BX24 Backhoe = post hole digger :)

[MOPAULY]

We uprooted and moved a split rail fence that was previously installed directly behind our house. My father in law and I spent all day yesterday 're-planting' the fence to d-mark our property along the one corner. I still have another 100 to 120 feet or so to run along the woodline in the back of the photo.

No local rental outfits rent a PHD for the 24; I didn't want to rent a 2 man manual unit without knowing how well it would work....so I opted for the backhoe. All I can say is it went 100% better then I thought it would.

The backhoe bucket width gives you the advantage to move the posts a little bit in either direction should you need to (especially helpful for this type fencing); keeping in line with that, I dug straight down to a depth of 20" or so and did not widen the hole beyond what was needed. It's a good thing I went with the hoe anyway since we hit shale in some areas, not that far down.

We probably could have gotten more fence in but I'm happy with what we did. Needless to say I'm very glad I didn't bother to rent a PHD at all, the backhoe completely exceeded my expectations for setting a fence. If any of you are 'on the fence' in what equipment to use in this type of situation then hopefully this thread will help.

 

[Scrounger]

Having done both. I can say without a doubt that the PHD was ten times faster and made for a better hole to plant the post into. I did have to use the BH once to dig out the PHD when I corkscrewed it into the ground, , but overall I would not recommend the PHD.

I'm glad you had success or was it that you just wanted to play on the BH?

 

[MOPAULY]

I didn't have much of a choice, as the only PHD I was interested in renting would have been a 3pt attachment for the tractor. I spend probably 5 minutes per hole digging. The size of the bucket made it perfect for these size posts.

I like to play when I don't 'have' to get something done, but when it needs to be done I just want it done with no messing around

 

[HomeBrew2]

Having done both too, a PHD is only faster when you have conditions that allow the PHD to be faster !!! In bad conditions, a BH may only be slightly slower with an inexperienced operator. I have a PHD laying in my yard just waiting for work. In my cobblestone, root infested, cement-like or rubberized clay, I'll take the BH ... at least I'm honing a skill rather than burning beer cans watching a big drill making just as big of a mess as my BH
Cheers! to mopauly, BH's rule.

 

[archerynut]

The BH just seems like it is a lot more fun than the boring old post hole digger.

 

[radair]

The BH just seems like it is a lot more fun than the boring old post hole digger.

Heck yeah! And besides, Scrounger doesn't recommend the PHD even though it was 10 times faster and made a better hole!

Having done both. I can say without a doubt that the PHD was ten times faster and made for a better hole to plant the post into. I did have to use the BH once to dig out the PHD when I corkscrewed it into the ground, but overall I would not recommend the PHD...

 

[Tom_H]

the PHD was ten times faster and made for a better hole, but...I would not recommend the PHD.

O.K. Matt, I know I'm a little slow sometimes, but I'm not quite sure what to make of this. Is it just the "fun" factor or the fact that the bh is more versatile and makes the PHD expense not worth it??? Did I just answer my own question????

 

[Lockport]

Just when I 'm about to invest in a PHD, you guys unanimously decide the BH is the better way to go!

 

[MOPAULY]

BX2230 your results may vary, but I found the backhoe to be perfect for this style fence, especially if you have questionable soil in your area. The BH made quick work of it, and as you can see in the photo left only a small mark that I was even there.

 

[fishpick]

MOPAULY - it's posts like this that convince me - no matter how much (some day) I might ever want/need/use a bigger tractor... it will HAVE to have the BH on it...

These dang things are just so versatile!