Installing Fence

[dieselmadman]

Hi folks,

I have a '07 BX24 that I have used for some earth moving and excavating (small projects). I am thinking of installing about 300' of split rail fence. Truth be told, I have NEVER taken the backhoe off and used any 3-point hitch attachments. However, for digging the post holes I am wondering if renting a post hole auger is the way to go or do you think I could just dig with the hoe. I guess I would need the auger for a few days. Does the auger really make the job easy and is installing and using one simple? Any info or experience telling would be appreciated. I am in MA and most of the digging is dense soil and rock, though the post holes will be maybe 20' from a stream so I might run into some wet soil. Thanks, in advance.

 

[deereguy]

I wouldn't dig a post hole with a backhoe, you end up with an elongated hole, at least I did and the post wasn't very tight, even with concrete around it. A rented post hole digger for your 3 pt would probably make a straighter/tighter fence in the long run.

Good Luck!!

 

[Bird]

First, I agree with deereguy in that I would not dig post holes with a backhoe. The 3-point post hole diggers (augers) are great, but a few things you might consider, if you didn't already know them:
1) I'm not sure the BX can lift all of them high enough to clear the ground in transport,
2) when using one, lower the point to touch the spot you want to dig before engaging the PTO,
3) start at very low RPM, not spinning fast,
4) don't lower the 3-point too fast. Augers can screw themselves right into the ground instead of digging, and they can sure be some work to get back out,
5) if it does screw itself into the ground, disconnect the auger from the tractor, and with a big pipe wrench or cheater bar unscrew it,
6) once in the hole, the RPM can be increase somewhat, but don't raise it out of the hole with it spinning very fast at all because it may swing wildly, and
7) be very careful about you or anyone else getting close to it when engaged. I think everyone knows the PTO driveshaft can grab your clothes and kill or maim you, but so can that auger.

Good luck with the fence building.

 

[dillo99]

I have done quite a few post holes with a backhoe - it does work but as indicated, you get an elongated hole. You also have to be careful to keep the posts in a straight line. It is an option if you don't have post hole digger or can't get one that works with your bx.

Go for the PHD if you can...if not, give the backhoe a try.

 

[Dr. Bob]

Bird is correct. Kubota BX will not lift standard PHD. There are PHDs made for sub-compact tractors, for example, the Leinbach L-7200 Jr. I don't own one; I have just seen them advertised. Just make sure whomever you buy it from understands the size of your tractor.
Also, having installed hundreds of slipborad fence posts on the horse farm, I would not dream of doing it with anything other than a PHD.
I use a 12" auger since I use 6x6's for gate posts and an 9" auger does not leave room for error (wiggle room). Believe it or not, it is not easy to get a hole that is exactly vertical; it's easy to be off a little. And, if the hole is narrow, you won't be able to position the post exactly vertical.
Most important advice: get your wife (she who must be obeyed) to approve the installation of the first few posts so you won't have to take them out and "re-plant" them when she finds fault with your work!

 

[MarkLeininger]

Tractors can' push down on a PHD, they can only lift up. So my experience in really rocky and clay soil is that the auger sits there and spins and doesn't have enough down force to make it bite. I'd consider renting a bobcat with a PHD on the front. You can see what you're doing, they push down on the auger and go right through clay and rock. Otherwise you'll be down in the hole with a prybar and sledge hammer trying to get the rocks out.

Ditto Bird on getting approval from the control tower before all work begins. I've redone many a fine job because it failed to meet some female criterion. This typically involves irrelevant things like color and blending with the surroundings. Important factors like sturdy, straight, true and plumb won't get you any credit.

 

[flusher]

Tractors can' push down on a PHD, they can only lift up. So my experience in really rocky and clay soil is that the auger sits there and spins and doesn't have enough down force to make it bite. I'd consider renting a bobcat with a PHD on the front. You can see what you're doing, they push down on the auger and go right through clay and rock. Otherwise you'll be down in the hole with a prybar and sledge hammer trying to get the rocks out.

Ditto Bird on getting approval from the control tower before all work begins. I've redone many a fine job because it failed to meet some female criterion. This typically involves irrelevant things like color and blending with the surroundings. Important factors like sturdy, straight, true and plumb won't get you any credit.

I agree. A rented Bobcat with PHD is the way to go for one-time jobs. If that rig isn't available, I'd look for a towable earth auger like the Little Beaver to rent

Little Beaver - Earth Drills, Earth Augers, Post Hole Diggers, Trenchers Kwik-Trench, Quick Trench, Earth Saws, Hydraulic Augers Littlebeaver Livingston Texas

One-man and two-man augers can be a real handful in tough soil. These towable augers are a little easier for one person to handle. My local rental place has these for $17/hr, 3 hr minimum.

 

[flusher]

I agree. A rented Bobcat with PHD is the way to go for one-time jobs. If that rig isn't available, I'd look for a towable earth auger like the Little Beaver to rent

Little Beaver - Earth Drills, Earth Augers, Post Hole Diggers, Trenchers Kwik-Trench, Quick Trench, Earth Saws, Hydraulic Augers Littlebeaver Livingston Texas

One-man and two-man augers can be a real handful in tough soil. These towable augers are a little easier for one person to handle. My local rental place has these for $17/hr, 3 hr minimum.

I forgot one other thing. If you rent, be sure to have the rental guy explain how to remove a stuck auger. It's probably a good idea to have the BF pipe wrench with the long cheater bar handy when augering post holes.

 

[The Gardener]

... be sure to have the rental guy explain how to remove a stuck auger.

Would aplying the reverse direction escape any issue that was created going forward?

BTW, that's a neat looking rig!!! Their website video clip takes the viewer through a perfectly clear demonstration of the machine and explains its features in depth.

:The Gardener

 

[Jimbrown]

I have a land pride pd10 PHD for my BX it works OK in most places but some places it just will not dig at all. If you have never taken the hoe off and installed the the 3 point arms ect It will take you a while to figuer that out. I agree that a bobcat with auger is the way to go. Else just digem by hand.