Fencing Rig/Small Log Forwarder

[Greg_Phillips]

I have a crazy idea that I wanted to get some feed back on, and I couldn't think of a better place to get it then here. We have quite a bit of fencing to do around our farm and I get really tired of having to hand set the corner posts and brace posts. What I have been thinking is take a ride on trencher, one that has a blade and a backhoe attachment. Then use the backhoe booms as a type of knuckle boom with a grapple in place of the bucket to set the posts, and the blade to clear what needs to be cleared to build the fence. To transport the 8' post I was thinking of building a trailer with bunks on, then I could take the boom and pick up the posts and set them in the holes that would have already been dug. We also have a couple small pieces of timer that several of the trees have fallen down, so I could use the machine to pick up the downed wood.

So, how crazy of an idea is it? Please help me out here, any ideas or questions that may lead me to think about something that I hadn't considered would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Why not get a post pounder for your tractor? They really speed things up!

SR

 

[Kernopelli]

I have very limited experience with trenchers but I think you have a much more capably machine with your Maxxum. I bought an old Ditch Witch J20 on a No Reserve Ebay auction.I got it for $125 from a guy just outside of Murray (KY). Awesome bang-for-the-buck machine but a lot of trenchers are slow ( think 4-5 MPH max), have low ground clearance and depending upon size, limited pushing ability. I sold it to my buddy who wanted it for much the same reasons as you. Didn't take long and he was back to using a small tractor and skid steer. I think you would be better served spending the money on attachments for your current machine.

 

[Rustyiron]

I just "rigged up" a grapple with a rotator, and the rotator was unecessary luxury and additional cost in my thinking. After using it I have learned that it is invaluable to the use of the grapple. I think you will find that for your use in fencing. This means an additional hydraulic circuit. Just something to think about. I agree with Darryl above about the travel speed and limited ground clearance.
Here's a link to one of the slickest fencing rigs I've seen. The pilot auger in difficult (rocky/shale) soils is a must.
https://www.wheatheart.com/product/140/side-mast-models