Driving beats setting when the ground allows it, and it isn't close.
No hole to dig, no concrete to buy, no cure time before you can stretch wire. And a post driven into undisturbed soil frequently holds better than one set in backfill, because you haven't disturbed the ground that's gripping it.
The limitation is real, though: driving only works where soil will accept a post. Rock, ledge, and heavily stony ground stop it, and very soft ground won't grip.
What You'll Use It For
- Agricultural and wire fence line posts
- T-posts in volume
- Wood fence line posts where soil allows
- Vineyard and orchard trellis posts
- Solar ground-mount piles
- Silt fence and erosion control posts
- Sign and marker posts
- Guardrail and barrier posts
- Temporary and construction fencing
- Replacing individual posts in existing fence
Driving vs. Augering
| Post Driver | Auger | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Much faster | Slower |
| Concrete | None | Usually required |
| Cure time | None — build immediately | Wait for concrete |
| Soil holding | Undisturbed soil grips well | Depends on backfill quality |
| Rocky ground | Won't work | Works, with difficulty |
| Very soft ground | Poor grip | Concrete compensates |
| Large diameter posts | Limited | Better |
| Precise depth | Harder to control | Easier |
Fence contractors doing agricultural and wire fence should look hard at driving — it's the difference between a good day and a great one on production line fence.
Gate posts, corner posts, and structural posts still generally get set in concrete regardless, because they carry load in ways line posts don't.
How to Spec It
Driving force. The primary rating. Higher force drives larger posts and works in firmer ground.
Post size range. Confirm it handles what you drive — T-posts, wood line posts, and pipe all need different adapters or ranges.
Mast height. Determines the longest post you can start. A tall post in a short mast means starting by hand.
Side-shift and tilt. Being able to shift laterally and tilt the mast without repositioning the machine speeds up a fence line considerably. It also lets you drive plumb on sloped ground, which is where a fixed mast fights you.
Adapters. Different post types need different drive caps. Confirm what's included.
Flow requirement. Moderate hydraulic demand for the driving cycle.
Which Models Run It
YJ1000 / YJ1200 — the standard range for fence work on the 25 hp Kubota diesel platform.
YJ2000 / YJ3000 — larger posts, harder ground, and production work like solar piles.
Trades That Use It Most
Fencing Contractors · Farm & Agriculture · Vineyards & Orchards · Solar Installation · Pipeline & Utility Right-of-Way · Municipal & Public Works
Post Driver FAQ
Will it work in my soil?
Most soils that aren't rocky. Clay, loam, and sand generally accept driven posts well. Rock, ledge, and heavily stony ground stop it — that's a limitation of the method, not the equipment. Very soft or saturated ground won't grip the post.
How deep can it drive?
Depends on soil and post length. Confirm your required depth against local frost and code requirements.
Can it drive wood posts, or just T-posts?
Both, with the right adapter, though wood posts need more force and are more prone to splitting. Blunt-cut ends drive better than pointed.
Will it split wood posts?
It can, especially dry hardwood or posts with existing checks. A proper drive cap distributes the impact and reduces splitting.
Do I still need concrete for any posts?
Gate posts, corner posts, and end posts — the ones under tension — generally still get set. Line posts are where driving shines.
Is a driven post as strong as a set post?
For line posts in suitable soil, often stronger — undisturbed soil grips better than backfill. For posts under lateral load, concrete-set is generally preferred.
Do I need side-shift?
Not required, but it substantially speeds up a fence line and helps you drive plumb on slopes.
Will one from another brand fit?
If it's a universal mini skid mount and the flow matches.
Any maintenance?
Inspect the drive cap and mast for wear, check hydraulic hoses at flex points, and grease the mast slides per the manual. Driving produces heavy shock loads — check mounting hardware regularly.
Get a Quote
Tell us your post types, soil conditions, and volume, and we'll spec the driver.
Request pricing · Call (330) 825-2307