Old chain link post pulling

[RJD2516]

I have about 30 old chain link posts that I need to pull out. The genius that lived here before me cut the posts off right at the top of the concrete, so no leverage to yank them out with the tractor. I dug up about 5 of them today with a cheater bar and a shovel. Took me three hours. My back is telling me not to do that again. Then I used my loader bucket to pull them out of the holes. They weight about 80 lbs each (he must have owned a concrete company). Any ideas on how to get them out easier without having to rent a backhoe? I have a L3800 with FEL.

 

[yelbike]

If the hole in the conduit is still open, you could try an anchor for rock climbing. There are some dual cam type devices that would be small enough to fit inside the cconduit than expand and wedge themselves in than just hook a chain and pull with your FEL. Expensive but just a thought.

Or try this

17-1/2 in. Log Tongs | Princess Auto

 

[Western]

I have used 1/2" rebar on jobs to pull pipe. If you have a torch, bend one end to a hook the fits tight in the pipe, weld a cross on the other end to hold a chain, then drive that sucker down into the pipe . Hook your FEL and chain up and lift, (stay clear).

It may take several pieces of rebar since some will get stuck enough to hinder removal. If you want to leave the cement, usually a few whacks with an 8lb sledge will crack the concrete enough to free up the pipe enough to pull it.

 

[gengine]

I think the easiest way is rent a mini excavator. I rented one to dig up my septic tank, and it cost me $70/hour. I know that will make a bigger hole, but it doesn't hurt your back or your tractor. You take a full bucket out of the far side, the push the bucket from the close side. Once it is loose, move to the next one and do the same. That way, you can chain them up and remove them with your tractor, and not pay the extra time for the mini ex. Or if you want, have someone drive your tractor, and you can pick them up with the thumb, and set them in your loader bucket. I've been running equipment for a lot of years, so I think I could get this done in probable three hours or less.

 

[gengine]

Usually, the concrete is a little tapered and wider at the top. If you dig down about 8" all the way around, double wrap a chain as tight as you can get it, you should be able to pull them out. If you have something really stout to hook to your 3pt to run the chain to, I think it will lessen the chances of damage to your tractor.

 

[KYErik]

I agree with yelbike that a heavy duty set of log tongs (on a boom pole) ought to work.

 

[Case485Guy]

Usually, the concrete is a little tapered and wider at the top. If you dig down about 8" all the way around, double wrap a chain as tight as you can get it, you should be able to pull them out. If you have something really stout to hook to your 3pt to run the chain to, I think it will lessen the chances of damage to your tractor.

Can wrap the chain like above and run chain over old tractor rim,place rim as close to concrete as you can. hook to tractor and pull. Rim will be the fulcrum to pull up as you pull it out