Building a fence - Backhoe or Auger?

[analog]

I have a BX25D with a 12" backhoe bucket. I'm about to put in roughly 400' of 6' or 8' wood fencing and want to set 4x4 posts in concrete, will probably do 50 holes or so. Given that I'd have to buy an auger (even if I can sell it at the end), or just use the backhoe, what do you guys recommend - spend the money on the auger or just use the backhoe? If you recommend the auger, any brand recommendations and size - 6", 8" or 9"? Thanks in advance.

 

[Ed of all trades]

If you use the hoe you will use a lot of crete or have to build or buy a form each post. I would watch search tempest or ebay and find a good used post hole digger. That way you have something to sell in the end.

 

[BukitCase]

+1 - the difference in concrete used would probably pay for at least half of a used auger...

Also, you probably already know this but if not, you'll want to drop a shovel full or two of gravel into the hole, THEN set the post in and brace it, THEN add concrete - and the concrete tops should be troweled down and away from the post for drainage.

The gravel lets the hole drain instead of holding the post in its own "concrete cup" full of water - sloped concrete at the surface minimizes water running down the post alongside the concrete.

Any other way (that I'm aware of) and you'll be doing it over in a few years due to rotting posts.

I'd go with the 9" auger, if your posts are true 4x4's they are 5.65" diagonally leaving half of 3.35" on each side if they're perfectly centered. 3.5" square posts (sold as 4x4's) are 5" across the diagonal, so an 8" auger would work.

HTH... Steve

 

[zionview]

Our local rental has an auger for rent. Don't know the rate, but it would be cheaper than purchasing. I've set them both ways, and I'll stick with the auger.

 

[pat32rf]

You could use Sono Tubes and your hoe but i'd prefer an auger if there aren't too many rocks. Around here I seldom can get a hole deep enough with an auger so just use the hoe, making sure I dig at right angles to the force on the post.

 

[pmsmechanic]

So why even bother with concrete? Just pour the hole around the post full of crushed rock like the power company's do. You have a self tightening post that won't rot.

 

[analog]

PMSMechanic, That's an interesting idea. If I went that route, hoe or auger, meaning how much rock do they use around the post?


Others, thanks for all the other suggestions!

BTW, I was thinking an auger on the 3 point, not a handheld one. I already tried a handheld and it was a b*tch.

 

[gwstang]

"BTW, I was thinking an auger on the 3 point, not a handheld one. I already tried a handheld and it was a b*tch. ""


Every time I see one of those hand held units, I can't help but imagine the three stooges using one of those those and what a calamity it would turn into if my two boys and I were to try it!

Makes me glad I have a three point mount PHD. The 8" works good for the 4x4 post btw. I also have a 6" auger that I have used but it's hard to have a little leeway to make the hold straight for the post.

 

[whis]

as for how much rock it depends on auger size but 5 gallon bucket full per hole would be close

 

[pmsmechanic]

as for how much rock it depends on auger size but 5 gallon bucket full per hole would be close

I would agree on that. A guy could do the math on it too I suppose. It'll also depend on the size of the post.