urban worksites and other sensitive locations. Low-noise operation is also a key characteristic of the system.

Compared with more general-purpose Silent Piler models, the F112 is particularly focused on difficult ground. Giken identifies its principal target range as approximately SPT N-values of 250 to 600, considerably harder than the ground targeted by newer lighter-duty models such as the HA400SX. This makes the F112 particularly suitable for retaining walls, river and coastal works, road reconstruction, foundation support and other projects where sheet piles must pass through dense gravel, cobbles, boulders or rock-like layers.

Overall, the Giken Silent Piler F112 is best described as a high-torque hard-ground press-in machine combining 800 kN press-in force, 900 kN extraction force, an 850 mm stroke and a PA25 flywheel auger capable of up to 118 kN·m maximum torque. Its strengthened locking system, autonomous-operation capability, Stage V EU300L5 power unit and ability to work with piles up to approximately 24 m long make it a specialised solution for installing 400 mm U-sheet piles in exceptionally difficult ground while retaining the low-noise, low-vibration and compact-working advantages of Giken’s press-in technology.