How do I remove a fence imbedded in concrete piers in my backyard?

Question

I have a backyard fence (I think which is cast iron) in my back yard. I would really like to take it out and soon as it divides the space oddly. However each post is imbedded in concrete piers under a thin layer of soil. I would be willing to either break up the pier, dig it out, or cut down the fence. It doesn't have to be pretty because the dirt will go back over it.

Answer 1

Short of pulling out each individual post with a chain and backhoe, you can clean off the dirt as best you can all the way down to the top of the cement. Then cut off at cement level with a Sawzall or similar tool. Get one from a tool rental center. Then just cover concrete with dirt.

Answer 2

Usually it's only the fence posts at the ends or corners that are embedded in concrete. This allows the fence to have tension and be stronger. It might be fun to see if one of your friends could help you pull them out with a car or truck or something. If you do that you have to be careful that the rope or chain doesn't slip off or break and hurt someone. The concrete may not be more than a foot deep but that depends on the length of the fence and how strong they wanted it to be when they built it. Also if you decide to remove the concrete you will have to come up with dirt to fill the holes. Sometimes you can pull the concrete by using the post. I have done this by hand with clothes line poles buried in concrete but you have to be pretty strong and it will wear you out but it can be done. If you need any help let me know. I'm kinda stressed and feel like pulling up fence posts right now.

Answer 3

When I replaced my wooden fence posts, they had a concrete footing on them as well. I fashioned a fulcrum to the post and used bricks on one side to push against and on the other end I used a small hydraulic car jack. Since the stroke on the car jack is not very long, I had to set it on bricks as the post came out of the ground. So it wasn't fast, but it was easy.

Answer 4

if leaving the concrete in the ground or under ground wont bother what you are looking to accomplish then rent a demolision saw and cut the fence at the concrete base.

Answer 5

Hit it high & hard back & forth to work it loose. A tractor with a frontend loader works well (better than a sledge hammer. If you cannot hit it high, hit it hard with an old truck bumper. If you cannot get to the reverse side, use a heavy chain and pull from the same side.

Answer 6

Use a Saw Saw and cut it off close to the concrete

Answer 7

I think it depends on how thick the metal is. Dremels can cut some metals. But it may be easier to use a bob cat machine, but you'd still have to break the fence up to get rid of it. You may be able to rent a bob cat.

Answer 8

If it does't matter cut the posts off at ground level.

Answer 9

borrow or buy a sawzall type of saw, and chop the iron at the base, and file down the sharp edges, then cover with dirt

Answer 10

Use dynamite.