First time drilling post holes

AGGIE00 · Mar 10, 2011

jenkinsph said:
AGGIE00,

Are you using a skidsteer or a tractor with ssqa?

I considered the front mount hydraulic auger setup and rented one to use on a job but found it necessary to have a spotter since the auger was directly ahead of the tractor cowling. So I went with a rear mounting on my backhoe which makes it easy to see and control.

Much more reach than a fel mounted unit too.

I made a bracket that slides over my pallett forks and slid them over to the side so I can see the bit on the ground. This way I have a little flexibility.

mjncad · Mar 11, 2011

MMagis said:
So you're setting a post on loose dirt? I guess I just don't like the idea, though I can't say for sure it's bad.
Not sure why anyone would be hanging or pulling on a PHD? That certainly wouldn't be safe, but I've never seen the need.

The last time I used mine before I got rid of it, a buddy chose to hang on the back of mine because of the hardpan followed by clay underneath it. I wasn't crazy about him doing that; but it was his choice. Fortunately nothing nasty happened.

MMagis · Mar 11, 2011

AGGIE00 said:
So it is bad to have a small amount of loose dirt in the bottom of the hole when the post is set, but ok to wallow out the hole?

Didn't I say that I didn't know if it was bad? I just don't like the idea, it seems like a good place for water to sit.
Who's wallowing out the hole? A very slightly rock doesn't make much difference in the hole at all, at least not enough to see with my eyes. Regardless, I'm backfilling and tamping either way. What's another 1/2" in diameter?

jenkinsph · Mar 11, 2011

AGGIE00 said:
I made a bracket that slides over my pallett forks and slid them over to the side so I can see the bit on the ground. This way I have a little flexibility.

Mounted on the backhoe you have lots of flexibility to dig the hole in the right place. I build and install wrought iron gates which require massive holes with lots of concrete. This works well for me since I often have to reach over low walls and obstructions.