How to Build a Fence With a Compact Tractor

Whether you’re building a fence for livestock, privacy, or security, it can be a tough job. However, with the right tools, you can do it quickly and cost-effectively. Here’s how to use your compact tractor to build the perfect fence for your property.

Safety Tips for Building a Fence With a Compact Tractor

Any type of digging work requires that you make a dig notification request to the Underground Services Alert (USA) hotline. This should be done at least 48 hours before you plan to dig. Call 811 to get connected with your local hotline. When you call:

You will be asked to provide an accurate address and your project details
You will receive a reference number as proof your request
Within 48 hours, member utilities will arrive at your dig site and use colored paint or flags to mark public utilities. Important note: Privately installed utility lines will not be marked.
Using your reference number, confirm that all utilities have been marked by checking the status of your locate request through the online portal you were directed to, or by calling USA.

Finally, always wear appropriate safety gear while operating machinery.

Tools Needed for Building Your Fence

Compact tractor with post hole digger or auger attachments
String line
Tape measure
Level
Hammer or nail gun
Fence stretcher (for wire fencing only)

Materials Needed for Building Your Fence

The materials you need to build a fence with your compact tractor will vary based on the type of fence you want to install. Depending on the fence type you choose, you will need:

Fence posts (wood, vinyl, or metal)
Fencing material (wire, panels, etc.)
Concrete (if using for posts)
Nails, staples, or ties

Steps for Building a Fence with a Compact Tractor

After your project site has been marked by the local utility and you’ve gathered your tools and materials, it’s time to dig in.

Establish Your Budget and Plan Your Fence Line

The most important part of building a fence with a compact tractor is the upfront planning. For large projects, hiring a surveyor to make sure your fence as planned is within your property lines can save you a lot of problems later. You don’t want to waste the time and money involved in moving a fence once installed.

Use a tape measure to determine the length of your fence line and mark corners. Mark your fence line with white paint on the existing site. This will make it easier for your local utility to understand your project area when they are marking utility lines, too. If your local utility identifies underground lines that cross your project area, you will want to adjust your fence alignment to ensure that no posts will be dug and set in areas where lines are located.

Plotting out exactly how much area you want to fence is also key to establishing your budget. You may discover that you need to change your plan or choose different materials based on the final cost.

Choose Your Materials

After plotting the fence location, decide on the materials you want to use. There are pros and cons to every fencing material. You’ll want to consider your budget, how the fencing will be used, the time you can put into maintenance, and your climate.

Decorative aluminum or vinyl fencing requires almost zero maintenance, but can be expensive and may lack the strength you need for livestock holding.
Wood is a classic option, but will require more maintenance.
Metal posts and stretched wire tend to be preferred for enclosing large areas, as they are cost effective and easy to install.

Clear a Path and Prepare Ground

You will need to haul materials and tools out to the area you’re fencing, so the first step is to break a path out to where you will be working to ensure you have easy access. Clear the area where you’ll be digging posts and running panels or wire. If necessary, you can use your compact tractor’s bucket or grading scraper to level the ground.

Mark Post Locations

Depending on the fencing material you choose, posts should be spaced six to eight feet apart. Mark the location of the posts with white paint or stakes. Fall and spring tend to be the best times for fence building, as temperatures are cooler and ground may be more workable.

If you are preparing dry ground during the height of summer, digging may be tougher, especially if you’re working in heavy clay soil. One tip is to moisten the ground ahead of time by pre-drilling post holes a few inches deep and filling them with water. You can let the water settle overnight the day before you plan to dig. This helps loosen up thick chunks of clay soil into looser earth.

Dig and Set Fence Posts

Attach the post hole digger or auger to your tractor. Line up your tractor along the proposed fence line and dig holes to about one-third of the post height. Mark your attachment with white paint at the depth you will need to dig to. This lets you know when to stop digging, ensuring all holes are the same depth. Always operate your post hole digger in a vertical position.

Place your posts in the holes. To help ensure all posts are level, run a string between two temporary posts that you have leveled so you can use the string as a vertical guide. When you backfill the holes, line up the tops with the string and ensure they are level both vertically and horizontally.

If using concrete, fill the hole around the post and allow it to cure. Otherwise, backfill with soil. Whether or not you use concrete to stabilize your fence posts will depend on the purpose of your fence and the resources you have on hand. Fencing meant for security or to contain animals will benefit from cementing to provide the strength needed to withstand an impact.

Decorative or temporary fencing may not require the additional stability that concrete offers. Cemented posts require less maintenance in the long term but can be more expensive and labor intensive to install. They will also be more difficult to remove. If not done properly, cement can trap moisture that causes wood fences to rot.

Install Fencing Wire, Panels, or Rails

Your final installation will depend on what material you chose. If using wire, attach it securely to the posts with staples or ties. You’ll want to use a fence stretcher at each post junction to tighten the wire. This is a key step for wire fencing. Wire fences that lack tension are less secure.

For wood or vinyl panels, use nails or screws to attach them to the posts. Rail fencing can be slotted into posts. Always check that each panel is level before moving on to the next. Regularly check the alignment of posts and the tension of wire or panels as you work.

Finishing Steps for Your Fence Installation

When the work is complete, trim any excess materials and walk the fence line to ensure everything is secure. If you are adding additional gates, electric wire, or decorative elements, they can be incorporated now too. If you want to keep weeds down along your fence line, mulching the area can help.

Connect With Yanmar

At Yanmar, we work with you to ensure you get the right machine for the right job. Our Customer Experience Team is here to answer all of your questions about which tractor is a good fit for your property and your goals. You can also check out our comprehensive library of resources, which covers everything from maintenance to operation tips. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us online or give us a call at 678-551-7369 for all of your tractor needs.

Back