Removing fence posts with concrete

TNhobbyfarmer · Dec 17, 2016

I need to remove several fence posts that are set in concrete. My tractor has a fel but not forks. Any suggestions regarding best/easiest way to accomplish the task.

WM75Guy · Dec 17, 2016

Use the 3 point hitch to start. Probably twice the lifting capacity. Then use the FEL to finish the job and tote the post off.

wroughtn_harv · Dec 17, 2016

The easiest way if you have an auger is to dig a hole beside the post and then pull the post over into the new hole as much as possible and then lift it out. If you don't have an auger you can do it with post hole diggers, sounds a lot harder than it really is.

The way we do it in the trade is to take a bar and split the concrete which allows the post to be extracted most of the time if it is metal. If the new post has to be in the same location then we dig the hole beside the post and pull it. It's just work.

Egon · Dec 17, 2016

Chain and lift.

Bucket and dig.

flyerdan · Dec 17, 2016

I've pulled a few for neighbors, one was particulary tough, had to soak it with a hose for a while. If it's metal, put a couple brace bands on it to keep the chain from slipping up. If you have something like a railroad tie handy, you can use that for a lever to increase your lift capacity.

bcp · Dec 17, 2016

Where I can't get the tractor, digging a hole alongside is still the easiest way to get the post loose.

Bruce

EddieWalker · Dec 18, 2016

If the post is wood, I don't have a tractor around, I screw a short length of wood to the side of the post and use a bottle jack to get it out. If it's metal, I drill a hole through it and insert a bolt with enough sticking out to get the bottle jack under it.

ustmd · Dec 18, 2016

Egon said:
Chain and lift.

+1 Done this multiple times.

TNhobbyfarmer · Dec 18, 2016

ustmd said:
+1 Done this multiple times.

Using FEL or rear lower lift arms?

mrmikey · Dec 18, 2016

Wrap a chain as low as you can around the post so it chokes it, run the chain over the top of an old truck wheel and attach it to your tractor and drive. The wheel changes the horizontal motion of the chain to vertical and pulls it up. Not saying you won't have to wiggle it a bit to get it started.
Pulling 4x4 Fence Posts - YouTube .........Mike

cat fever · Dec 18, 2016

repowell said:
Use the 3 point hitch to start. Probably twice the lifting capacity. Then use the FEL to finish the job and tote the post off.

I did it this way, worked great.

gladehound · Dec 18, 2016

for pulling small trees or tough posts, I remove the attachment from the SSQA, choke the post with an appropriately rated nylon loop and attach to the SSQA plate. Never had a post or small tree put up much of a fight this way.

Removing the attachment gives you more lift force. Shortening the effective loader arm length also gives you more lift. 3pt method good too, just run out of lift travel quickly.

TNhobbyfarmer · Dec 18, 2016

mrmikey said:
Wrap a chain as low as you can around the post so it chokes it, run the chain over the top of an old truck wheel and attach it to your tractor and drive. The wheel changes the horizontal motion of the chain to vertical and pulls it up. Not saying you won't have to wiggle it a bit to get it started.
Pulling 4x4 Fence Posts - YouTube .........Mike

Pretty cool video. I'm definitely going to try that. Thanks for posting.

ustmd · Dec 18, 2016

TNhobbyfarmer said:
Using FEL or rear lower lift arms?

Both ways. FEL is easier to maneuver if you are working by yourself.

dickfoster · Dec 18, 2016

TNhobbyfarmer said:
I need to remove several fence posts that are set in concrete. My tractor has a fel but not forks. Any suggestions regarding best/easiest way to accomplish the task.

I'd use the FEL to push it and get it loosened up a bit then I'd use the 3PT to yank it then back to the FEL to haul it off. Might want to push them all first then yank and haul them one at a time.

EddieWalker · Dec 18, 2016

mrmikey said:
Wrap a chain as low as you can around the post so it chokes it, run the chain over the top of an old truck wheel and attach it to your tractor and drive. The wheel changes the horizontal motion of the chain to vertical and pulls it up. Not saying you won't have to wiggle it a bit to get it started.
Pulling 4x4 Fence Posts - YouTube .........Mike

Nice video, but I wonder how well this method works on posts set in concrete, or deeper then two feet, or in solid packed soil?