Using a BX24 to build a fence

[thavil]

In case anyone was wondering if a BX24 could handle a post hole digger, I just completed our last section of exterior fence line using a Leinbach 7200JR PHD. All fencing previously was completed using a friend's hydraulic post hole driver. Since I bought my BX in June, I wanted to complete this project myself, even though the post hole driver is much easier.

I dug 44 holes and my wife and I set the posts and put up the boards (still have to cut off the top of each post). I had a few issues in the beginning (I posted in the Attachments forum to get some advice) but by the end of the fence line, I had it down. Each hole was a different challenge, depending on roots, rocks, soil type and auger bit sharpness. I got the auger stuck a lot in the beginning but with the great advice from the TBN users, I got through the project. Attached are a few camera phone pictures I took.

 

[bigdad]

I'd say you got 'er down! Nice equipment and nice fence!

 

[BigD23]

Great job! What size auger did you use?

Don

 

[thavil]

Great job! What size auger did you use?

Don

Don - I started with a 9" auger that came with the PHD but found that it jumped around a lot when starting the hole. It only has a small permanently mounted bit to start the hole. The surface roots would shoot it to one side or the other and this didn't give me much room to place my posts in a straight line.

I went to TSC and bought a 12" Speeco auger to remedy this. This auger has a much larger bit that you can replace. Plus, the 12" hole gave me more screw-up room to place the posts. One item of note with the 12" auger is that the BX24 3PH struggles at times to lift fully loaded flights. This forced me to lift the auger more often to clean the flights while digging the hole.

 

[BigD23]

Don - I started with a 9" auger that came with the PHD but found that it jumped around a lot when starting the hole. It only has a small permanently mounted bit to start the hole. The surface roots would shoot it to one side or the other and this didn't give me much room to place my posts in a straight line.

I went to TSC and bought a 12" Speeco auger to remedy this. This auger has a much larger bit that you can replace. Plus, the 12" hole gave me more screw-up room to place the posts. One item of note with the 12" auger is that the BX24 3PH struggles at times to lift fully loaded flights. This forced me to lift the auger more often to clean the flights while digging the hole.

Thanks for the follow up...I have a 9" auger with my BX23 and am getting ready to punch a few holes...We'll see how it goes...Might have to go bigger.

Don

 

[Deano]

Thavil...looks awsome...

Hey, that looks familiar!! I think I've been there!!!

Deano

 

[thavil]

Thavil...looks awsome...

Hey, that looks familiar!! I think I've been there!!!

Deano

Thanks Deano and you would be correct, it's the same field that you guys parked your trailers in during your event at our farm.

Now it's your turn to dig some holes with your BX.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Hey! You stole my PHD!

Works pretty good. Cheaper unit, I know, but it still goes roundy-round. Just like Harbor Freight stuff...if you wear it out, then you know you need a nicer one.

I just used mine to dig 4 24" deep holes for my back steps. Agree the larger auger gives you more fudge room, but I also totally agree that it is pushing the BX hydraulics to lift a fully loaded (with soil) 9" auger bit. I was always worried I was a step away from losing the bit forever to the earth...a 12" auger bit would make me that much more anxious.