Which Hydraulic Post Driver Is Best for My Tractor?

Getting the right hydraulic post driver for your tractor comes down to three things: what your tractor can handle, the terrain you're working on, and what features actually matter for your operation. 

Match these correctly, and you'll have a machine that makes fencing faster and safer for years. Get it wrong and you're stuck with equipment that's either struggling to keep up or too heavy for your tractor to handle safely. Here's how to figure out which Kinghitter postdriver fits your setup.

What Your Tractor Needs to Handle a Post Driver

Horsepower Requirements

Different Kinghitter models need different minimum horsepower:

• Series 1: 50+ horsepower (works on any tractor above 50hp, even up to 150+)
• Series 2i: 65+ horsepower
• Expander 2i: 75+ horsepower

If your tractor sits near the minimum, pay close attention to how much weight you're adding with bases and accessories.

Hydraulic Flow Rates

Your hydraulic system determines how fast your post rammer actually operates:

• 20 litres per minute: Slow operation
• 30 litres per minute: Average operation
• 40+ litres per minute: Best operation

The post driver will run at the lower flow rates, but you'll spend more time waiting between cycles.

Four-Wheel Drive and Front-End Loaders
Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended, especially on hills. If your tractor has a front-end loader, that's a bonus. The extra weight up front helps balance the hydraulic post driver on smaller tractors and gives you better stability when working slopes. Front wheel braking is incredibly important on steep fencelines, not so much on flat country.

Not sure which model best fits your setup? Get advice from one of the Kinghitter sales team, or contact your local Kinghitter dealer. 

Smaller Tractors (50-65hp): Series 1

The Series 1 is the lightest option, starting at 480kg for a rear-mounted unit. It's straightforward, reliable, and perfect for farmers or lifestyle block owners doing occasional fencing work.

Here's what you need to know: the Series 1 has limitations. It cannot be fitted with accessories like rock spike kits or the mastshift base. It's a basic farming machine. If you think you'll need those features down the track, you're better off looking at the Series 2i from the start.

The Series 1 does offer a foldable mast, tilt, and side shift, which makes it versatile enough for most property work. Also commonly matched to the Terminator side mount base.

The All-Rounder: Series 2i

The Series 2i is the best option for most operations. It needs 65+ horsepower, but the base unit is only 60kg heavier than the Series 1. That small weight difference gets you significantly more versatility.

The Series 2i works with the full range of Kinghitter accessories. Rock spike kits, augers, and different bases; it handles them all. Available with either a rigid mast or hydraulic hinging, it includes a foldable mast, tilt, and side shift as standard.

For hill country, the Series 2i pairs beautifully with the Dominator rotational base. As one of our customers said, "This is part of the reason I love this new post driver by Kinghitter. The awkward places I can get with this thing are exceptional—tight gaps, awkward banks, and steep country. Absolutely love it."

The Dominator base lets you rotate the post rammer around from the tractor cab, shifting the weight to the right side of your tractor for better stability. That's a game-changer when you're working on slopes.

If you're on very steep country, the Series 2i (or Expander 2i) can be paired with the Kingcountry base for maximum stability.

For Contractors and Complex Work: Expander 2i

The Expander 2i is the top of the range, requiring 75+ horsepower. With accessories like the Dominator base and Rock Spike Kit, you're looking at around 1,850kg total weight.

The expanding mast (3.2m to 5.1m) gives you precise control in any terrain, even when headroom is limited. It's built for contractors doing high-volume work or farmers with particularly challenging ground conditions.

Like the Series 2i, the Expander 2i accepts the full range of accessories and can be paired with advanced bases like the Series 5 rotational base or Dominator.

Terrain Matters More Than You Think

The ground you're working on has just as much influence on which hydraulic post driver you should choose as your tractor specs. A machine that works perfectly on flat paddocks can become unstable and dangerous on steep slopes without the right base setup.

Flat to Rolling Country

Any of the three models will work fine. Your choice comes down to tractor size and whether you need accessory compatibility.

Hill Country

The Series 2i with a Dominator base is the sweet spot. Being able to rotate the postdriver from the cab makes a massive difference to stability and safety on slopes. Kiwi Farmer has some excellent footage of the Series 2i that's worth watching if you're considering this type of setup.

Very Steep Country

Look at the Series 2i or Expander 2i paired with the Kingcountry base. This setup gives you the best stability for extreme terrain. 

Rocky or Variable Ground

If you're dealing with rocks or need to drill holes before driving posts, you'll want the Series 2i or Expander 2i so you can add rock spike kits or auger attachments. Remember, the Series 1 cannot accept these accessories.

Adding Bases and Accessories

One thing people often underestimate: bases add roughly 400kg to your setup. A Terminator sidemount base or a Dominator rotational base both add significant weight. Factor this in when considering what your tractor can handle.

The good news is that all Kinghitter post drivers are controlled via hydraulics with very little manual involvement. They're designed for one-person operation.

How to Actually Choose

Start with your tractor's horsepower and be honest about what terrain you're working on. If you've got a 55hp tractor and mostly flat ground, the Series 1 does the job. If you're running 70hp and working hills, the Series 2i with a Dominator base is worth the extra investment.

The best way to know if a hydraulic post driver suits your operation? Get hands-on with one. Book an on-site demo and see exactly how it works before making a decision.