earth auger

[billconner]

Rent a skid-steer loader with an auger attachment. Cat *** easy. Set many 8” electric poles with one. With extensions 5-7’ easy peasy

Not sure after delivery and pick up it isn't more than hiring it done. Looks like at least $600-800. Don't know current delivery rate.

 

[billconner]

I wonder how much it would cost to have helical piles installed. The 6x6's can still attach on the top and would more than exceed the weight rating.

Thought about it but was not convinced close tolerance placement is possible - like within a +/- 1/4".

 

[cherrybomb]

This one?

Yes



When that thing hits a rock/root what do you think happens to the end you're holding onto?

It increases your chance of misfortune, you might wish you rented something else.I'm still happy with my "Dingo" decision, carry on

 

[IndyGarage]

I have recent experience with this. We did my son's fence a couple months ago - rented a towable like the one shown above. It worked great.

We were doing 4x4 posts in basically sandy soil about 3 1/2 feet deep - 10 inch auger - so not that hard. It took about 5 minutes per hole. We did 22 holes in about 3 hours - and that was with plenty of rest in between holes.

We had two people and it was a workout and it was very hot - 95 degrees that day. I don't think I would've wanted to do that job alone, but given more time I could have.

They gave us an 18 inch extension which we didn't use. It wouldn't have been very hard to go 5 feet deep, but you would have had to dig down 3 1/2 feet, shut the machine off, disconnect the auger while it is in the hole, add the extension and dig another 18 inches and reverse the procedure to get the auger out. That would have probably made each hole 30 minutes instead of 5.

The OP has only 3 holes, that are bigger than we dug and deeper and probably in more difficult soil. Still I would think that's doable with a rental unit in a couple hours.

 

[lbhsbz]

Shop Vac and a long prybar. Use the prybar to break up the dirt, use the shop vac to **** it up. Or, hose clamp a piece of 3/8 or so rod to a rigid shop vac extention so it stick about 6" past the end of the tube and just use that so you can hold a beer with the other hand.

Works remarkably well. I used to dig post holes this way when I built fences many years ago.

 

[billconner]

Asked nearby electrical contractor and they just use an excavator but did suggest a nearby quarry that rents gear. $360 + tax for a 1/2 day skid steer, 12" auger, delivery and pickup. I will ask if the driver can do the holes - can't take long and one less trip - but I can probably figure it out in 4 hours.

Meanwhile I have half of one dug by hand - probably not a normal younger laborer 1 hour if that.

Decided I should call 811. Have twice before and nowhere near road or utility easement - over 80' away - and three 12" holes 4' deep - seemed silly. But I'll be able to use auger Saturday so will keep picking away by hand and see if it I can do it. OK to fig using hand tools here without 811 complete.

Meanwhile ordered first load of materials - gets me up floor. Second are posts and all roof.

Stainless or galvanized screws for joist hangers in PT wood? Looks like $50 for Simpson galvanized screws and $175 for SS