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Rocky ground can be a nuisance when trying to dig post holes for fence construction, sign building, or other projects. In some cases, it can be impossible to dig through rock with the wrong equipment. That is why preparation is key when trying to dig through rocky ground conditions. The secret to digging post holes is no secret at all. It all comes down to knowing the terrain you’re facing, and having the right equipment. Keep reading to learn more about the strategies you can use when drilling on rocky ground.
Before you begin, it is important to determine if there are any utility lines on your property. Call 811 to find out the location of any lines near the spot where you will be digging.
The right equipment can quite literally make or break your digging experience. That is why having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother and more efficient. You can use manual methods for digging your post holes if you face terrain with a few small rocks and loose dirt. Power equipment is a must if you’re working with difficult ground conditions though. Use a tractor, skid steer, backhoe, or another hydraulic machine with the right drilling equipment in that case. Your choice will depend on your budget, local availability, and ground conditions. If the job requires several post holes to be dug or you face hard rock, using a hydraulic machine will be by far your best solution. The TM-48 Belltec Digger or the Belltec Hydraulic Auger Drives are a great choice when paired with the right auger or puff drill.
Take into account the auger you will be using with that equipment as well. There is a wide range of augers to choose from in different sizes and configurations. Rock augers have bullet-style teeth and boring heads that cut through rock. While a T-post bit has a solid steel shaft and a cutting head that pulverizes rock as it drills through. Choose the auger you need according to your ground condition and the size of the hole you will need for the job. Selecting the right auger will save you a lot of headaches and will prevent your equipment from breaking on you.
Other tools you may need to include in your list are shovels, a clam-shell digger, and a wheelbarrow for hauling off the debris to finish the job. These will depend on your choice of equipment and the job you are facing.
Once your equipment and tools are ready, mark the spot where you will be digging your post holes. If using a PTO Powered Auger, like the TM-48 Belltec Digger, set your equipment at the spot where you will be digging. The auger should be above the area where you want the hole dug. If you are facing a lot of rock, there will be some resistance during the drilling process. With the right equipment, you should see the auger continue to drill through as it cuts through the rock. If you find a lot of dirt on the hole after drilling, add some water to the hole to pack that dirt together. Then place the auger back in the hole and turn it on to lift that dirt out easily. Don’t forget to remove loose rocks and dirt from the hole you dug using your shovel. Dig again and repeat this process until you reach the desired depth for your post hole.
Digging post holes in rocky ground conditions is no easy task. With preparation and the right equipment, you can tackle this tough challenge confidently. Whether you are facing boulders or solid rock, the right equipment can make a world of difference. Here at Belltec, we have solutions that help you face the toughest drilling conditions out there. Our rock drilling products are designed to overcome hard rocks like limestone, concrete, and granite. To learn more about which Belltec drilling equipment can help you take on your next project, check out our product pages. You can also get in contact with our team of experts anytime to find the best solution for your needs.
The Belltec team was recently at the National Farm Machinery Show 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky, February 16 through 19, showcasing some of our best agriculture and light construction products. We had a great time meeting with customers, friends, and supporters of Belltec during this year’s event.
At the show, attendees got to see some of our most popular Belltec products and one of our newest additions to the Belltec lineup, the Belltec Stump Bucket. Belltec Stump Buckets allow the operator to transform their equipment into a powerful digger to tackle tough jobs faster. These attachments can help you carry dirt easily, remove tree stumps, and even dig trenches. The Stump Bucket features a heavy-duty cutting edge made with AR500 steel, three replaceable teeth and other heavy duty features that make land clearing a breeze.
Our booth also included a variety of Belltec augers that can tackle various types of ground conditions, including the SDA Dirt Auger, Belltec Rock Augers, including the Spiral Series Auger.
Lastly, we brought the legendary TM-48 Belltec Digger. A fan favorite, this digger easily attaches to 3-point tractors and turns your tractor into a capable drilling machine. With the help of this machine, you can drill straight, accurate holes up to 4 ft in depth in any ground condition when paired with the right Belltec auger.
Check out some pictures from the event below!
We are proud to announce the launch of our new website design!
We have been working hard behind the scenes for a few months now to develop the best platform to showcase our products, our company, and to better serve our customers for years to come. This new website features a clean, modern design to make your online experience with Belltec the best one yet.
Our focus was on building a site with easy-to-use navigation, new content on various topics, and user-friendly features so you can find the information you want easily and quickly.
To help you navigate the new website, here are some key features you should look out for:
Our comprehensive product database has plenty of information on all of our products. You can search by industry, product category, or even equipment!
The news section will keep you up to date on the latest news about Belltec and new product releases
The resources section has product manuals, sales brochures, and product catalogs all available for you to download
The history page shares some information on how Belltec got started and our longstanding commitment to providing you with reliable and innovative products
If you would like to carry Belltec products at your business, our dealer page has all the information you need
And much more to come!
We will be updating the new website with more content, company announcements, and additional features in the coming months, so stay tuned! To be the first to learn about new additions to the website, be sure to sign up for our newsletter below. And don’t forget to follow us on our social media pages!
Now go ahead! Give the new website a spin. We would love to hear your thoughts on it, so feel free to get in contact with us here.
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