Rocky soil and frozen ground are two of the most common challenges for fence builders. A gas-powered post driver gives you a significant advantage over manual methods, but technique still matters. Here are five tips from contractors who drive posts year-round in tough conditions.
1. Start with a pilot hole. In frozen ground, use a digging bar or auger to break through the frost layer before positioning your post. This reduces stress on both the post and the driver, and keeps the post aligned straight.
2. Use the right adapter sleeve. Make sure your drive cap matches the post diameter closely. A loose fit wastes energy and can split wood posts. Titan offers adapter sleeves for all common post sizes.
3. Keep the driver warm. In sub-freezing conditions, cold metal and cold fuel can slow your driver down. Store the unit in a heated truck cab between uses, and use fresh fuel with stabilizer.
4. Drive at an angle in rocky soil. If you hit a rock, pull the post and reposition a few inches away rather than forcing it. Forcing a post into rock can damage the post tip and the barrel cap of the driver.
5. Choose the right model for the job. For consistently hard ground, the X-Series PGD3200X delivers the most impact force in our lineup. For lighter residential work, the PGD2875 or PGD1032H handles most conditions with ease.
