Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for preparing an end of a reinforced concrete pile (68). Excessive lengths of the driven pile are cut off using a shear blade (22) that is driven through the concrete and reinforcing steel (102) of the pile. Concrete is then removed down to a certain level below the cutoff position using a pair of blades (62) that engage the surface of the pile and penetrate the surface while wedging the upper pan of the pile up away from the main body of the pile. This cracks the concrete through at the desired position. At the same time, concrete breakers (88) engage the concrete pile above the blades to fracture the concrete from the reinforcing steel. This eliminates the need for cutting of the piles with explosives and the removal of concrete using pneumatic hammers.

Abstract: A hydraulic concrete pile cutter includes a blade with a beveled cutting edge extending across most of one edge. The blade confronts an anvil plate for supporting the pile on the side opposite the blade. The single blade is driven through a concrete pile and against the anvil to shear the concrete matrix of the pile and to sever the reinforcement strands.

Abstract: A hydraulic concrete pile cutter includes a blade and a method of cutting reinforced precast concrete piles at grade level. A single blade of suitable hardness limits up to about Rockwell C 56, has a beveled cutting edge extending across most of one edge, bordered by unbeveled side portions, adapted to slide in channels. The single blade is used to shear reinforced precast concrete piles. A double blade arrangement with a fixed blade opposed to a movable blade, both blades having cutting edges formed to fit around the pile, is also taught. The double blades shear the concrete of the pile leaving the reinforcement intact. The movable blade is actuated by hydraulic cylinders, two hydraulic cylinders to provide the required power are preferred, because they have less tendency to jam the blade, during use. An anvil or stop extends across the outer ends of the channels, and is removable. Projecting attachments for concrete breaking and recessed attachments for pile guiding are also shown.