hoop house problems, poles in the ground?

randy in central missouri · #21 12/02/12, 10:04 PM

poles are tall, heavy, thick, tall. 2 1/2 inches. too big for post driver. help?
I might need backup.
randy

Bearfootfarm · #22 12/02/12, 10:32 PM

Quote:

poles are tall, heavy, thick, tall. 2 1/2 inches. too big for post driver. help?

You're going to have to dig the holes with a post hole digger or an auger, and probably brace them so you can cement them in place.

Drive some stakes and pull a string to help keep the holes in line

Drizler · #23 12/03/12, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearfootfarm

You need to DIG the holes
You'll never be able to drive them like a wooden post,, unless they are VERY heavy walled.

The odds of driving them AND getting them in a good straight line are pretty slim anyway

Darned right, that will do nothing but buy you a pack of trouble. You're way ahead to dig it down and then you will know it is right. You just have to hit at least one rock somewhere and once a pole is bent it;s just plain bent.

randy in central missouri · #24 12/06/12, 08:15 PM

I have a friend that was going to bring a back hoe and push the poles in. Didn't happen.

Another friend welded me a post driver that will fit over these 2 1/2 pipe. I got out my portable scaffolding (gorilla ladder). I have a plug that goes on the end of the pipe. Got up there and started pounding. gotta push these 10 foot poles down 32 inches. I got got 8 done today, working off and on. 8 down, 18 to go. wish me luck