Van Elle Enhances PM16 Stability and Versatility with Junttan Movable Counterweight Upgrade

29.10.2026

Improved stability, safer pile handling, and greater flexibility on challenging sites Junttan’s Movable Counterweight Upgrade is helping Van Elle get even more out of its PM16 piling rig.

For Van Elle, upgrading its Junttan PM16 pile driving rig with the Movable Counterweight Upgrade has brought improvements to machine stability, operational safety, and overall versatility. The upgrade has proven particularly valuable when handling longer and heavier piles, as well as working on sites where ground conditions and pile mat loading present challenges.

According to Sean Gothard, Senior Contracts Manager at Van Elle, the main motivation behind the upgrade was to further enhance the PM16’s stability and safe working capability, particularly when operating with a 4-tonne hammer and handling longer piles.

Greater Stability and Safer Pile Handling

When pitching or unloading longer piles, the PM16 can become front-heavy, especially when the leader is inclined forward. The movable counterweight allows the machine’s centre of gravity to be adjusted according to the operation, providing additional stability and greater control.

For Van Elle, this has enhanced safety and operator confidence during pile handling and positioning, while also increasing the machine’s working range and capability when handling larger concrete piles, including 250 mm and 300 mm square piles.

Reduced Ground Loading and Potential Cost Savings

The upgrade also offers important advantages on sites where ground conditions and pile mat loading are critical considerations. By adjusting the counterweight position, Van Elle can manage the machine’s load distribution more effectively, helping reduce loading on the pile mat.

More Versatility from Existing Equipment

For Van Elle, the upgrade has made the PM16 a more versatile machine, offering greater flexibility across different piling operations and site conditions.

“Overall, the movable counterweight has provided us with a much more versatile machine. It allows us to manage the machine’s stability and ground loading more effectively, which is particularly beneficial when working with longer piles and on sites where pile mat loadings are critical considerations.” – Sean Gothard, Senior Contracts Manager, Van Elle.

Van Elle’s experience demonstrates how targeted equipment upgrades can enhance the capabilities of existing piling rigs and help contractors meet changing site requirements.

As part of Junttan Life Services, the Movable Counterweight Upgrade helps customers improve machine versatility, stability, and operational efficiency – getting more value from their equipment throughout its lifecycle.

Discover how the Junttan Movable Counterweight Upgrade can enhance your piling operations.
For more information, contact our team at service@junttan.com.