Post Driver...anyone regret it?

ejb · Jun 4, 2004

As I debate this post hole digger versus post driver decision endlessly...if I go the post hole digger route (to save some $$$), what size auger is best to use with a 6-8 inch post? I have a need for a 12 inch auger for another purpose (a deck project). If I also use the 12 inch auger for setting 6-8 inch posts, is that to big? I was planning on backfilling and tamping with some pea stone/soil mix?

MDSteve · Jun 4, 2004

I use a 12" auger for 6X6 and sometimes wish I had a larger hole to line everything up. The larger the hole the more likly you can make a straight fence line.

Steve

Nasty135 · Jun 4, 2004

MDSteve, Where did you get your post hole digger? I see you are in Clements ,I'm surprised your not driving one of Perry's Masseys?? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I have a use for one for a couple jobs and may just try to borrow one from a retired co-worker of mine that lives near by so when I'm not using it ,it won't be in my way /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Gatorboy · Jun 4, 2004

I just got (yesterday, in fact) myself an auger for my Bobcat. I'm going to be putting in 4" to 6" round posts in for a high tensile fence. I got the 6" auger bit do this. I would think the less wiggle room the better. I'll let you know how it works out.

I would have gotten a post driver, but I have other uses that require an auger instead.

cowboydoc · Jun 4, 2004

I would go 12". It's very hard to get the post tamped down very well with a 9" auger.

slowrev · Jun 4, 2004

I agree with Mike and Cowboydoc. A post drive can't be beat. We have shollow soil and slate rock here. A driver is the only way to go, roots, rocks, if a driver can't do it then it is time for the manual PHD and irondigger bar /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I have used both front and 3 point mounted drivers, both are better than any other alternative I have seen for a tractor. If the way is clear my friend and myself drive about 100 posts in a day. Would be lucky to get 1/4 of that done with an auger and be a LOT more tired at the end of the day.

MDSteve · Jun 4, 2004

I got mine from either Guy Bro's or Hugh Garner's. I usually price them out at both places and pick up who is cheaper. On the auger they were the same so I got it from Guy Bro's. I have a 8" or so and the 12". It is nice having a dealer within a mile or so of the house. I had Guy Bro's make me some extra hydro lines to run a logsplitter from the Kubota.

When I pick up my tractor 2 years ago I looked at JD, MF and Kubota but for the package and size the Kubota was the cheapest.

Steve

MikePA · Jun 4, 2004

<font color="blue"> Would a rig that size be able to drive in a 6-8 inch round post 48 inches into the ground? </font>
Your question has 2 parts, the size of the post and how deep can it be driven into the ground.

Worksaver has a number of models. All of them can drive a post as far into the ground as you want to, given the limitation I mention at the end of this message.

The HPD-16 can handle up to 7" x 9 foot posts.
The HPD-20 can handle up to 8 3/4" x 10 foot posts.
The HPD-24 can handle up to 11" x 10 foot posts.

One more question...How long is the post? I ask, because there's a lower limit, i.e., the part the drives the post in can only come down so far before it hits the ground before hitting the top of the post. (See attachment). There are ways to get around this limitation such as placing a short piece of post on top of the post being driven, but that could get dangerous.

cowboydoc · Jun 4, 2004

Mike,

Do you use the stands like that pic shows? I have never even used mine except to store it.

MarkV · Jun 4, 2004

Interesting discussion. I was wondering what kind of power does it take to run a post driver? Also, even if you have the power does it require a sizable tractor to stabilize a unit doing that kind of work?

MarkV