Can you drive in a post with a FEL?

[NSBound]

I am thinking of driving in some 6" wooden posts for a variety of projects around the yard. The local Co-op store sells them 5'-8' long and pointed on one end. Do you think I'll be able to set the FEL on top and shove down enough to get it to go into the ground a couple of feet? The soil is still moist here. There's a lot of "it depends" here, but what's your feeling? Or maybe I'll just have to go buy one first and try it? I don't have access to any post hole diggers.

 

[rekees4300]

Looks like your tractor does not have enough weight. It would also be difficult to keep the posts vertical.

 

[magicheater]

I have heard of it for metal fence posts but not the wooden ones.

 

[mustangsallysdad]

I am thinking of driving in some 6" wooden posts for a variety of projects around the yard. The local Co-op store sells them 5'-8' long and pointed on one end. Do you think I'll be able to set the FEL on top and shove down enough to get it to go into the ground a couple of feet? The soil is still moist here. There's a lot of "it depends" here, but what's your feeling? Or maybe I'll just have to go buy one first and try it? I don't have access to any post hole diggers.

You'll damage your bucket and that's also alot of shock load on your pins, journals and bushings...some co-op's rent post hole diggers with different diameter augers...might want to inquire.

 

[BTDT2]

Ground condition, diameter of post, and size of tractor, will play a heavy role in success or failure, but yes, given the proper conditions you can use an FEL to drive a post.

 

[NSBound]

You'll damage your bucket and that's also alot of shock load on your pins, journals and bushings...some co-op's rent post hole diggers with different diameter augers...might want to inquire.

I suspect you're right and I suspect that's why I asked . Plan B to take effect.

 

[SPIKER]

I am thinking of driving in some 6" wooden posts for a variety of projects around the yard. The local Co-op store sells them 5'-8' long and pointed on one end. Do you think I'll be able to set the FEL on top and shove down enough to get it to go into the ground a couple of feet? The soil is still moist here. There's a lot of "it depends" here, but what's your feeling? Or maybe I'll just have to go buy one first and try it? I don't have access to any post hole diggers.

nope:

there are 3pt post drivers that work well but a FEL even loaded full of weight swings in an arc up/down not straight so it will push the post around some and still not set it more than a few inches into the ground unless it is very swampy/sandy...
other option is 3pt post hole digger rent or buy one work swell need to have help though.
Mark

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Under the right conditions I suppose it might work ok but I have to much money invested in my tractor to abuse it trying something like that.
If you have enough posts to set go rent a post hole auger.

 

[jinman]

Ian, if you buy the posts for eventual use, why not give it a try? I don't think it will work, but it sure would not hurt to try. I would fill the bucket with some gravel for additional weight and "tap" on the post from about 2" or 3" away. You will need someone to hold the post in place while you apply gentle force to seat it into the dirt before "tapping" on the post. Make sure your helper stands well away while tapping.

I drive metal t-posts with my NH TC45D all the time. In moist soil with no big rocks, I easily push them down past the flange. 6' t-posts are a snap, but you have to be careful on the 8' t-posts to push straight down or they are easily bent.

I say that you are in charge of this research. We expect a full and detailed report with photos.

 

[NSBound]

Ian, if you buy the posts for eventual use, why not give it a try? I say that you are in charge of this research. We expect a full and detailed report with photos.

We'll see