Thanks for your thoughtful response. Great information. I am very happy with the fence install (see my previous response) but the labor charge I thought was exorbitant. I have just picked up a Danuser Post driver and I’m going to finish it up myself.
Just now saw your response - was out yesterday clipping pastures.
OK, my gut reaction is that is high. I thought this might have been a fence company bringing their equipment and workers. To be fair, a good company has to add overhead and profit to basic labor rates to stay in business. Think about liability insurance, workman's comp, social security, cost of equipment, interest, etc., etc.
But it doesn't sound like that's the situation here. All the equipment, right down to that nice staple gun was yours to begin with. Are we just talking about two private individuals here who can put up a farm fence? If so, all you're trying to estimate is a straight labor bill as a starting point. So...simply put, how many manhours did these guys take to put up your fence? To get into the ballpark, divide that into the labor bill and see what you paid in straight wages.
If I understand your project (not easy long distance), it shouldn't take long to put up 1000 feet of conventional woven wire unless there are problems with rock or terrain.
And I am the first to offer that people who do good work in fencing deserve a good profit. It takes brains, experience, and a strong back. That's hard to find. I always pay a 20% bonus at the end of tough jobs like this to those who are working with me. But it's your money and your decision.
If you can find a neighboring farmer and feel comfortable asking a few questions, that would be of immense benefit. They probably know what a fair installation rate for your land is. I believe they will raise their eyebrows as to the labor price you were charged.
A final thought - a post driver is great, but you cannot easily operate it by yourself. You'll need a ground man to line you up and position the post and drop the ram. Hard job if you intend to get off and on the tractor each time... That's a fine post driver you bought. If new, I would ask the dealer to come to your place and demonstrate how to use it effectively. If he's a good guy, he'll do it.
Also not quite sure why an H-brace every 100 feet. (Most people don't put in enough, though). Maybe that was because of terrain transitions/dips? I also normally put a double H-brace at "ends" and use 8" posts. And at that end, you do need to securely fasten the wire to the post. And naturally Number 9 brace wire running diagonally top to bottom, against the direction of "pull." Still, even with 5" posts, these guys set 140-150 posts by hand. Could you have use two metal t-posts for each wood line post? Could save on material cost and labor.
I admire you for taking this on, but suggest you get some knowledgeable folks to get you started. Either the County Extension Agent or farmers around you. And be careful with that driver...if it hits something underneath the ground, bad things can happen. Read the manual in depth, but it sounds like you are the kind of person that will do that.
Best of Luck.