Trenching and postholes in hardpan

[selftot]

I need to run some trenches and install posts in hardpan. Lots of gravel and rocks packed into the hardpan.

What is the best tool(s) for the job ? I have an L3400 and BH75 backhoe.

My 12" bucket can get the job done slowly. An auger just breaks shear pins.

I was looking at the BX Extended quick attach and Ripper but i'm concerned i might destroy the ripper in the hardpan.

Thanks...

 

[Russell King]

A trencher or rock saw would be best for the trenching.

A skid steer with hydraulic driven auger would be best for the post holes.

 

[Shawn T. W]

You will run out of power long before you damage a Bxpanded root ripper!

 

[Tarmy]

Welp, I have similar material and interlocked rocks from volcanic activity…with about the same set up as you OP. I put in about 3000’ of trench by just going slow and working my rig hard. The good news is that I have several large rock retaining walls!

 

[selftot]

A trencher or rock saw would be best for the trenching.

A skid steer with hydraulic driven auger would be best for the post holes.

Makes sense. As usual, i'm looking for the magical implement that is inexpensive and does everything well - LOL.

I dont have enough need/budget for a hydraulic auger. It might work with specialized bit ? I tried a pto auger with a standard bit and it was useless.

I'll probably go slow like @Tarmy and get a pile of rocks. And wide holes that have to be packed.

Still wondering if the ripper might help. For a few hundred bucks it'll still be slow but maybe not as slow... It would be useful on stumps i need to deal with.

 

[Tarmy]

Makes sense. As usual, i'm looking for the magical implement that is inexpensive and does everything well - LOL.

I dont have enough need/budget for a hydraulic auger. It might work with specialized bit ? I tried a pto auger with a standard bit and it was useless.

I'll probably go slow like @Tarmy and get a pile of rocks. And wide holes that have to be packed.

Still wondering if the ripper might help. For a few hundred bucks it'll still be slow but maybe not as slow... It would be useful on stumps i need to deal with.

‘You wanna do something to your rig that will REALY help is add a hydraulic thumb. That thing is the most used and best implement for my situation…and likely yours too. Makes the trench work and stacking walls way easier.

 

[selftot]

‘You wanna do something to your rig that will REALY help is add a hydraulic thumb. That thing is the most used and best implement for my situation…and likely yours too. Makes the trench work and stacking walls way easier.

Thanks - I've had a mechanical thumb for years.
I've been doing some research on going hydraulic but not up to speed yet.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Our cottage has a similar “rock problem”…….No shortage of rocks. Some the size of Volkswagen's…..(The ICE ones, not the EV’s )

My BXepaned ripper tooth works very well though.

I can break just about anything if you give me the chance, but I would think that the BX Ripper tooth would be an asset for that job.

@Tarmy Love that hydraulic thumb!!!!