Putting in steel fence posts with loader

[zuiko]

I really like this idea.

I am wondering if anyone has made a jig of some sort that will hold the post plumb where you want it driven. It seems like a person could make something out of 3/4" plywood or steel that splits in half and is hinged on one side... not sure exactly what it would look like yet.

Otherwise it seems like you would have to drive it into the ground a little ways by hand before using the loader which would add a lot of time.

Also... U posts vs T posts. Anyone use the U posts? They sure are a lot more money but if they are stronger and last longer that might be worthwhile. They also would not need any horse caps. Here they are about $4.00 vs $2.50. I was going to go all wood but besides the time factor wood posts are so expensive now and they seem to be going up in price every year. The cheapest price I can find on a 6"x8' post is $10.50.

 

[zuiko]

I had a bit of a brainstorm on the way to do this and now I'm thinking maybe a large diameter PVC pipe (big enough so the spade fits through it) with a cap with a small hole drilled into it (maybe 1") You set the big pipe on the ground, put the post in it, then put the large cap over the post (which keeps it vertical and centered). Then push it in. The pipe can also be used to gauge the proper post height (would probably need a helper for that since you cant see any of this on the tractor).

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> would probably need a helper </font>
If you have to have a helper, they could hold the post plumb. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SPIKER]

try to find a helper with a FLAT head they fit under the loder better! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Mark M

 

[zuiko]

I built this thing out of a section of 4" PVC, a 2"-4" reducing coupler, a 4" closet flange and a piece of plywood. None of the PVC is glued together.

It works great. You also have great visibility so you can see exactly when it is the right height. It takes about 2 seconds to sink in a post. The hardest part is determining where to put it in the first place. It does make the whole thing a one man operation.

I can post pictures of it if anyone is interested.

 

[MicroPilot]

I was thinking that you could weld your steel post pounder to the top of the bucket to hold the post plumb, and keep it from slipping. Another idea was a clamp that goes around the post pounder and bolts into the inside bottom of the bucket to hold it in place.

 

[SCB]

Yes, please post a picture of you post driver. I am interested since I will be putting up a couple hundred of metal posts soon. Thanks.

 

[Mogombus]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I can post pictures of it if anyone is interested.)</font>

Yes, Please do!

 

[JerryG]

You guys must have really soft soil or sand. A Cat D11 couldn't push a post in what I have.

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> A Cat D11 couldn't push a post in what I have. </font>
Almost the same here. I am lucky if the posts get in 2 feet before hitting a rock. If I try and drive them any further with my post driver, the T post bends and I get to start over. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif