Ways to remove fence posts?
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Farmer495
Veteran Member
I think the how depends on the equipment at hand and ground conditions.
I've never had an issue lifting posts out with front end loader, but I've always had a utility tractor and always had the chain on the bucket between the loader arms and lifted straight up.
I have also done some with 3pt, need a cross bar to do it right unless you let the 3pt arms touch and link them together with a hitch pin through the ball ends. Can't reach across a ditch too well with the 3pt either.
I tried to lift a large post out with 3pt hitch once with a 2wd utility with no loader, the front end would come off the ground as fast as the 3pt hitch lifted. That was the most unstable thing that's ever happen to me pulling posts.
For the vinyl issue, try a "choker" strap instead of a chain?
I've never had an issue lifting posts out with front end loader, but I've always had a utility tractor and always had the chain on the bucket between the loader arms and lifted straight up.
I have also done some with 3pt, need a cross bar to do it right unless you let the 3pt arms touch and link them together with a hitch pin through the ball ends. Can't reach across a ditch too well with the 3pt either.
I tried to lift a large post out with 3pt hitch once with a 2wd utility with no loader, the front end would come off the ground as fast as the 3pt hitch lifted. That was the most unstable thing that's ever happen to me pulling posts.
For the vinyl issue, try a "choker" strap instead of a chain?
cathy liebchen
Platinum Member
we just push them over with the box blade
OP
Trophyduck
Member
So I was kind of in a rush on e day....I ended up just using a strap with the "S" hooks on each end. One end on the bucket hovered over the post and then the strap wrapped around post and hooke dto itself. When you lift it tightens on its own. They came out quick and no damage. Thanks everyone!!
CincyFlyer
Veteran Member
If you want to save them, wait until after a couple of days of rain, and dig them out, or at least relieve them enough that your FEL can lift them. Most pullers of various kinds will damage them; I know mine would.
guitarman
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This works really good either off 3 point or loader on my tractor, can find them at tractor supply, amazon or any ag supply
OP
Trophyduck
Member
I was able to loosen some up manually and just bear hug them out.......but I'm getting too old and there are too many! The strap low around the post and lifted straight up worked real well.
A lot of advice to use the 3pt. I understand it's better than the FEL for strength and safety but I'm being stupid.....I wouldn't be able to get the 3pt to lift straight up without fear of breaking the post.......am I missing something?
A lot of advice to use the 3pt. I understand it's better than the FEL for strength and safety but I'm being stupid.....I wouldn't be able to get the 3pt to lift straight up without fear of breaking the post.......am I missing something?
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
Do they pull out without bending?
guitarman
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So far any I have pulled have come out nice and straight
guitarman
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It does only work with t post. I don't know any easy way with 4x4 vinyl posts
guitarman
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Mcfarmalls idea with block to fit the inside the vinyl sounds like good idea. I have never had a problem pulling posts out with fel on my 454 but it's pretty heavy
msmith
Bronze Member
For T posts I use a manual puller that I got from Tractor Supply. For wood posts I have a Tajfun logging winch.
PILOON
Super Star Member
I once had a contract to replace a low fence with a high 'privacy' one.
My helper was not looking forward to digging out the old posts, neither was I.
My work truck also served to plow snow and as such had hydraulics to raise the blade.
We positioned the truck, lowered the plow lift 'arm' and chained to the posts and promptly popped all the posts in no time at all.
Being wooden posts we choked the chain snugly for it to work. Would also work well with 'T' bar posts.
Must add that due to the short travel of the plow truck's lift a double pull was necessary but a small price to pay for the ease.
My helper was not looking forward to digging out the old posts, neither was I.
My work truck also served to plow snow and as such had hydraulics to raise the blade.
We positioned the truck, lowered the plow lift 'arm' and chained to the posts and promptly popped all the posts in no time at all.
Being wooden posts we choked the chain snugly for it to work. Would also work well with 'T' bar posts.
Must add that due to the short travel of the plow truck's lift a double pull was necessary but a small price to pay for the ease.
jmh1783
Silver Member
I use the loader without the bucket for pulling posts. I've had two that said "No!" The first was a phone line marker post. It was smashed flat and rusty. I didn't want to hit it with my mower so I decided to pull it. I had tried using my hands but that didn't work. I got a hold of it with some trucker chain and it quickly picked up the rear wheels. I was surprised. I wasn't expecting it and I was new to pulling posts. I let it down and tried again with the same results. I then got it to the point where the rear wheels were just beginning to lift and I stopped and waited. After a minute it broke loose and I was able to pull it out. It taught me a lesson.
The second was a 5 inch round post in dry ground. I had already pulled out two without much difficulty. I used the same technique, put a bunch of pressure on it and wait. I had to up and down the loader a few times but it came out. Sometimes you have to give it some time for the soil to release. I've got about 20 that have to come out this spring on steep ground. I'm not looking forward to it. I'll have to figure out how to get as square to the the post as possible so I don't get one corner coming off the ground before the other does.
The second was a 5 inch round post in dry ground. I had already pulled out two without much difficulty. I used the same technique, put a bunch of pressure on it and wait. I had to up and down the loader a few times but it came out. Sometimes you have to give it some time for the soil to release. I've got about 20 that have to come out this spring on steep ground. I'm not looking forward to it. I'll have to figure out how to get as square to the the post as possible so I don't get one corner coming off the ground before the other does.
larrywalsh
New member
Bruce had an excellent point....lots of help on pulling other than plastic posts.
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SandburRanch
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On 6x6 vinyl I'd use a 2" strap and a clove hitch knot.
SandburRanch
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On 6x6 vinyl I'd use a 2" strap and a clove hitch knot.
That is what I use also. The picture is misleading. I have the proper size chain so instead of using a hook I just slide a link into the slot. So then the chain is fixed to my three point and I can put the puller anywhere I need on the post.
Doug in SW IA
guitarman
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Same here only difference I use loader never any problem pulls them right out
guitarman
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Yeah the chain they show in pic kind of light weight I use a 5/16 towing chain I keep in tractor tool box. I also have two chain hooks on loader seems to work ok with my rig.
