PHD or BH use for fence posts?

[Wacky]

I am looking to build a large "deer proof" garden and figured out that I will need to spend around $2000 for materials to make it permanent. I was going to hire the labor out, but for $800, I figure I could do it myself. I am thinking that I could dig the 10' 4X4 posts with my BH but I think the holes would be too big to hold the post, I was going to set them in concrete. Or should I buy a PHD for around 600?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I am looking to build a large "deer proof" garden and figured out that I will need to spend around $2000 for materials to make it permanent. I was going to hire the labor out, but for $800, I figure I could do it myself. I am thinking that I could dig the 10' 4X4 posts with my BH but I think the holes would be too big to hold the post, I was going to set them in concrete. Or should I buy a PHD for around 600?

A PHD will do a better job if you don't have too many rocks.

And there is no need for concrete if you tamp the soil well when you backfill.

Concrete will just make the posts rot faster

 

[grsthegreat]

err. i vote for post hole digger. make for stronger fence.

i built a deer proof fence for the wifes garden about 5 years ago. had installed 14' tall 4x4 treated posts, 2-1/2' -3' in the ground. Did an alternate hot-ground-hot electric fence to full height. Installed 3 ground rods......a real scorcher of a fence.

the deer and moose proceeded to tear it to shreds. They ended up eating everything except for the potatoes. I should have set claymores.

 

[Wacky]

A PHD will do a better job if you don't have too many rocks.

And there is no need for concrete if you tamp the soil well when you backfill.

Concrete will just make the posts rot faster

Is this because of the water just setting around the top of the concrete??? I thought that would make it stronger from movement.

And I do have lots of rocks.

 

[Wacky]

err. i vote for post hole digger. make for stronger fence.

i built a deer proof fence for the wifes garden about 5 years ago. had installed 14' tall 4x4 treated posts, 2-1/2' -3' in the ground. Did an alternate hot-ground-hot electric fence to full height. Installed 3 ground rods......a real scorcher of a fence.

the deer and moose proceeded to tear it to shreds. They ended up eating everything except for the potatoes. I should have set claymores.

Have you tried mountain lions in the garden.:thumbsup:!

 

[radman1]

I would not use a BH. The holes will be way too large by the time you are deep enough. I would use a PHD. I also would not cement the posts in the ground. They seem to rot much faster with cement IMHO. Depending on how many posts, I would just dig them by hand, buy a used PHD for $250-300 or borrow a PHD.

 

[grsthegreat]

i disagree about the use of concrete. I have used concrete in all my posts set over the 14 years of fence building Ive done here in Idaho.

I always leave a slight mound of concrete at top of hole. The posts are treated, and Ive never had one rot off. Never.

Ive had them break due to other stuff, but the posts have never rotted away.

I have rocky ground with good drainage (decomposed granite) so water doesn't puddle. If i was in heavy clay it might make a difference if concrete was used or not. If i didn't use it, my posts would never get set tight,too much rock.

Now days i use 6x6 treated posts and concrete everywhere. They will last my lifetime and part of my afterlife.

 

[Wacky]

I would not use a BH. The holes will be way too large by the time you are deep enough. I would use a PHD. I also would not cement the posts in the ground. They seem to rot much faster with cement IMHO. Depending on how many posts, I would just dig them by hand, buy a used PHD for $250-300 or borrow a PHD.

88 posts, by hand, in clay would kill me, I thought I could save time and money (hospital bills:ashamed by using a BH.

 

[Wacky]

I would not use a BH. The holes will be way too large by the time you are deep enough. I would use a PHD. I also would not cement the posts in the ground. They seem to rot much faster with cement IMHO. Depending on how many posts, I would just dig them by hand, buy a used PHD for $250-300 or borrow a PHD.

I tried to find a place to rent one small enough for a SCUT, no luck. Can't find one used near enough to me to buy. I really don't want a new one. But, that may be my only option.

 

[Wacky]

i disagree about the use of concrete. I have used concrete in all my posts set over the 14 years of fence building Ive done here in Idaho.

I always leave a slight mound of concrete at top of hole. The posts are treated, and Ive never had one rot off. Never.

Ive had them break due to other stuff, but the posts have never rotted away.

I have rocky ground with good drainage (decomposed granite) so water doesn't puddle. If i was in heavy clay it might make a difference if concrete was used or not. If i didn't use it, my posts would never get set tight,too much rock.

Now days i use 6x6 treated posts and concrete everywhere. They will last my lifetime and part of my afterlife.

My neighbor has a fence that was built w/o concrete. All the posts are loose. The clay seems to shrink and expand around the posts. He said the first 2yrs was fine and then, now, 3yrs later, they are beginning to loosen. Especially the gate posts.