Removing RR tie fence posts

[monkeybreath]

I have been removing RR tie fence posts which have been in the ground for probably 20 + years - I use FEL and a chain wrapped around base of RR tie. Some come out -some don't. They are all in at least 3 feet. I have three chain hooks on the bucket - I am using the two on the ends. I loosen them up a bit first when that is possible with the bucket. Are there any tips - best practices re this task anyone can share ?

 

[stvman]

Monkey, Are the chains slipping up the posts as you lift? Or are you running out of loader power? have you tried stabbing the post at the base with the loader then curling the bucket. If the chains are sliding up the post I would drive something into the post to stop it. Also remember the lower on the pole you are the more strength the loader has.

 

[monkeybreath]

I am wrapping the chain around the base and they hooking it to the two end chain hooks and trying to pull as straight up as I can after first tapping the post at the top a bit to loosen it. Some slide right up and out, but some won't budge - running out of power. I am trying to get bucket as close to top of the post as possible - i.e. over the center of the top of the post. Perhaps I should try pulling up with the bucket hooks very low on the post instead of above the post - maybe there would be more lifting power at that position for the FEL instead of higher above the post ? I did try to go in at the base and grip it a bit and curl with the bucket, but that didn't work.

 

[ScottAR]

Chain lower... About waist high works pretty well. If they aren't rotten at the bottom, Try pushing or pulling while lifting. OR, push, pull, and then lift.

 

[JFarms]

Monkey, I've removed terminal posts (railroad tracks set in concrete) without problem using your method with only one other factor. I did it in late winter/early spring when the ground is moist. Then even my light 4100 can get it out. I'd never try in summer unless the ground is soaked first. Best of luck.

 

[Wannafish]

I have a method that has worked well for me over the years...though it's not as much fun as the loader /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Stand a steel wheel (without the tire on it) on edge next to the post you are pulling out. Hook one end of the chain around the post at ground level, run your chain over the top of the wheel using it like a pulley, and connect the other end of the chain to your tractors draw bar. Drive straight away from the post. The chain pulls straight up on the post, pulling it out of the ground.
When using this method, make sure you use a chain heavy enough that it isn't going to break and come flying at the back of your head. Remember...SAFETY FIRST hurts less than FIRST AID! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[shoppintractors]

These previous posts might help you out...
pulling stumps

removing old fence posts

Don
Shoppintractors

 

[Casimir]

Monkeybreath:

You will have a lot more lifting power if you back up to the post and use your 3-pt hitch to do the pulling. Wrap the chain around the post at least twice, so it works like a log chain choker, then hook up to a drawbar between the two lower lift arms. The 3-pt hitch will normally lift at least twice what your loader will -- less problems with the other end of the tractor wanting to come off the ground, also /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.

 

[monkeybreath]

Thanks for all of the input. I went with the simplest suggestion first - which was to moisten the ground. I dug a small indentation around each post and ran hose for a while in each - wiggled them with the FEL and then used chain and FEL - they came right out.