Manual: Push Head

PUSH HEAD

1 General Description

The push head is a simple device used for pushing a string of CPT sounding tubes and an electric
(piezo-)cone into the ground. The push head is equipped with an integrated proximity switch, that
gives the enabling signal to the data acquisition system the moment the CPT testing procedure starts.

The push head is mounted in a slide rail under the push-and-pull yoke of the penetrometer pusher. It
has a special cable guide for the unobstructed passing of the CPT sounding cable which protrudes
through the string of CPT sounding tubes. The push head itself is connected to data acquisition
system by means of a spiral cable.

At the end of the CPT test, the push head is pushed backward in the slide rail and the string of CPT
sounding tubes is pulled by means of a pulling bowl and pulling piece, both provided with a slot for the
passing of the CPT sounding cable.

2 Technical Specifications

Overall height : 98 mm
Dimensions of top plate : 150 x 150 mm
Weight : 1.8 kg

Suitable for : 36 mm CPT sounding tubes (in standard lay-out)

44 mm heavy-duty CPT deep sounding tubes (in
special oversized layout)

Maximum pushing capacity : 350 kN

Socket : Standard gold-plated Lemo 6 pins

Working temperature : 0 – 60 ºC
Storage temperature : -40 – 85 ºC

Gouda Geo-Equipment B.V. ● www.gouda-geo.com ● tel. +31 (0)715 318 475 page 1

Information and specifications are subject to changes without prior notice.

 Manual: Push Head

3 Warning: Electrical Shock Hazard

The product is used in conjunction with a permanent energy source. Input and/or output terminals may
still be energized, even when the equipment is switched off. Always switch off the power supply and
the battery before carrying out maintenance or servicing the product.

The product has no internal user-serviceable electronic components. Do not attempt to remove the
cover of the push head or operate the product if parts have been removed. All servicing must be
undertaken by qualified personnel only.

Whenever it is likely that the grounding protection has been damaged, the product must be switched
off and secured against unintended operation; please contact qualified service staff.

4 Warning: WHAT NOT TO DO!!

Through the years of supplying CPT equipment, we have seen some staggering means of abuse of
CPT equipment. For your convenience and safety we have made a short list with things NOT TO DO
to or with the push head. This list might seem extensive, but it is by no means complete:

• Never clean the push head with an aggressive cleaning agent (such as WD40)
• Do not remove the cover of the push head
• Do not use wrong or self-made replacement parts
• Do not abuse the push head and do not use it for purposes it was not designed for
• Never use parts that do not fit well
• Do not try to fix things yourself
• Always use the right connection cables. When in doubt, contact us for advice
• Never touch the push head when it is in operation
• Mind your hands and fingers to avoid any pinching off in the highest position of the CPT
penetrometer pusher
• Do not store wet or dirty

The bottom line is, use your common sense when handling and using a push head.

5 Checking the Integrity and Functioning of the Push Head

Switch on the data acquisition system in order to test the correct functioning of the proximity switch
integrated in the push head.

In order to check the integrity and correct functioning of the proximity switch of the push head, please
proceed as following:

Place the top of a CPT sounding tube (or similar) in the

cavity of the push head by hand. The “count” LED on the
datalogger should light up the moment the collar of the
tube touches the housing around the proximity switch.

Count indicator. The recording is in progress when lit

Gouda Geo-Equipment B.V. ● www.gouda-geo.com ● tel. +31 (0)715 318 475 page 2

Information and specifications are subject to changes without prior notice.

 Manual: Push Head

6 Daily Maintenance

As mentioned before, the push head is an electrical device and daily maintenance is paramount to its
correct functioning. Dirt, rust or filthiness will cause measuring faults.

The maintenance is preferably done at the end of the day, when all CPT tests have been completed.
Please follow the following guidelines:

• Switch off the data acquisition system and disconnect the connection cable in the right way
• Clean the tip of the proximity switch, which is exposed when you look from underneath in the
cavity, using a clean soft cloth
• Place it back in the slide rail under push-and-pull yoke of the penetrometer pusher
• Put the connection cable back in place and switch on the datalogger
• Check the correct functioning of the proximity switch by placing the top of a CPT sounding
tube (or similar) in the cavity of the push head by hand. The “count” LED on the datalogger
should light up the moment the collar of the tube touches the housing around the proximity
switch.
• Store it in a dry environment

7 Repair

A push head is a pretty straightforward device and does not require calibration. Due to the intrusion of
dirt, temperature changes, shocks and induced stress though it is possible that the integrated
proximity switch does not work properly anymore. Do not try to fix things yourself, just return it to
Gouda Geo-Equipment.

In general a push head that comes in for repair, will be returned to the customer within max. 5 working
days. A repaired push head is checked according to a checklist before returning.

Gouda Geo-Equipment B.V. ● www.gouda-geo.com ● tel. +31 (0)715 318 475 page 3

Information and specifications are subject to changes without prior notice.