Removing t posts

[Soundguy]

I had to believe he was making a joke.

One would hope.. But.. I didn't see any smiley's or other emoticons to infer that he was..??

Soundguy

 

[texasjohn]

Shucks, when I drive T posts, a giant pipe wrench is my friend. When the post hits a rock and twists out of line with the fence, I wrench it back into line so the electric insulators and T-post clips line up properly with the fence wire.

Now, for removing the post, I wrench it up out of the ground with FEL Someday I may build myself a T-Post popper now that I have learned how wonderful they are!

 

[hazmat]

what no-one has mentioned a 4 in 1 bucket yet.

 

[jinman]

what no-one has mentioned a 4 in 1 bucket yet.

...except shasta on the previous page.

 

[hazmat]

...except shasta on the previous page.

 

[jimg]

Id like to revisit this...Im removing some X-fencing and so far every post (wood & T) has come out using the popper or 3pt on my tractor. However, Ive run into a series that just wont come out. Ive chained a few and pulled them but they dont come out in one piece. The ground in this particular area is *really* hard b/c its so dry (given the extended drought we're experiencing). I wonder if it would work to rehydrate the ground around the post and so soften the ground. Id really like to reclaim these posts but mostly not leave pieces still buried. Im thinking that each post would need at least 5 gals of water to do the job. Do you think Im going in the right direction w/ this?

 

[texasjohn]

I definately think that putting water right at the base of the post will help. I have experience with this. For your hard cases, you need a system for post pulling. I recommend.

Here's what I do... you may have to adapt if you don't have FEL and only 3 pt

3pt carry all for carrying buckets of water

weight on carry all so when FEL lifts rear tires (almost) off the ground you have serious vertical lift

chain post and apply max vertical lift possible without destabalizing tractor
pour water around base of post, maybe several times

use an tractor jack and chain and ALSO apply this to the post with board to keep base of jack from digging ito the ground.. jack adds additonal pressure, perhaps at different angle from the chain on the tractor.

keep pouring water and gently sway tractor back and forth (not enough to break the post) until you prevail.

This will work.... just takes preparation and time.

By the way... we have droughts in texas too... in fact, most of the time it's a drought

 

[jimg]

OK, thanx...good to know Im on the right track. Does it work to pre-soak ahead and then pull as normal? I was thinking Id soak right around dusk and then pull the following morning.

 

[texasjohn]

whatever works for you... me, I just keep messing with a post once I get hooked up to it until it comes out of the ground. Sometimes a post will come out with only a little extra help/water, sometimes it takes a lot of time/water, etc...

Since with the tractor you can rock the post slightly back and forth, this creates a channel for the water to run down .. right to the heart of the problem. You're not trying to soak the entire area, just get the ground loose enough for it to give way from grabbing on to the post... so water immediately at the bottom of the post and running down next to the post to the point of clinging dirt is what you need. I find it helps to have a trusted buddy helping. One driving the tractor/hydraulics, the other working chains, water bucket, tractor jack, etc.... 2 people are about 6 times faster than one on this task... with one you are always jumping in and out of the tractor.

I will admit that there have been occasions when frustration sets in and I just break the post off at the ground.. depends on quality of post and level of frustration.

 

[jimg]

>>Since with the tractor you can rock the post slightly back and forth, this
>>creates a channel for the water to run down .. right to the heart of the
>>problem.
Ah, missed this when I read your posting. OK, Ill give that a try tonight then.

>> 2 people are about 6 times faster than one on this task... with one you are
>> always jumping in and out of the tractor.
Right...when my son isnt available to help it does take a long time b/c of all the jumping up/down.

>>I will admit that there have been occasions when frustration sets in and I
>>just break the post off at the ground.. depends on quality of post and level
>>of frustration.
I can REALLY understand!!! T posts and barb wire arent on my good list.