Bruce
Herd Master
How many post holes, how is the soil and how many big rocks are you likely to hit?
TheFarmOfDreams- a long awaited adventure
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Baymule
Herd Master
Good question!
I was going to suggest an auger from Harbor Freight. Hand held with gasoline engine, we had one and fenced our 8 acres with it.
I was going to suggest an auger from Harbor Freight. Hand held with gasoline engine, we had one and fenced our 8 acres with it.
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Thefarmofdreams
Loving the herd life
That is a VERY good question. I know if there's rocks, by hand is definitely not an option. It is "well drained" soil, definitely wasn't a former landfill type situation with lots of garbage. Beyond that, I have no clue! And quite a few. The planned fence is 56x80.... so 32? posts. If i'm mathing right. Plus extras by gates... I need to map it out when we get there. I'd like to fence in the whole front yard for them. The auger would definitely get good use... if it lasts... as we plan to put up permanent fencing in the spring for the horses, and down the road to fence in about 5 acres with no climb. Once its cleared. Probably should get the auger. Just shy of spending anything with 30k of barn repairs looming...
Bruce
Herd Master
Depends on what size rocks! Can't auger through even a decent size rock, end up having to dig them out with a shovel. There is a rock everywhere I want to put a post, there is probably also a rock everywhere I don't have a desire to put a post.
Are you planning woven wire? You don't need wood posts all the way. 3 per corner, braced and wired (wrap around and tie off the fence at each corner post). T posts in between and they typically aren't set as deep as a wood post so potentially fewer rocks to hit. I spaced mine 10' apart. T-posts can be adjusted if you hit a rock. 4 posts per gate, again braced and wired.
Also, if you are putting in pipe gates, I suggest replacing the screw in J bolts that come with them with through post threaded J bolts (which yes you get to pay extra for). They have 2 large washers and nuts, you can micro adjust them while the gate is mounted. Helps a lot to get and keep the gate level.
Are you planning woven wire? You don't need wood posts all the way. 3 per corner, braced and wired (wrap around and tie off the fence at each corner post). T posts in between and they typically aren't set as deep as a wood post so potentially fewer rocks to hit. I spaced mine 10' apart. T-posts can be adjusted if you hit a rock. 4 posts per gate, again braced and wired.
Also, if you are putting in pipe gates, I suggest replacing the screw in J bolts that come with them with through post threaded J bolts (which yes you get to pay extra for). They have 2 large washers and nuts, you can micro adjust them while the gate is mounted. Helps a lot to get and keep the gate level.
Alaskan
Herd Master
When there is a rock where you are digging your hole, use a big heavy rod of metal. Pick it up, drop it down... repeat... use post hole digger to get out rock chunks.
Slow, slow work.
Slow, slow work.
Bruce
Herd Master
Assuming the rock has a desire to split into small pieces!
Alaskan
Herd Master
I was thinking about that....
Not that it LIKES busting up... but in Texas it is mostly limestone.... so breakable.
Not sure what you would do if you were stuck with granite boulders. Dinomite?
Bruce
Herd Master
Yes, limestone and shale would be a joy!!! Haven't hit any of those here.
The problem with dinomite (sic) is you need a license to use it. There are legal methods for "commoners", STA posted some videos a year or 2 back. Only problem with them is the cost, lots of hundreds of $$. I found a place that rents them but way over in NH, the cost would still be high given you waste a day getting it and another getting it returned. Now if there was a place locally ... I have a number of areas in the fields that would be improved with a bit of blasting. My mower would be very appreciative and so would I.
The problem with dinomite (sic) is you need a license to use it. There are legal methods for "commoners", STA posted some videos a year or 2 back. Only problem with them is the cost, lots of hundreds of $$. I found a place that rents them but way over in NH, the cost would still be high given you waste a day getting it and another getting it returned. Now if there was a place locally ... I have a number of areas in the fields that would be improved with a bit of blasting. My mower would be very appreciative and so would I.
Baymule
Herd Master
Auger are a labor saver. Here are several.
www.harborfreight.com
Gas Powered Earth Auger
Amazing deals on this Gas Powered Earth Auger 50:1 at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
Southland 43cc Earth Auger Powerhead with 8 in. Bit SEA438 - The Home Depot
Get the utmost power to drill holes for decks, fence posts, tree planting and more with the help of this Southland Earth Auger Powerhead with Bit.
www.homedepot.com
Bruce
Herd Master
Nice of you to post links Bay 
Personally I'd be quite shy of trying to use one of those "1 man". That is a lot of HP and torque. If it catches on anything I hate to think what damage it could do to my arms and shoulders.
Personally I'd be quite shy of trying to use one of those "1 man". That is a lot of HP and torque. If it catches on anything I hate to think what damage it could do to my arms and shoulders.
