post hole digger in rocky ground

[rdbrumfield]

I am with you on the driven post. I have used the auger, sheared keys, bent shafts, and the last of all sheared the output shaft off the gearbox. One thing about driven post, it is already in the hole and when you walk away it is solid, no mess. I used one that would drive railroad ties. I won't ever use an auger again, at least not on a tractor.

 

[rdbrumfield]

I am with you on the driven post. I have used the auger, sheared keys, bent shafts, and the last of all sheared the output shaft off the gearbox. One thing about driven post, it is already in the hole and when you walk away it is solid, no mess. I used one that would drive railroad ties. I won't ever use an auger again, at least not on a tractor.

 

[FamilyFarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I am with you on the driven post. I have used the auger, sheared keys, bent shafts, and the last of all sheared the output shaft off the gearbox. One thing about driven post, it is already in the hole and when you walk away it is solid, no mess. I used one that would drive railroad ties. I won't ever use an auger again, at least not on a tractor. )</font>
TELL ME MORE /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I really can't imagine anything that would just drive a post into this rock we have here, but it certainly sounds intriguing. I recently used the backhoe on the BX22 to dig a 4 ft diameter hole about 3 ft deep. It took quite a while to do and I would guess 70% of what I dug was rock rather than soil. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Thanks for any information!
Terry

 

[FamilyFarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I am with you on the driven post. I have used the auger, sheared keys, bent shafts, and the last of all sheared the output shaft off the gearbox. One thing about driven post, it is already in the hole and when you walk away it is solid, no mess. I used one that would drive railroad ties. I won't ever use an auger again, at least not on a tractor. )</font>
TELL ME MORE /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I really can't imagine anything that would just drive a post into this rock we have here, but it certainly sounds intriguing. I recently used the backhoe on the BX22 to dig a 4 ft diameter hole about 3 ft deep. It took quite a while to do and I would guess 70% of what I dug was rock rather than soil. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Thanks for any information!
Terry

 

[Dishpointer]

I just received information and a DVD from Shaver on their post driver. Check out their website at www.shavermfg.com Their setup looks nice.

 

[Dishpointer]

I just received information and a DVD from Shaver on their post driver. Check out their website at www.shavermfg.com Their setup looks nice.

 

[texasjohn]

In real rock, a post hole digger wont work. If the rock is brittle, like shale, or a conglomerate that can be chipped up into smaller fragments, then you stand a chance. The auger will bring up dirt, then begin working/chipping/grinding on the rock. A big rock that happens to sit just wrong will sieze the PHD and not turn loose. You will get to unhook the auger and back it out of the hole manually using big pipe wrench and long cheater. With some experience, you can avoid most such situations, but it happens.

For a post hole digger, I'd recommend Danuser brand.. they are top of the line, very stout, and you notice it in your pocket book. However, they will get the job done if any post hole digger can. I bought a used one...3PH.

Down pressure is clearly needed on a 3PH post hole digger if there is rock... also, mandatory is a rock tip.... I repeat, a rock tip. Down pressure can be attained by standing on the PHD while it is running.... extremely dangerous... but I did it when younger. Now, I have a bracket welded on the digger which holds several hundred pounds of weights.

An alternative is a hydraulic PHD that attaches to a FEL, assuming your hydraulics can supply the flow needed to the PHD. The FEL gives you the needed down pressure. Danuser also makes this...

I have no experience with a post driver. I don't know how it works in rock.

I'd get to know some folks in the area and visit with them about how they put in their fences... and what equipment they use... am sure that you would learn about local customs, anyway.

 

[texasjohn]

In real rock, a post hole digger wont work. If the rock is brittle, like shale, or a conglomerate that can be chipped up into smaller fragments, then you stand a chance. The auger will bring up dirt, then begin working/chipping/grinding on the rock. A big rock that happens to sit just wrong will sieze the PHD and not turn loose. You will get to unhook the auger and back it out of the hole manually using big pipe wrench and long cheater. With some experience, you can avoid most such situations, but it happens.

For a post hole digger, I'd recommend Danuser brand.. they are top of the line, very stout, and you notice it in your pocket book. However, they will get the job done if any post hole digger can. I bought a used one...3PH.

Down pressure is clearly needed on a 3PH post hole digger if there is rock... also, mandatory is a rock tip.... I repeat, a rock tip. Down pressure can be attained by standing on the PHD while it is running.... extremely dangerous... but I did it when younger. Now, I have a bracket welded on the digger which holds several hundred pounds of weights.

An alternative is a hydraulic PHD that attaches to a FEL, assuming your hydraulics can supply the flow needed to the PHD. The FEL gives you the needed down pressure. Danuser also makes this...

I have no experience with a post driver. I don't know how it works in rock.

I'd get to know some folks in the area and visit with them about how they put in their fences... and what equipment they use... am sure that you would learn about local customs, anyway.

 

[rdbrumfield]

Sounds like you in more rock than dirt. Next move is a rock drill and powder.

 

[rdbrumfield]

Sounds like you in more rock than dirt. Next move is a rock drill and powder.