Working Ranch Magazine Summer 2025

that’s an improvement

four-stroke engine. However, if you are planning on using it for a large project the size of the gas tank is a drawback. Most models have a fuel tank capacity of only 1 liter (0.26 gallons). This is by design, however. It wouldn’t be ideal to carry around and lift a fence pounder with a bigger fuel tank. Prices on these pounders can range anywhere from $300 to $2,500 based on the quality that you are looking for. In the more expensive models, you will see durabil ity reflected in the price. AIR-DRIVEN AND HYDRAULIC For large fencing projects air-driven and hydraulic pounders would be your best option. There are hydraulic fence pounders on the market that are still considered to be “hand operated” before you move into some of the more industrial-size pounders. These fence pounders are relatively small and can be placed in the bed of your truck for transport. These would be ideal for rocky ground as they provide more power to meet the depth specification for the fence posts. You will need a hydraulic power

Mounted Hydraulic Post Pounder

MONTANA POST POUNDER

pack, skid steer, or mini excavator to run the pounder from. The fence pounder can be operated by one per son if needed. If you do not already own a skid steer, there is an added cost with the hydraulic power pack as most are sold separately from the pounder. Prices for these hydraulic fence pound ers can start at $4,000 with the power packs starting at $6,000. However, efficiency is an important commodity to agriculture producers as they are constantly looking to maximize their time. Hydraulic fence pounders cer tainly offer efficiency. A powerful leader in the fence pounder market is the air-driven pounder. Also considered hand-op erated, you hook up the pounder to an air compressor for use. Air-driven pounders are the happy medium between the hand-operated hydraulic pounder and large hydraulic pound ers that are mounted on a skid steer or tractor. Air-driven pounders are often more portable and easier to maneuver by one person because they do not require a machine’s hydraulic system. Air-driven pounders can cost as low as $1,100. Considering air compressors are a common item on a farm or ranch, this might be the most cost-effective

option for a larger fencing job. For your biggest fencing job, there are a multitude of fence pounder options that are mounted on a skid steer, excavator, or tractor. It is com mon to see fencing companies use these mounted hydraulic pounders because of the larger scale of their fencing jobs. When looking at these options it is important to know the specifications of the machine you will be operating the pounder on to ensure the hydraulic limit is not exceeded. Mounted hydraulic pounders are ideal for driving pipe when it’s time to build your gate posts. There are even models with grapple capabilities that allow you to pick up the post off the ground, load it in the pounder, and drive the post, all without leaving the comfort of your seat. Prices for these pounders can start at $2,000 with the higher end of the price range being around $15,000. This is due to the myriad of customi zations and implements you can add to your pounder upon purchase. It is great to see so many options available for fence pounders to make them more accessible to the agricul ture industry. The process and tools needed for building a fence have come a long way since the 1800s.

Air-Driven Post Pounders utilize air compressors.

ROHRER

26 I SUMMER 2025 WORKING RANCH audited readers run 21 million head of beef cattle.