I need to bury two large barrels (36x24) below the ground, but I can't do
too much collateral damage while digging the hole. I was thinking about
using a post hole digger to try and keep the sides as straight as possible.
The soil is hard clay below 1', so I don't expect too much slippage, but
there will be some.

Any brighter ideas?

"Bill Stock" wrote:

I need to bury two large barrels (36x24) below the ground, but I can't do
too much collateral damage while digging the hole. I was thinking about
using a post hole digger to try and keep the sides as straight as possible.
The soil is hard clay below 1', so I don't expect too much slippage, but
there will be some.

Any brighter ideas?


I would rent a small backhoe. I used one to dig my pond. It was able to get
through a 5' side yard and dug like crazy. Plus, it fed my testosterone
habit


San Diego Joe
4,000 - 5,000 Gallons.
Koi, Goldfish, and RES named Colombo.

On Sun, 10 Jun 2007 16:21:31 CST, "Bill Stock" wrote:

I need to bury two large barrels (36x24) below the ground, but I can't do
too much collateral damage while digging the hole. I was thinking about
using a post hole digger to try and keep the sides as straight as possible.
The soil is hard clay below 1', so I don't expect too much slippage, but
there will be some.

Any brighter ideas?

If SD Joe's idea doesn't work for you, my guys have this special ditching
shovel, http://www.ames.com/Resources/Shovels_1.pdf 3rd picture as you
scroll down shovel H or I. ~ jan
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us

On Sun, 10 Jun 2007 16:21:31 CST, "Bill Stock"
wrote:

I need to bury two large barrels (36x24) below the ground, but I can't do
too much collateral damage while digging the hole. I was thinking about
using a post hole digger to try and keep the sides as straight as possible.
The soil is hard clay below 1', so I don't expect too much slippage, but
there will be some.

Any brighter ideas?

Take your time if you do it by hand. I took several days digging a
hole for three barrels, over 6' long and 2' wide allowing me to get
into the hole with a mattock for loosening the clay. You mention
slippage, I don't have permafrost here and didn't have any
shifting/slippage after filling. Four inch PVC pipe and bulkheads
that connect the barrels probably helped, since they are pretty
stout.

Regards,

Hal

"Hal" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 10 Jun 2007 16:21:31 CST, "Bill Stock"
wrote:

I need to bury two large barrels (36x24) below the ground, but I can't do
too much collateral damage while digging the hole. I was thinking about
using a post hole digger to try and keep the sides as straight as
possible.
The soil is hard clay below 1', so I don't expect too much slippage, but
there will be some.

Any brighter ideas?

Take your time if you do it by hand. I took several days digging a
hole for three barrels, over 6' long and 2' wide allowing me to get
into the hole with a mattock for loosening the clay. You mention
slippage, I don't have permafrost here and didn't have any
shifting/slippage after filling. Four inch PVC pipe and bulkheads
that connect the barrels probably helped, since they are pretty
stout.

Regards,

Hal

Thanks Hal.

I just finished digging out a tree (10" double stump) and digging the hole
for my new shed. So sadly, digging is my life this summer.

I was considering putting the barrels in the shed, but it's no where close
to the pond and I want it gravity fed so I can put the pump after the
filter.