pneumatic vs gasoline post driver comparison

Has anyone used both?  I need to build a fence in very rocky ground, but it is hard to get a straight comparison.
For pneumatic (air) I was looking at the man saver - https://www.rohrermfg.com/post-drivers/
For gas powered I was looking at something like the Titan https://www.titanpostdrivers.com/pgd2000.html or Rhino https://rhinotool.com/product/ranch-pro/
This will be hand carried in so hydraulic is not an option.

How much of a pain is dragging around a compressor vs having another engine to maintain?

Thanks,
Patrick

How many posts are you putting in?

Drew, phase 1 of a dozen is 1000' linear feet of fence = 75 - 125 posts.  I also value my time, back, and sanity.  As I get further from my house my current electric air compressor would be a challenge.  Not sure how many hundreds of feet of extension cord and/or air hose is practical.

I have a petrol driven post driver.
4 stroke engine
It is fantastic, although you need good ear protection.
If you have somebody helping to load the posts it is very straightforward job

Hi Patrick;
If it were me I would go with a gas powered driver.  Lugging a compressor & driver sounds like heavy work.
Both gas units look good, the Titan appeals to me but that may be better advertising...
Depending on your location and circumstances you will have this tool for life.
In the event circumstances change  I have no doubt it has a good resale value.

Your current plan of dragging/adding  extension cords is doomed to fail at some point.

Hi, just my experience i own a mansaver driver , a gas powered 2 stroke skidril, and a Rhino pd55. The mansaver is light weight, cheaper in comparison, and works okay but kinda cantankerous when going between soil types. It requires changing a weight that throws the valve and it’s the slowest of the powered drivers. The skidril drives t post like pushing them in butter but it’s kinda heavy and the Ignition switch vibrates to the off position unless you tape it up. Which stinks because then you have to pull it off the post to restart it. I’m planning on replacing the switches out with some stihl switches off a weedeater. The Rhino pd55 is heavy, requires a 80 cfm from a big hose but works awesome. If I just had one it would be the skidril despite their cheap switches. They say it drives up to 3 1/2” but that’s definitely not in our Oklahoma clay. I can drive a 2 7/8 pipe but it’s really working it and don’t forget your ear plugs. Good luck

I use mine from the back of a ute.
It means I dont have to be superman to fit the driver to the post.
If I had a lot like you I would create a system that holds the driver in the air and lowers it over the post.
When completely driven the post, a system would just lift the driver unit up.
I would have a team of dedicated helpers as well.
I would have a devise to hold the post steady for the lowering of the driver unit to be easy.
At the end of the run a cooler with beers may help also!

John C Daley wrote:I have a petrol driven post driver.
4 stroke engine
It is fantastic, although you need good ear protection.
If you have somebody helping to load the posts it is very straightforward job

I realize this was posted awhile ago, but could you please give the make/model info for your driver?  We are looking for one.  Would you still recommend this one?

Bonnie

I have on the ranch the Rhino Fence Pro, rocky soil like mad in a lot of areas, but very back saving on what it does.   Havent used a pneumatic, but in my situation its a more simple solution.  

With a pneumatic. I require a power source,  Likely without fail a generator, to run an air compressor (or a gas powered compressor)  Gas powered air compressor simplifies, but has several uses.  generator/compressor/lines/tool ... Thats four seperate components to maintain and prepare for failure, but the seperate pieces give redundancy.  The gas air compressor reduces it, but you need 1 less thing running to power stuff.  But far more costly to purchase, still needs to be maintained.  Worst case, one of the far more expensive to replace options.