Posthole Digger Post hole digger

kcook · Apr 23, 2007

I need to set several post holes for a large fenced in area (4x4's) and for a deck (my guess is 6x6's).

Can a BH dig a good enough hole or would a PHD work better.

Looking at a BX24 tractor?

thanks

KC

BTDT · Apr 23, 2007

I think a PHD would work a lot better. Not near as much soil disturbed. Not sure if a Bx24 will handle one or not, but I'm sure someone else will chime in.

LoneCowboy · Apr 23, 2007

I dig plenty of holes for 6x6's with my PHD and a 12" auger
works great

Timber · Apr 23, 2007

I try my best to avoid threads that have to do with digging post holes with a Backhoe. It is fine if you don't mind mending that fence for the rest of your life. It is kind of like making furniture with a Chainsaw. A fence post has got to have the integrity of of the compact soil around for it to have any strength at all. You might get away with post and rail with no livestock. Any kind of blind fence forget it. The wind will have panels falling out in less than 2 years. If you do not have a PHD use a clam shell and bars. Farmers haven't been laying fence this way for the last 100 years because they didn't have a Backhoe available. They did it by hand because the wanted to set a fence once every 15 years and not go looking for livestock and the place they got out every year.

EddieWalker · Apr 23, 2007

I'm in agreement with Timber. Digging them with a backhoe will destroy the integrity of the side walls that woudl be just about impossible to re-gain.

The post hold digger will still have some soil around the post when you fill the hole, but the walls around the hole will provide all the stregth. Without those walls all the way around, you'll looking at failure. Especially if it rains and that fill material gets saturated.

Eddie