Helical piles are usually installed by highly skilled and trained workers, especially for larger projects. But what if you would like to install them yourself? It is possible to rent an excavator and hydraulic drive head in order to do the work yourself.
- In this article, you will find out how much you will likely pay to rent a helical pile machine. The rates in Ontario are competitive for both homeowners who would like to complete small projects and contractors who work on larger constructions.
Many construction rental companies can help you get all the equipment you need to install helical piles for decks, docks, sheds, home foundations, and more.
Helical Pile Installation in Ontario: Can You Do It Yourself?
For small projects, you can buy helical piles at home improvement stores. These likely won’t dig very deep in the ground. They cost approximately $35 to $50 each and you may need to buy extensions. They can usually support up to 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the soil conditions.
If you buy them from a certified installer, helical piles can cost up to $500 each (sometimes more), including installation. These piles are much better than the ones found in home improvement stores.
Even for small projects, an engineer’s expertise is recommended. They will be able to tell you what is the correct depth and torque to aim for. For bigger projects, an engineer’s expertise is unavoidable and often required to get a construction permit. That being said, contractors and homeowners alike may need to rent equipment for all types of projects.
Do You Need a Permit to Install Helical Piles?
In Ontario, building permits are often required when structural elements like helical piles are used. This is the case for decks, additions, and small structures tied to the home. Municipalities typically classify helical piles as deep foundation elements. You’ll likely need to submit engineering drawings or torque test results. Your local building authority may require load-bearing verification. It’s a good idea to call them before starting work to make sure you are aware of all zoning rules or bylaws.
What Equipment Do You Need to Install Helical Piles?
Installing helical piles requires a combination of specialized and general construction equipment. Weight is required to resist the torque applied to a helical pile; the rental machine, such as a mini excavator, first serves as the foundation for installation. Equipped with a hydraulic pump, the machine will be able to manipulate, align, and locate the installation of a helical pile.
If you are not trained as an operator of such a machine, helical pile installation will prove difficult and you will likely face installation issues. To prevent such issues, hire specialized operators.
Core Equipment for Residential Installations
Mini-Excavators
Mini-excavators are a popular choice. That’s the machine experts usually use – you cannot go wrong with that one. They are the perfect choice when the torque required is less than 15,000 ft-lbs.
You will need a trailer to transport the equipment to the construction site. Mini-excavators can be moved on a 20 to 24 feet long equipment trailer.
Mini-excavators can be easily maneuvered in small spaces. Moreover, their metal or rubber tracks decrease ground pressures.
When renting a mini-excavator, always confirm with the rental company that:
- The pressure regulator will be set at pressures that are adequate for the hydraulic motor.
- The auxiliary hydraulic circuit is bi-directional.
Standard Excavators
When more torque is needed, you should rent a standard excavator. Also, their longer boom lengths translates into a higher boom height, allowing installation of sections up to 15 feet or longer.
However, because this machine is bigger, mobilisation costs will be higher. You will also need to make sure the site access is big enough.
Hydraulic Drive Head
The hydraulic drive head is what screws the helical piles into the ground by delivering high torque at low rotational speed. The excavator pumps pressurized hydraulic fluid into the drive head, the gears multiply torque and turn the output shaft, which is connected to the helical pile, while the mini-excavator pushes down. A hydraulic drive head allows precise installation with minimal soil disturbance, including load verification.
What Else Do You Need to Successfully Install Helical Piles?
It’s better not to do this alone. You will need the help of at least 1 other person. Here’s all the stuff you have to buy or rent:
- Helical piles (shafts and extensions).
- Pile caps / brackets.
- Spray paint or stakes and string lines for pile layout.
- Laser Level (to make sure pile heads are aligned) and grinder to cut pile tops flush.
- Hand tools such as wrenches, sledgehammers, etc.
- Hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility vest, steel-toe boots.
The Cost of Helical Pile Machine Rental in Ontario
In Ontario, the cost of mini-excavator rentals range from $225 per day to $500. To add a hydraulic drive head to the machine, plan for a slightly higher budget.
Rental rates for mini excavators vary depending on the model and rental duration. Helical piles are quick to install, which means you likely won’t need the machine for more than one day. However, the table below shows rates for 1 day and 1 week, in case you need it for a longer period.
| Machine | Rental Rate for 1 Day | Rental Rate for 1 Week |
|---|---|---|
| Bobcat E20 (3,428 lbs, 8 ft 6 in dig depth) | $250 | $1,000 |
| Bobcat E35/E40 (7,468 lbs, 10 ft 3 in dig depth) | $350 | $1,400 |
| Bobcat E55/E60 (12,271 lbs, 12 ft 11 in dig depth) | $400 | $1,600 |
| Kubota K008 (1 ton) | $350 | $1,050 |
Hydraulic drive heads provide 5,000 to 12,000 ft-lbs torque for residential applications. When selecting a hydraulic drive head, consider the torque output and make sure to also match the flow rate (GPM) and pressure (PSI) of the excavator with the drive head requirements. Some rental companies offer torque monitoring gauges as add-ons, which is useful for documenting the depth and resistance.
What Other Costs Should You Plan For?
Contractors typically charge a flat price per pile up to a standard depth and add $20 to $25 per foot beyond that. If it’s a new construction, the cost per pile will make up the bulk of the bill. Repairs may require additional excavation and other costs depending on the degree of damage. However, always keep these factors in mind:
- Access to the site: Plan for the cost of transportation. Also know that tight spaces make pier installation more difficult and time-consuming.
- Soil type: Poor soil conditions like expansive clay or rock require longer, deeper piers and specialty drilling equipment, driving up costs.
In short, more complex or hard-to-access projects take longer and increase labor expenses. Additional labor costs also include:
- Geotechnical engineer’s fee to confirm the ground's safety and stability.
- Landscaping that may be needed to return the area to its original appearance.
- Building permit fees.
Why Hire Certified and Trained Professionals?
While renting the equipment is relatively straightforward, operating it safely and effectively is another story!
Although you are not legally required to have certification, it’s strongly recommended. If you’ve never operated hydraulic attachments before, hiring an experienced operator for a few hours could save time and prevent costly mistakes. If piles are misaligned, your shed or patio, for example, could collapse.
The Benefits of Helical Piles
Helical piles offer many benefits compared to concrete blocks or foundations. They are:
- Efficient.
- Quickly installated (usually on 1 day or less).
- Environment-friendly.
- Non-disruptive: they involve very little soil displacement and disturbance to landscaping.
- Reusable: they can be removed and reused.
How to Reduce Your Rental Costs
In order to keep your rental costs down, you need to prepare carefully ahead of time. Make sure your pile layout is finalized before you go to the rental store.
You could also decide to rent the machine during off-peak seasons such as the Fall and early Spring. Rates can be a bit lower at this time.
If you only need to install a few piles, consider sharing the rental with a neighbor or friend doing a similar project. You could split both the equipment cost and transportation fees, cutting the bill in half.
Get Up to 3 Helical Piles Quotes With Only 1 Form
Helical piles are very useful for building a host of residential structures such as patios, decks and house extensions. However, one challenge remains: installing screw piles requires specialized machinery. This type of equipment can be rented, but we recommend that it be operated by specialists.
- Fill out our form in just 2 minutes to receive up to 3 quotes for your helical piles. It's free and without obligation.
With the right equipment and help from experts, your piles will be professionally installed and your construction very solid.
