Building a fence? Know this before starting your fence lines

Building and maintaining fences is expensive. In fact, it can be one of the most costly investments associated with being a landowner.

Whether you have a few acres or thousands of acres, choosing the best way to fence your property is an important decision. Without proper fencing, all sorts of things can go wrong -- from wandering and lost livestock to access for wandering prey or confusion over property lines.

Fencing is a long-term investment, and like any investment, planning is key. When it’s time to decide on a new or replacement fencing solution for your property, doing a little homework can go a long way toward saving you time, money and hassle.

Here are four tips for a hassle-free fence-building experience.

1, Choose the right equipment:

Know your land and make sure you have the proper equipment needed to build your fence. Undersized posts and corner posts not set deeply enough, particularly in sandy or soft soils, can create issues later on. Determine if you want to use a hydraulic, manual or portable fence post driver.

Manual drivers are a heavy, labor-intensive option that can require multiple hands to maneuver. Hydraulic drivers are easier to use, but can cost thousands of dollars to purchase. They also tend to be bulky, which can be challenging in remote or hard-to-reach places. A lighter, more compact unit can make the back-breaking work of driving fence posts a breeze -- particularly for larger or more remote operations.

2, Determine your fencing needs:

Whether you are going for aesthetics, functionality, or both, the fencing material you choose is a key decision that’s worth some thought. Are you planning to use wood or synthetic materials? Barbed wire, high-tensile wire or woven wire? There are pros and cons to each -- costs, maintenance, and ease (or difficulty) of use -- so consider your specific needs. The best fence material to keep goats, sheep, pigs and horses from finding an escape route is different than the ideal fencing material for privacy or for creating paddocks.

3, Consider costs:

To calculate the expenses of building your fence, be sure to include tools, gas and material prices, and labor, if needed. If you ask your friends to pitch in and help build fence, you also may want to budget for a round of drinks or a pizza to thank them! If you’re trying to avoid unnecessary labor costs, look for a fence installation product that can be put to work easily and efficiently by a single person.

4, Fence maintenance:

Lastly, consider costs for fence repair and/or maintenance down the road. While rental installation equipment may make sense for a one-time use, rental fees quickly add up if you expect to make repairs or additions on an annual basis. It may be worth it to invest in quality tools that can be used again and again when the need arises.

To be sure, there’s a lot to consider when building a new fence for your ranch or farm. Research the pros and cons of material and installation options -- keeping in mind your specific property type, size and livestock needs -- to ensure you get the most out of your fencing investment.

Man Saver by Rohrer Manufacturing

When it comes to buying a post driver, Rohrer Manufacturing has you covered. If you want to purchase an air-powered fence post driver, we have a variety of models to choose from. When you purchase a Man Saver from Rohrer Manufacturing, you can smile knowing that you are getting a revolutionary patented, American made, pneumatic air powered fence post driver at an affordable price. When you want the best in a post driver, treat yourself to the best customer experience in the business with Rohrer Manufacturing.