Pulling T-posts

[DeeDubya]

Does anyone know a trick to pulling T-posts? I'm removing some old fencing with mostly steel posts. The best method I've found so far is pulling them with my bucket. I tip the bucket back, drive up till it bumps the post close to the top and then tie off a short chain. I just drop a hook on the bucket blade, let the chain hang next to the post and then give it several wraps before hooking it back on itself. I works fairly well and I have the bucket right there to put the posts into. For me it's a one-man job so I'm off/on the tractor twice for each post. A helper would really speed things up but that's not going to happen.

Then, I have all the old wire to roll up. Any tricks to that? They make some wire/cable wrappers that collapse for removal but kinda pricey for my use.

 

[joshuabardwell]

I use the same method you do. Drive down the fence line, using a chain on the bucket. I agree that it would go a lot faster as a two-man job. One person wraps/hooks the chain, one operates the tractor.

 

[notrees]

if your not conscerned about hurting the posts or the wire and arent re-using it, then a grapple bucket works well for pulling the posts and rolling the wire.. i have done it many times on a skid steer and would imagine it would work just as well on a tractor and will keep you from climbing on and off. If you are re-using it then nix this idea.

 

[DeeDubya]

I'm not concerned about either. They're going into the scrap steel trailer to be recycled. I don't have a grapple bucket. I'm cutting all the wire off the posts and letting it just fall. After the post are removed I'll twist all 5 strands together at one end, tie it on the tractor and pull it out straight. Then what? Might just have to roll it all by hand. It's not too hard if I make a 3' diameter roll and just walk and roll.

 

[notrees]

im not sure what your set up is or if your tractor has aux hydraulics, and not sure how much fence you have, but if you have the hydraulics and can rent or somehow get your hands on a grapple bucket or grapple rake you will save yourself much much much time.. good luck with your project

 

[Deere Dude]

What about driving to the fence post and wrap the chain around it and hook it to the post. Get on the tractor and pull it out, then drive to the next post with it hanging. Disconnect the previous post and hook the next one at the same tome. Then you only have to get on and off the tractor once per post.

 

[bcp]

Do this, stay on your tractor. Drop the posts on the wire to be rolled up with it.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/121728-cheap-fel-t-post-puller.html

Bruce

 

[Soundguy]

they make 1 man, no exit tractor setups for pulling tpost if you have a loader.

there is a chain loop that will grab them.. as well as a slip hollow rectangle that locks on good.

still.. there's the manual tpost popper that tsc sells.. walk along with it and leverag e them up .. etc..

 

[TripleR]

I haven't found an easy way in all my time on the farm. We only had one permanent fence on our farm and the rest of the time, we fenced off different sections for the cattle and hogs which meant a lot of building and taking down fences. Fortunately, we always had a brother to help and now I recruit one of my sons if it becomes absolutely necessary. Depending on your soil, age, strength you might catch it wet enough to pull them by hand, pretty tiring, but a lot quicker. Wiggle it around a bit and pull it up then get the stubborn ones with the tractor.

 

[yellowdogsvc]

I use a 4n1 bucket or a t-post puller. both work good but t-post puller a lot more labor.

 

[Steave]

This seems like a good idea and cheap to build. Add to your FEL.

You might figure a way to get the puller to release the post by lowering it to the ground and let the post fall to the side then go back and pick up all the posts??

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...my-t-post-puller.html?highlight=t+post+puller

 

[bullbreaker]

they make 1 man, no exit tractor setups for pulling tpost if you have a loader.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/269107-speeco-t-post-puller-anyone.html

Heres what Soundguy is refering too . Can't tell you how good it works haven't used mine yet. Also there are video's on YouTube demonstrateing this tool. Can also mount to PHD tube or boom pole. Paid $ 2.04 for mine on clearance origignal price was like $69.99 (yikes-) Read whole thread it will lead you to links on YT.

Boone

 

[SSdoxie]

This seems like a good idea and cheap to build. Add to your FEL.

You might figure a way to get the puller to release the post by lowering it to the ground and let the post fall to the side then go back and pick up all the posts??

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...my-t-post-puller.html?highlight=t+post+puller

I've used that gadet number of times since posting that. If I have a helper I'll hang off the bucket so helper can slip it over the post the take the post out and put it in bucket after I pull it. When by myself I hook on my Quick Hitch (top hook), back up to the post and get off the tractor to slip it on and run te 3pt standing on the ground. The take the post out and toss it down the line close to next post, back up and pull that one then put 2 posts in the loader with only 1 trip to front of the tractor.

It was mentioned here to scrap the posts. I don't know what shape they are in but around here used steel posts will bring $2.00 ea if straight and have some paint left on them. New are around $5.00.

Rolling up old barbed wire: Do you have an old steel barrel, wrap all the strands around the barrel then roll the barrel back over the wire to wrap it up then sell barrel with wire on it. Just a thought.

 

[RDrancher]

I use my Ratchet Rake. The first time I tried it I pulled over 60 posts as quick as I could move to the next post. Only bent up the first two getting the right angle.

 

[DeeDubya]

Thanks for some good solutions. Most of these posts are in rock. I don't think holes were drilled for them but just driven into cracks between the rocks. Most are not pullable by hand no matter how much you wiggle them first. The bucket & chain is working OK for now but I do like bcp's idea. I just might waste too much time trying to get the post in the hole. My tractor's not a hydrostatic.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

If you are welding the box to the side of the bucket, put it on the right side, not the left. With the FEL controls on the right so it will be much easier to see what you are doing while trying to do it without having to try to see one side of the tractor and run controls on the other.