Driving T-posts in Winter? We Never Expected the Results!

[@NorthRiverTV]

Alot of people don't realize how much snowcover actually insulates the ground from frost. Here in upstate NY we get snow, then a warm up where it melts, then deep cold again and that drives the frost down in a few feet. Where you have more consistent snow on the ground, the less frost you have to deal with. And since we had a fairly mild December and early January, that certainly helped keep any frost shallow. I would keep the post driver. You'll find that once the soil dries out and hardens up in the summertime, hammering in those posts by hand becomes much more of a chore. Best to you :)

[@sharonnowlin2297]

It is totally amazing how happy you two are since you have found this wonderful farm! So happy for your family !!! And I am loving watching as things are going together!!

[@ammityconnell809]

When my family got horses, my friends and I all got together, borrowed our dad's post pounders and spent a summer afternoon putting up fence. Great memories seeing that thing :)

[@thebovineavenger]

My grandfather used to drive theirs in March. With the ground still frozen but not subzero. The ground cracks like a log and the post slide in. Then in the spring the ground melts and the post cements it in place. Looking good you guys. Ash will have her mule in no time.

[@LHGram]

Arms Family Homestead has a good video out on fencing. He said he dad put up fence for living. Lot of good tips.

[@FarmingOurBackyard]

You guys are a lot of fun to watch. We enjoy your videos. Glad your so honest and transparent.

[@robertcarlini6198]

Glad to see the videos are back and often!

[@lanaswanson1743]

You are so fun to watch! You were stressed out before you sold remember? Now you are both smiling and having a blast. Can't wait to see your mule🍒

[@tonyafromgeorgia3519]

The manual T-post driver still looked like it was hard on your body, the way you have to bang it over and over. The gas one is less harsh when your dealing with alot of fencing. We live in the South, I have to admit, I would be probably be depressed with all that snow, it makes me cold just watching you guys in it LOL, I would probably hibernate. I'm very impressed with yall!!

[@BillyLapTop]

You did the right thing buying the powered poster. Best to be good to your body because you are going to need it another 60 years and you don't need to harm it with forceful repetitive trauma.

[@cindyedwards6924]

Nice! Can't let my husband see this or he will want that T-post pounder. Someone else said this, but my husband blew his shoulder out pounding. Use the one that doesn't kill your body. You are young. You're are going to need it.

[@robertcarlini6198]

Don't listen to the negative comments about the gas post hole driver. I'm sure there from people who have not hammered in many posts. That is back breaking work! Less time working, more time with family

[@martyplunkett7011]

Hey guys, a great way to keep your fence line straight is to put a stake in the ground at your starting place, tie a roll of string/twine to it then unroll the string as you walk to your end/corner place, then stake that spot, pull the string taught and tie it to your end stake. Wahlah, you now have a straight line to follow for your fence posts. Easy and accurate. ✌ Oh, be sure you use a tree or a heavy post secured in concrete for all your corners because a t-post won't stand the different angles tied to it and your fence WILL sag.

[@jkabholat]

I love that you guys use protection when doing your work 😊

[@hurshulwalker10]

Soooo happy to see Ashley smiling 😺💜☮️

[@johnchase4408]

I think the snow is making the ground warmer because of the air barrier between underlying ice and ground which will also make the ground a bit softer from the dampness. I think that's why the regular driver worked so well. Wait until the ground is dry and you're putting fence in during normal fence installing season. I think the powered driver will be worth the investment price. It will be intetesting to see.

[@LoveLife-wy8gt]

You both make such a beautiful and wonderful couple . I love to watch your videos . God Bless .

[@Mate2Frio]

Thanks for keeping us ... posted?

[@thankfullpriscilla291]

Good one 😃

[@onemorchatykathy]

I think you will be glad you bought the gas one in the long run. You guys work so well together and are hard workers. I was the oldest of five...12 years older than the baby and when mom and dad had work to do or hospital-shut in visitations for our parishioners it was my job to watch the children. I loved it. We were never allowed to fuss or fight so it made my job easier when I took care of the kids for mom. I bet your daughter is a terrific help around the house.

[@kimroybal1803]

I enjoy watching everything you guys do, very enjoyable can’t wait for your next video and to see your mule !

[@elizabethbrooks4849]

I didn't think they'd go in the ground so easy. The gas t looked easy, I used the other before. Looking for the next video, stay warm n safe.

[@kaycox19]

Just 6 mins after posting, you already have 233 views!! Now it's just me (a mid-California viewer), but I'd put building a large pole-barn or garage for my vehicles, with room for a wood shop as my 1st project, even before interior renovation....Blessings. You have an adorable family!

[@gelwood99]

Do not regret! It will come in handy with all the posts you have to put in. Also, you don't know what the rest of the ground will be to deal with! Finally, they sell a T-post puller for not a lot of money too. You will be using it too in the future! Congratulations on another great video!

[@sheila220947]

Aw you two work so well together, no matter what you are doing you always do it together, I absolutely love watching your channel you are so lovely together xx

[@HiddenMeadowFarm]

OK. I'm not criticizing , but I speak from experience. I just fenced in 18 acres. Stretch a string to get the post in a straight line. Measure each post height with a tape measure. And I don't think you need to put them two feet into the ground. T post are designed to go down a little past the flat spade part on the post. The more you do the easier it will become. We tend too learn as we go. I have a playlist on my channel all about fences. Keep pounding and you will get there. Tim

[@LeeCraftyHomestead]

WOW! I didn't know they made gas power T-post driver. I've got to show this video to the hubby tonight. He'll be so happy. that was amazing. thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day.

[@mssandybeach1]

I love watching you guys. Seem so sweet and the lil one is a cutie!! Thanks for letting us peek in on your lives...

[@raleighsbudgetlife7162]

I love that you were so excited to use the new tool that you were out in the snow. That is something I would do.

[@cathygainge3033]

Here in Australia, our T posts are more solid and have holes down the length of them to either run wire through or tie it to them. Then there is a hand machine that is used to lever the posts out of the ground. You might have something similar over there, that way you can re use the posts.

[@RedRabbitOfficial]

That's what I do when driving a lot of t post & wood post. Spray paint a line. Worked well & saves a lot of time.

[@donnawright7906]

So nice you making Ashley’s dream come true!😇

[@jimmarplediy2024]

You remind me of me when I was your age. You're a great family. Your videos are inspiring and helpful. I had to learn everything by trial and error since there was no internet back then. Now every time I want to do something new I research by youtube. You are doing a great service, keep up the good work.

[@stan3198]

I was really surprised when you used the manual driver, and how fast the post went in !!!! With all the posts you'll be putting in in the future the gas one will pay for itself and save your back. Looking forward to your progress on all the rojects.

[@tara_a_santiago]

I’m stunned at how easy you drive that too! When you are having to move 20-30 posts to form pastures, the gas powered will definitely come in handy. Especially if you eventually get some rotational grazing animals

[@Kim-n-Brian]

We did so many 9 years ago by hand and what a pain in the @$$ ! Our property has all clay and stone so it was back breaking work. So glad you guys are having an easier time. We marked all our posts with bright orange paint and then we tied bright pink or orange surveying ribbon on our electric fence so we could tell if the fence went down at any time. Glad to see you guys are getting excited and getting ready !

[@susanadams290]

You did not waste money. Your back and heart will thank you.

[@janiebobanie72]

Laughed at the Mind Blown expression. Maybe I will put my own fence in this Spring after all! Love you guys♥

[@austalien1]

that snow is so beautiful, beats the dust bowl we live in at the moment.

[@pjwpsw1]

You won't regret buying it in the long run. And when you are done, you can pass it on to the next young homesteaders who can use it.

[@BillyRoberts]

Here in Texas, we have a store where you can buy predrilled post holes. Just buy some, holes lay them down and stick the post in it. Done and finished in seconds. Course, I tell fibs too.

[@jacquicoder7160]

Hey, I am from Texas and I would believe you! LOL

[@onepup-pr3yl]

No, they stopped selling them because they kept hitting oil every time the tried to put up a fence, they went too deep.

[@BillyRoberts]

@@onepup-pr3yl That was a problem for me too. All that oil squirting out of the ground.

[@kimberleytramper8966]

I love the drive you both have to get things accomplished. I think most people would put off fencing until spring. Thanks for sharing with us so that we can learn too!

[@Susi-Saks]

exactly, I am truly AMAZED!

[@troyrees4338]

An easier way to get your post depth would be to set your end post first and run a flouresant string at the 4' and another at 6" and follow the string. just a sugestion. You guys are a joy to watch. Thank you for sharing your lives with us.

[@janambrose4917]

The first thing I thought of was to mark the posts, especially now, when they're all still wrapped together. Make it as easy on yourself as you can. You only need one side painted. Good video as usual. :) And you just found out about "live and learn". :+LOL

[@pattycarosi9618]

Will I think it still was a great buy. You will use it alot. Great to see you guys. The kids are so cute! You all have alot of snow. Looks beautiful really. Hope to see more soon. Take care ❤

[@kscheuerman5378]

I enjoyed this video as I always do. Great idea to paint/mark posts. I think it's possible when it is warm weather the ground might become hard enough to need your post driver and you'll be glad to have it. Looking forward to next time. God Bless.

[@lottiefaith6935]

I think it was a great investment and well worth it whatever it cost...you have your whole homestead to work on and you'll be grateful for it I'm sure. You two are one of the hardest working couples I've seen and God is blessing you.

[@mysticmeadowshomestead6209]

Someone has probably already said this by now; you take a string tie to the top of your corner post, which is the first post you drive in, string it to the next corner post, in this case that dark tree. Then and only then can you drive your posts in in a straight line. Cheers.

[@anngreen3331]

Holy cow! How cool is that!! How smart!! Well maybe the one you hand pounded was a fluke. I don’t think you made a mistake on the t post driver. Especially with all the ones you have to put in. Looking forward till next time.

[@brendagillespie2805]

Work smarter not harder! Awesome work. So excited with what you have in mind. God Bless

[@Laurieb2851]

It's great that pounding by hand went well, but one thing you've got to remember is that after a while (and maybe not even that long), your arms would begin to rebel from doing that kind of physical activity. I have paid for doing things the hard way in our yard. I removed a lot of sod from our yard to be able to put plants in. I developed tennis elbow which can be painful. I know now that I should stay away form that kind of activity. In fact, when I look at anything involving my arms, I always think of my arms first. I typed 120 words per minute for my job for many years. I paid for that activity as well. I still type a lot, but only on the internet when I'm on it. I won't have a job with any heavy typing ever again. Don't regret what you bought to help pound the posts in. You will need the strength of your arms for other things.

[@gladysanderson1351]

very good point! I ave paid for repetitive work, too. Sore shoulders chronically now.

[@Laurieb2851]

@@gladysanderson1351, once you quit doing all of those repetitive things, it should clear up. , or at least get a whole lot better. I always think of my arms now before I do anything. I will still do what I set out to do, but just try to think of a way to do it that will save on my arms the most. You still have to use your arms/shoulders - just don't abuse them if you don't have to.

[@maryjeanfrazer6250]

As soon as I saw the post driver I was jealous because I know I'll never afford one. But I recently bought a regular post pounded (to replace the one that went MIA) and I was thrilled at how much easier that was than standing on a bucket pounding with a sleeve hammer. Note to self: be happy with what you have.☺ I'm pounding posts to keep my wandering mule from wandering to visit the neighbor's horses. Miss Ruby is just going to have to be a homebody. Her companion animal is a retired race horse. I got her for free. Imagine that!

[@DebbiesHomeplace]

WOW, WOW, WOW! I think Y'all did well all the way around. So happy for you guys! Enjoy your lunch.

[@Patricia.R.]

Yeah, but 5 hits times 100 posts you’ll get much more tired than with the other. No regrets! You’ll be glad you bought it. Besides, the way y’all live so minimally you can sell !-- oh, now you’re saying this same thing. Y’all are super smart ! Work smarter not harder... OITC NEW MOTTO! Love seeing your videos

[@tdublakeo]

That was so satisfying to watch! I'm a city girl from Portland, Oregon and I love watching your homesteading adventures, I always learn something. I'm always impressed by how well you two work together, you are a fabulous team. The gas-powered driver will be easier on your body, your joints will thank you in 20 years;)

[@thankfullpriscilla291]

So true!

[@cathynordahl9081]

Even if the manual one turned out to be easier then expected, you would be limited to how many posts you could drive at a time because of fatigue. You did good. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a gas powered one. Mind blown! Genius! We used to own 8 acres back in 2004 and we had a sheep, a milk goat, rabbits, chickens & ducks. I wish we had your videos to watch back then. We had no idea what we were doing.

[@jameslcoble248]

That surprised me as well. I wasn't expecting it to be that easy. I think partly is possibly because the snow acting as insulation on top of the ground.

[@barbaranelson5177]

Also when we are doing a lot of post we take the time and masking tape a line and spray paint the line bright orange so we see it easy and this makes the job go so much faster

[@teresarodgers8233]

The misses can use the powered driver and mr use the manual. Progress at half the time. Measure from the bottom on post and mark 2 feet.

[@SB-rg8nf]

That power driver looks heavy! and the posts are tall before they go in two feet. I bet in the future they will be using seven or eight foot ones to get higher fences. That would be pretty hard for Ashley, even though she's strong, just the height is too much for how heavy that machine is.

[@jackieskitchen1966]

You're both amazing with everything you do, I can't wait for the weather to break so we can get a better view of what you're doing. Take care!

[@moyaking8961]

Fanrastic job, hope you're all staying cosy and warm.

[@tonyalucz7226]

Snow is beautiful! U both seem so happy & I'm so happy for u both & your kids! U seem to enjoy th he projects u do! Stay warm & safe! God Bless 😊

[@AmbienceWorld]

What if you cut a length of wood to the height that you want your fence posts to be above ground, and have Ashley hold it next the post your putting in, as a height guide?

[@moonbeamer4468]

Good job! Can’t wait to meet the mule and friend!💕 Your ground isn’t frozen even though it’s freezing outside. God Bless!

[@BirdSaver]

Good job. Can't wait to see the mule.

[@kathyhegert4152]

Loved this. Never seen those tools before.

[@elizabethmorgan2621]

Thanks so much for telling us about the T-post driver. We only need to fence 1/2 acre out back, but were dreading using a sledge hammer. You guys look so happy, and Ashley, MI is agreeing with you. You are beautiful! So glad to see Maverick, he's really growing. Can't wait to meet your mule and his donkey friend.....(just guessing). :)

[@barbaraquiltinggardening5261]

Your surprised look was priceless! Blessings

[@retromoviefan944]

wow, that's so interesting that you can do it by hand lol...yes, life can be crazy! great video

[@anashomestead5919]

That was pretty interesting. I found even the type of soil to be an interesting fact. You all are awesome! I love to see you having fun, even when working. Finding new discoveries is so cool.

[@helenschuler323]

A loved this video. Live can be great surprises. I’m sure you’ll have lots more to come.

[@redheadvamp]

Yes, you should have joined us in Arkansas, but you would need that new post driver because of all the rocks! Enjoy your new property, can't wait to see the mule.

[@jacquicoder7160]

I don't expect to ever have to drive a t-post into the ground but it was interesting to watch you at work. I'm sure there were a lot of viewers who got some great help from your experience, though. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

[@sherikinsey2125]

We have sand as well. Having sand, it doesn't surprise me you can still drive posts manually in the winter. I've never seen sand freeze to the point it wouldn't move with that much force. Happy you guys are getting a mule. I know you'll enjoy him/ her. Love to watch you guys. Such hard workers!

[@JenniferHayesJVG]

Lol Ashley cleans the car the same way I do . Funny Joke about Arkansas too I absolutely think that where you guys picked is the perfect place ! ITS BEAUTIFUL THERE! Can't wait to see her beaming face when she get her mule there.Great n quick job with the fencing . Awesome

[@debbiealtman4572]

You guys moved when it was winter. But next spring and summer you can get things done so you won't be doing these things in the winter when it's too cold. Best of luck to you all.

[@MerAngel12121]

That was a bit mind blowing. Don't dismay, as you said, after you're done with the major work of post holing you can sell that amazing tool to someone living on clay soil. On the post hole you did by hand, it may have been a random pocket of sand? We shall see how it goes throughout your three acre post holing saga. It's gonna be a well loved Mule. : ) Heck with Arkansas, you Look Good in Snow!

[@rebeccal2771]

Like butter on a warm day! Cool!

[@rebeccal2771]

Lol I posted that before you said like butter. Lol

[@dianecharles881]

It would be great in the summer when the ground is dry and hard ! So maybe it wasn’t a bad investment- the ground was probably moist underneath!

[@rebeccabrear4456]

You both did a great job! Enjoyed the video:) Looking forward to seeing the mule..tfs

[@missywalker7846]

You can double team the fence since you’ve got two drivers. Finish in half the time. 😃

[@jerylynbean7634]

You are both so impressive! You get it done. You leave nothing undone. Good for you!

[@mariapayan7377]

That Maverick is such a cuttie pie, Good to see the whole family doing well. Happy week my friends.

[@azaleaacres]

Despite the cold 🥶 this winter ❄️ you are going to LOVE ❤️ Michigan. It’s beautiful and sooo much to do and see. Both in the lower and upper peninsulas ✋🏼👈🏼😁

[@sugarpill2011]

It gets old doing by had in summer too! Soil you have made it easy.

[@AfterTheRains]

Yep - you’re gast was definitely flabbered with the manual method. Maybe the ground is wet underneath the snow and will be dried solid in the summer. I really hope not since you will be able to plant your vegetables much easier. I’m guessing the companion to be a goat. A milking one would be useful. I’ve never been good at guessing though!

[@davepelfrey3958]

That driver is amazing!

[@utterchaoshobbyfarm939]

Excited for you Ashley! Great team work.

[@mattdeans9873]

After going through soooo much heartache and turmoil with your old place, it is such a JOY to see you both looking so happy Even in all that snow!!! I'm so happy for you both.

[@smallfootprint2961]

You guys are great. That's all you can do is try, and see how it goes. Clear the snow from between the posts before hanging the fencing, so it will go close to the ground. If you want to keep little critters in or out, you might even have to dig a trench and bury some wire fencing. Kudos to you for your work ethic, and tenacity.

[@tomsmith3321]

You and the misses are much better people then me and allot of othrr people to deal with the snow and cold. Like you said Arkansas sounds good about now....

[@delruppert9617]

Love the way you two work together. What a gal you have, Doug. You need a P O box.

[@jeanettedavis4633]

Now you both can use one and both can put posts in together. Get it done twice as fast.

[@Bilbo365]

Wow that post driver is cool, I've never seen one before this video... thanks for sharing.

[@marymisdom3955]

Who could have known ? Maybe with both gadgets you could each put posts in when you have a big project. The mule and his buddy are getting closer! I'm excited!

[@TheMadnessOfCrowds]

Glad to see how you worked this out. Valuably lesson.

[@myfathersdaughter324]

Great score! Yeah, just sell it when you're done. It's always helpful to know what's out there on the market. Happy driving 😊, Blessings ❤

[@thomasrichardson7865]

Juat as you said lay out post on ground stray paint just below the level you want to stop at. Also when you put your 1st fence post in use a colored string tied to that 1st post and run it to the end of your fence that will give you a straight line to drive your post on.

[@foxglove8836]

We all learn lesson's as we go :-) You don't look so stressed, that is good :-) Take care stay warm.

[@kathyfarrell8024]

we have been watching some of your older videos, your place looks lovely even covered in snow. I think the gas post driver will pay off in the long term when you have hundreds of posts still to put in. Your body will appreciate it over the manual one. All the best.

[@fab4gal342]

While my hubby and I were watching you put in the first and second posts with the power tool (and then having to measure for accuracy each time), he said that it would save time to measure the bundle and then spray paint across the bottom of posts and then towards the end of the video you pretty much came to the same conclusion. I think having the option of having a power tool AND a manual tool are the best of both worlds...if you're okay with the decision to buy it, then you should consider it a useful purchase. It's possible that you might encounter some harder soil as you continue and the manual tool wouldn't be ideal. I am wondering though, if you did only do it manually, how would you feel the next day after doing continual movements? Like I said, I think having two options is the better choice...good for you both!