Backhoe PHD vs. backhoe on BX24

[MOPAULY]

I will be putting in some split rail fence in the next few weeks, about 150-200 feet worth. Am I better off renting a PHD or just using the BH? I can rent a 3pt locally for $79 for the weekend.

Realistically, how long would it take to do with the PHD? Since it's split rail I need to put up each section as I go, I cannot pre place the posts.

 

[Berniep]

Although I have not yet used one I think the post hole digger would be much faster and you will have much less disruption of the ground around the post.
This will make it less likely for your posts to lean over time.

 

[AceDeuce]

Absolutely go with the post hole digger. It's the right tool for the job. You'll make a huge mess with a backhoe. And get a narrow tamper. Backfill and tamp in small lifts. You should be able to get most if not all of the dirt back in the hole WITH the fencepost. It'll be just as solid filling the hole with concrete.

 

[kwolfe]

I rented one of those one man PHDs that you tow behind your car. That thing worked very well in my rocky clay soil. It was hydraulically driven and had a reverse swtich which cam in handy. I would use the PHD. Bernie is right, you will have less ground disturbance, plus it will take less time due to the fact that you will have minimal backfill.