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Installing Fence Posts for a Pasture Fence

The first step in setting up your pasture fence is installing the fence posts. Why is this important? Because they form the framework and provide essential stability. Depending on the type of post you choose, you may also be able to attach insulators at this stage, making it easier to install the conductor materials later.

1. Installing Corner Posts

Corner posts are the main load-bearing elements of your fence. Choose their length according to the planned fence height:

  • Up to 1 m fence height: Corner posts should be 1.5 m long.
  • Up to 1.5 m fence height: Corner posts should be at least 2 m long.
  • Over 1.5 m fence height: Corner posts should be 2.5 m long.

Installation by Material Type:

  • Wooden posts: Drill a hole using an earth auger or post hole digger and insert the posts at an angle of approximately 5 degrees against the direction of tension. If the distance between two corner posts exceeds 100 m, a support beam in the ground is recommended. Posts can be concreted in if required. Recycled posts and Insultimber wooden posts are rot-resistant and do not require additional treatment. For untreated wooden posts, ground sleeves are advisable.
  • Plastic and metal posts: These typically have a sturdy metal tip and can be directly inserted into the ground. However, we recommend using wooden or recycled posts for corners and gateways as they offer greater resistance to tension forces.

Attach the corner insulators directly to the corner posts, ensuring they are positioned at the correct height for the conductor materials. Alternatively, tension or strain insulators can be used, which are attached during the installation of the conductor material.

2. Installing Intermediate Posts

Once the corner posts are in place, install the intermediate posts. To determine their optimal position, first stretch the conductor wire from corner post to corner post. Then, install the intermediate posts along the taut conductor. This method ensures a straight and precise fence line.

Post Spacing:

  • Intermediate posts should be spaced between 7 and 40 metres apart.
  • The exact spacing depends on the type of fence, ground conditions, and the conductor material used. See our table below for our recommended post spacing. 
  • High-quality conductor materials allow for greater post spacing.

By following these steps, you will be able to create a stable foundation for your pasture fence. Careful planning helps to prevent the need for later adjustments.

Recommended Post Spacing:

         
 

Conductor type

Post spacing

Intermediate Posts per 100 m Fence

 
         

 

High Tensile Wire

10 -  40 m* 3 - 10 Posts*  

 

Metal wire

10 - 40 m* 3 - 10 Posts*  

 

EquiFence

7 - 9 m* 11 - 14 Posts*  

 

Tape

7 - 9 m* 11 - 14 Posts*  

 

Rope/Cord

8 - 10 m* 10 - 12 Posts*  

 

Polywire

10 - 12 m* 8 - 10 Posts*  
         
*For uneven or challenging terrain, use the lower value for post spacing and the higher number of posts. If in doubt, position the posts closer together rather than at the maximum recommended distance.

 

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