PostHole Auger

[Tul01]

I forget to add that our "guy" used a skid steer, I believe that was close to max though. Next up option was a truck mounted unit and I think that was $100.00 per hole.

 

[whistlepig]

Even with your extension, how deep can you dig? My augers go 4' and I have a 14" extension. so that would be 62", he needs 72" I can't pull more than that out of the hole without going to extenuating procedures. What is your proposal?

I have never tried going 6'. I think if I did I would have to start the hole, manually disconnect the auger, attach the extension, feed it in, dig the hole, disconnect the auger again, and then lift it from each hole. That would be whole bunch of work. For a few holes on a pole barn I could get by. Not something I would want to do all day long.

 

[tessiers]

I've got a post hole digger and for the holes you are talking I would go with a backhoe. I did 15 far a friend of mine in 3 hours a few weeks ago and with a small hoe you really don't end up with too big of a hole. Also much easier to get good compaction around the pole. A 12" hole with a 9" pole doesn't leave much room for tamping, especially if your hole isn't perfectly plumb.

 

[whistlepig]

I've got a post hole digger and for the holes you are talking I would go with a backhoe. I did 15 far a friend of mine in 3 hours a few weeks ago and with a small hoe you really don't end up with too big of a hole. Also much easier to get good compaction around the pole. A 12" hole with a 9" pole doesn't leave much room for tamping, especially if your hole isn't perfectly plumb.

This is a good option also. I have seen holes dug like this by those that were good with a backhoe.

 

[Beltzington]

thanks to all for your advice. short story, I do not yet know what the local depth requiremnet is. I was basing the 6' depth on what several individuals on the internet have said to use. my barn would need posts to extend 16' above grade and 6' is 1/3 of that (close). The frost-line in my area is 0 so I am more concerned with how the barn would hold up to loads. Based on many comments on this site 4' seems to be the reasonable depth which significantly improves available solutions. problem with submitting plans for a building permit they expect you to know what you are doing and I am working to that end. given a 4' hole the next hurdle is backfill, crushed rock or concrete. Since I plan on an enclosed living area 10' off the ground I'm trying to insure a stable platform which I am sure would meet local code. This picture might help you understand my goal.

 

[CurlyDave]

I don't know about costs, but you might want to check these guys out Pole Barn | Pole Barn Kits | Socket Systems | Home . They claim to have everything figured out and can send you a stamped set of plans for your building department.

I have no connection to them, but am thinking about one of their designs for a barn/inlaw residence.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I used rented skid steep with hydraulic auger, worked great in rocky soil. I went 4', they might have an extension available to go deeper. I had to use 20" round footers.

 

[sodamo]

I have never tried going 6'. I think if I did I would have to start the hole, manually disconnect the auger, attach the extension, feed it in, dig the hole, disconnect the auger again, and then lift it from each hole. That would be whole bunch of work. For a few holes on a pole barn I could get by. Not something I would want to do all day long.

I did 9 holes 64" deep that way with my PHD w/12" auger. PITA, especially cleaning them out.

 

[wedge40]

how about a 6' trench? Or 7' for that matter. Then build boxes to drop into the hole where the post should be. Place poles, fill with cement and then backfill the trench?

You can rent a excavator for $1000/week. Still cheaper then $2500.

Wedge

 

[weldingisfun]

Lots of good suggestions. Let us know how it all works out.