help with large posts with bucket

[tkappeler]

I set a 6"x6"x25' post about 3 years ago.

First I put an eye bolt, the cast one with a complete circle about 6" from the top of the post. At least 1/2" in diameter, I used 5/8". Tied two 35' ropes to it so we could keep the post vertical during the backfill part.

Dug the hole about 12-14" diameter and 5' deep. You will need a larger one probably 15-16" diameter, 5' deep minimum.

We dropped a 2'x8' about 7' long into the back of the hole to guide the post down. You will need a 2'x10" or 2"x12". Put a short 2"x12" on the ground in front of the post.

Put the post on the ground, on the short board in front of the hole with the base just over the front edge of the hole.

Now get your pickup truck and back it to the top of the post with 2 strong men in the bed. lift up the post and have the 2 guys in the truck bed pick it up as you back up the truck, straight at the hole. As you get closer and closer to the hole, these guys will lift the post more & more vertical. Two more guys pulling on the ropes on the other side of the hole helps. When we got it just past 45 degrees, the post will suddenly fall into the hole.

Now take out the guide board in the back. The post is almost vertical with the two ropes hanging down to the ground. Next I used one of the Pony brand wood clamps that you put on a piece of 3/4" pipe. I use a piece of pipe about 5' long, clamped this to the post and had a 4'+ piece of pipe that I could use to "clock" the post into the correct rotation. Now throw in a little dirt, clock the post where you want it, and then get 2 guys on the ropes so you can keep the post vertical while you fill the hole and tamp the fill.

No tractor, one end of the post is always on the ground, and very little danger.

+1. Definitely seems safer. Thanks for the technique Dave.

 

[Xfaxman]

I have an ls r4041 does anyone have any suggestions on how to secure an 8x8x18 long wood post to the bucket, or grapples? I am building an entry gate and the tractor would be a huge help to raise and lower the post in vertical position. These are decorative posts so I cant bang them up

Thanks for the help!

If you are going to put something across the top, rent a small man lift or scissor lift and raise the post with it.

This would be the safest way. :thumbsup:

 

[the whispering oaks farm]

this just gave me the reason why I do need chain hooks welded onto my bucket. I've been stalling on doing that, too many other projects but I just picked up a 5x5-16' post by my poor old body and dropped it into the hole today and this post would have been the solution.

Lay the pole on the ground in front of the tractor in the same direction as the tractor. Roll the bucket completely forward and set it on the pole, leaving enough pole under the tractor or below the cutting edge of the bucket to allow the pole to be set in the bottom of the hole before the bucket edge hits the ground. A chain holding the top of the pole and a chain holding the bottom. Just don't leave too much pole under the bucket or you'll have trouble getting it picked up.

View attachment 358417View attachment 358418

 

[ovrszd]

I've used that method several times. It's best to use rachet straps if you have them or a load binder if using chains to get them tight.

Don't let the safety police catch you though!!!!

I have a link hook welded at each end and a slip hook welded in the center. One of the first things I added. I use the crap out of them!!!

 

[platinumaa]

took Ovrszd's idea.. and it worked.. used ratchet straps so it didnt destroy wood

it wasnt easy, the first pole took about 3 hours to get into ground.. but 2nd pole took about an hour

thanks for the help fellas!