Fencing and Post Work Setup for Skid Steers

Fencing contractors and farm operators across the prairies run this two-attachment setup continuously during spring, summer, and fall. The auger drills the hole; the post driver sets the post. Each post takes seconds instead of minutes. On a long fence line with consistent soil, a single operator can install 200+ posts in a day. Without a skid steer, that same job requires a crew and takes multiple days.

The challenge is matching your auger bit size and style to your soil conditions. What works in loam on an Ontario farm doesn't necessarily work in the rock-and-clay mix found in parts of BC or the hardpan soils common in southern Alberta. This guide covers both the attachment selection and the soil-specific considerations that matter for Canadian fencing work.

Attachments You'll Need

1. Auger — Drilling the Holes

A skid steer auger consists of a drive unit (the hydraulic motor and gearbox) and an interchangeable bit. Most operators buy the drive unit once and then stock multiple bit sizes for different post types. The drive unit should match your machine's hydraulic flow — most standard auger drives work on standard flow, but larger planetary gear drives may need higher flow for heavy-duty bits.

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2. Post Driver — Setting the Posts

A hydraulic post driver hammers posts directly into the ground — no hole required for T-posts and lighter steel posts, or post-in-hole for wood posts after augering. For ranch fencing with T-posts, post drivers are faster than augers for light posts in softer ground. The combination of auger + post driver covers both use cases: auger for larger wood posts and corners, post driver for T-posts and steel line posts.

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Auger Bit Size Guide

Soil Type Considerations

Loam and Sandy Soil (most of southern Ontario, SK plains)

Standard auger bits drill efficiently. Use a standard pitch bit. Post drivers work well for T-posts without augering. Depth is typically 30–36" for a 6-foot post — frost depth in most of southern Canada requires 42–48" in frost-prone areas.

Heavy Clay (Manitoba, parts of Alberta)

Clay grips the auger and can make it difficult to remove the bit from the hole. Flighted bits work better than cup-style bits in heavy clay. Always reverse the auger before lifting — this helps release suction. Wet clay is significantly harder to drill than dry clay. Plan fencing work in spring before the ground saturates or in early fall.

Rock (BC Interior, Shield country, Rocky terrain)

This is where bit selection matters most. Standard flighting hits rock and stalls. A carbide-tipped rock bit is required — it breaks rock rather than trying to auger through it. Rock augers run slower and create more heat. Budget more time per hole and check bit wear frequently. In seriously rocky ground, a combination of rock auger and post driver (for driven-in posts where rock is deeper) is the practical approach.

In What Order

1. Locate utilities (always first — legal requirement across Canada)
2. Mark post locations — string line for straight runs, stakes for corners
3. Auger corner and brace holes first — these are the largest diameter and deepest
4. Set corner posts with post driver or set-in-hole with concrete
5. Auger line post holes down the run
6. Drive T-posts or set line posts along the run
7. Install fencing material after all posts are set and concrete has cured

What to Watch For

• Frost depth varies significantly across Canada. Southern BC and coastal areas: 18–24". Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan: 36–48". Northern areas: 48–72"+. Always check local frost depth requirements for your area — an under-depth post heaves and fails.
• Don't confuse auger torque rating with drive unit flow. A drive unit rated for 25 GPM doesn't necessarily provide more torque than a 15 GPM unit — torque is determined by motor displacement and operating pressure. Read the spec sheet carefully before matching a drive to a large-diameter bit.
• Bit wear tracking saves money. Carbide bit teeth are replaceable, but many operators don't replace them until the bit won't penetrate. Worn carbide tips increase drill time and machine stress significantly. Check bit condition every 50–100 holes in hard conditions.