PostHole Auger

[jenkinsph]

thanks to all for your advice. short story, I do not yet know what the local depth requiremnet is. I was basing the 6' depth on what several individuals on the internet have said to use. my barn would need posts to extend 16' above grade and 6' is 1/3 of that (close). The frost-line in my area is 0 so I am more concerned with how the barn would hold up to loads. Based on many comments on this site 4' seems to be the reasonable depth which significantly improves available solutions. problem with submitting plans for a building permit they expect you to know what you are doing and I am working to that end. given a 4' hole the next hurdle is backfill, crushed rock or concrete. Since I plan on an enclosed living area 10' off the ground I'm trying to insure a stable platform which I am sure would meet local code. This picture might help you understand my goal.

If you are planning to build something for habitation you may be required to use concrete footers, treated lumber where the concrete is contacted and western framing to get the permit. Where are you located? Have you checked online to see if your state or municipality has their minimum standards listed?

 

[pitt_md]

I forget to add that our "guy" used a skid steer, I believe that was close to max though. Next up option was a truck mounted unit and I think that was $100.00 per hole.

Sorry, I did not see that wedge already thought of this...
You can buy the cardboard tubes for the footers.

I think I might use a MINI Excavator and dig a trench to depth, place tubes where you need the footers and back fill and pour. They can be rented far cheaper than the other options I have heard so far.

This trench is a trench that I dug to run water out to my new pasture. It's 8' deep and took me a couple hours to dig. I had never used an excavator or backhoe before doing this.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Please don't take this the wrong way...trying to save you some money and work here.

You are asking how to best dig 6' depth but you do not have frost to contend with. So you probably can go 4'. But the point I want to make, if you are this far off on depth requirement for a post, you should not be asking how to do a particular task, but rather look at the whole of the job... the right design to get what you want out of the building.

Get some plans and someone involved on the actual design and permitting requirements to get what you want. It will save you in the long run. Building costs are high enough without overbuilding or underbuilding and discovering too late you can't get an occupancy permit or you have to redo something.

Building a pole barn that will also contain living space will have different requirements from just a pole barn for utility purposes.

Once you have a good plan and a permit, ask us questions about how and know that you are on the right path to the right destination.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

 

[AustinTX]

I don't know about costs, but you might want to check these guys out Pole Barn | Pole Barn Kits | Socket Systems | Home . They claim to have everything figured out and can send you a stamped set of plans for your building department.

I have no connection to them, but am thinking about one of their designs for a barn/inlaw residence.

Thanks for the link- I am also considering either a garage apartment or barn with an apartment. If they can get me plans approved by the city of Austin, that would be a huge selling point.

 

[DraftHorse]

I needed to put in some 12" dry wells and had to go at least 6' deep for them to work well. I used a QA mounted Bobcat 15c hyd auger with a 2' extension on the 12" auger on my L5740. There was no problem in height or drilling.

 

[bobsmit]

Going to build a pole barn and need to drill 20+ six-foot deep 12" diameter holes in extremely hard clay soil. I have done allot of reading and I am not sure the standard 3-point posthole auger is up to the task.

The Belltec looks like a good product but I am not comfortable spending $3K on a product I have never seen in use.

Rentals seem to be fence post related and I cannot find anyone who specializes in digging holes this size and depth in my area. Thought about calling a well digger but would not know what would be a reasonable charge for this service. Anything else I am missing? TIA

Beltzington check out these hydraulic augers for some good ideas. heres another link to a how to video showing auger in use. hope it helps.

 

[radman1]

I can't imagine living in Austin TX, a 6' deep hole is required but then again codes can be all over the place. For my pole barn shed in Nebr, I was required to drill 24" holes, 4' deep with poured cement pad in the bottom. I have no clue why a 24" hole for a 6x6" laminated post. Tamping in a 24" hole is no fun - unless I use my hydraulic tamper.

A skid steer and the right PHD can get 6' in hard clay. I have Bobcat model 15C (mid torque) and 30C (high torque) augers. The model 15C is close to what most manufactures sell for skid steer use. The 30C with a 4' bit, 1' auger head and by adding my 2' extension, can dig 6-7' with a 24" bit. There are 3' extensions also available. I have a 36" bit and can go 3-4'. (I haven't tried going deeper.) The model 15C will struggle with 24" bit at 2-3' in hard soil.