Removing t posts

[Highsmith]

How do I best use a farm jack (like the one pictured) to remove t-posts? I am thinking I just tie a chain around the post and jack and lift, but there are over a hundred posts and I would like the best method possible. Or should I just buy a Post Popper for ease?

 

[jinman]

How do I best use a farm jack (like the one pictured) to remove t-posts? I am thinking I just tie a chain around the post and jack and lift, but there are over a hundred posts and I would like the best method possible. Or should I just buy a Post Popper for ease?

I'm guessing you already have a jack, so I'd try this first. Get a section of chain about 2' long and fasten it into a loop. Drop the loop over the post so the links catch the little ridges and then twist the chain into a figure 8 shape. Loop the open end of the figure 8 over the snout of the jack and start jacking. The chain should tighten and pull the post. You may have to lean the jack or brace it some, but I think the quick attachment you gain with the post puller can be duplicated using the chain loop.

 

[Jimbrown]

My experience is that the high lift juack works better than those post poppers. Actually a FEL with a chain is even better.

 

[RickS]

If you have a helper you can use this method....take an old wheel (doesn't matter what size or brand, just a vehicle wheel without a tire on it) and place it close to the post in a vertical position. Wrap a chain around the post as close to the ground as you can and tie the other end to a tractor, jeep, whatever. Put the chain over the wheel and pull. Up comes the post. This is not a speedy way to pull posts by yourself, but with one more person you can do a lot of posts.

 

[3RRL]

I suppose Jim is referring to something like this.



But you could get one of these (or build it) for your fel or 3pt. Use it on posts or trees?

 

[Cacinok]

i've used the farm jack method, the fel and chain method and the post popper. by far the easiest and fastest method is the post popper. i've pulled a lot of posts using the popper and i've never ran into a post that i could not get out using the popper.

 

[texasjohn]

I'm a FEL and chain guy. Tell a buddy you'll buy him a brew and let him stay on the ground and wrap the chain around T posts and put them in the FEL. You drive the tractor.

I get tired of lugging the tractor jack around.

 

[txdon]

Post popper!
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/rural-living/82437d1185936842-mom-called-dadstuck2.jpg

You do not have the hassle of the chain when pulling t-post. It does come with a small chain and hook for wood post.

I can pull out ten by the time you get you FEL positioned get off the tractor and attach a chain, get back on the tractor etc.etc.....

 

[texasjohn]

Well, TxDon, I wouldn't argue that you could do that... but, I'd sweat less in my tractor cab. Now, my buddy... different story

 

[txdon]

When I get old I'm going to get a cab.....and a buddy.

 

[RichZ]

Harbor Freight sells a T-post puller. I think it goes for $19.95. I bought one years ago, and it's by far one of the most useful tools that I have on my farm. It pops the T-post out in seconds. I've tried all sorts of methods of getting them out before I bought it, and it's by far the easiest and quickest way to do the job.

 

[Soundguy]

Save yourself some time.. get a t-post popper.. TSC sells them.. makes pulling t-post a real breeze...

Soundguy

 

[weldingisfun]

T-Post popper gets my vote too. Like Txdon said, by the time you get the tractor positioned, you can have the post out with a popper. Besides you'll probably run into a few posts that you just can't get the tractor close enough to use.
I got my post popper from TSC. The handle on it is square stock and allows me, if needed, to slide a 5' iron bar into it for extra leverage. I've never had to do it, but I could, if needed.
Go ahead and bribe (beer) a buddy to help you. You can spell one another.

 

[schmism]

i made a small loop of chain in a piece of chain i use on the FEL for T-post work.

passed a bolt through a couple of links.

If you did that and then put a slip hook on to catch the loop in the bottom of the High-lift lifter i think you'd be set.

 

[jimg]

I also highly recommend the Post Popper. The metal plate on the business end is notched esp for t posts. Pulling them is somewhat like a ratcheting motion and very fast. Its also equipped w/ a 1/4" grab hook for pulling other types of posts. The thing is built like a tank and can take lots of 'abuse', like handle extensions for gaining more leverage. Ive pulled *many* t posts so far and a fair number of phone pole type posts and only a few required anything like work to remove. If you have many t posts youll save yourself considerable time over a chain only puller.

 

[Soundguy]

Hows that saying go? work smarter.. not harder?

Soundguy

 

[mrutkaus]

You can put a giant wrench on them and twist them out.

 

[Soundguy]

Probably would mess up the small spade plate attached near the bottom though..

Again.. i don't think you can beat the actual tool made to remove then for ease of use and speed.. especialy for something 1 person can do.. etc..

Soundguy

 

[jimg]

Probably would mess up the small spade plate attached near the bottom though..

Again.. i don't think you can beat the actual tool made to remove then for ease of use and speed.. especialy for something 1 person can do.. etc..

Soundguy

I had to believe he was making a joke.

 

[shasta]

I have a T post popper too that I use for hard to get to posts, but my favorite way to pull T posts is with a 4in1 bucket. Just pinch the top and lift.