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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Sandy soil and post hole digging questions

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Cormac

11-09-2005 02:37:30




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In a few weeks I plan to use my post hole digger for the first time. I have a couple of questions? I plan to use 2 7/8", 3 1/2". and 4 1/2" OD pipe. For 4.5" post is my 9" auger acceptable or should I also invest in a 12" auger? I will use concrete to secure. Another question arose when a neighbor recently had someone dig some post holes for him. I looked at them the next day and they were 3/4 of the way full with loose soil. As I type this I am recalling that there was very little soil on the perimeter of the hole, so could he have just left it in there to prevent the sides from caving in? In any event, please offer some guidance for a novice post hole digger on use and when dealing with sandy soil. Thanks

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deanop

11-09-2005 17:11:58




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 Re: Sandy soil and post hole digging questions in reply to Cormac, 11-09-2005 02:37:30  
just used my 2 man power auger with 12" auger in sand...i used it to put in 5x6 posts for my pole shed lean to...its nice to dig a bigger hole than you need...but for you i think 9" is fine...let me tell you my friend and i were pretty tired after every few holes..the rig is heavy to begin with and when you have to lift up the auger out of the hole, you are also lifting alot of dead weight (sand, etc...) i had to manually "clean out each hooole"...my soil is extremely sandy, so i know what your up against..one thing, make sure you drill the hole exactly where you want it., cause if you have to redrill close by a mistake hole it's gonna cave in on you..

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Mike (WA)

11-09-2005 08:23:58




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 Re: Sandy soil and post hole digging questions in reply to Cormac, 11-09-2005 02:37:30  
Good advice from John A.- I agree with the 9 inch auger to keep the cost of concrete down, but you will have to be extra careful on placement of the holes to keep a straight fence, because the smaller auger leaves little margin for error. Also, I have had better luck keeping the auger speed much lower than "rated PTO speed"- it digs just as well, but you've got time to react to hitting a rock, root, etc. at lower speed- much easier on equipment. To minimize dirt left in the hole, lift the auger several time during the dig- it'll get more of the soil out of the hole. With sandy soil, though, you are bound to have some left in the hole.

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John A.

11-09-2005 04:42:52




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 Re: Sandy soil and post hole digging questions in reply to Cormac, 11-09-2005 02:37:30  
Cormac, A 9in auger is plenty good enough. But a 12in is easier to clean out. I an haveing the same problem now cleaning out my postholes for the soil is so dry it powers up, it is almost impossible to get clean. Add a little H20 to tighten up the loose soil. Then use your hand digger.
With a 9in hole at 4 ft deep you will need about 2 sacks of saccrete to set a 3 in post pipe. First put the post in the hole as close to the point where you want it as possible. Half fill the hole with H20. add the saccrete to the hole, readjust to plumb with a level. leave it alone for 2 days before you start pulling wire from. The worst thing about a 12in auger is the amt of concrete needed to fill. It is just apoint of economics.
Also in sandy soils be sure to bell-out the bottom of the hole to help prevent the post from walking out of the hole during dry-wet and freeze-thaw times.
Hope this helps.
Later,
John A.

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