Planting poles the hard way
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Paul Koning
Jan 12, 2026, 8:29:57 PMJan 12
to How things work
Today we watched the power company set 3 poles on the driveway for a new house next door. They were there a week or two ago but seemed to have trouble. We have ledge anywhere from an inch to a few feet down, so that's not a real surprise.
Today they were back with several trucks that made a LOT of noise and clouds of white dust. I think I saw one of those before (for another pole planted nearby), it looked like it had something similar to the normal post hole auger but with much bigger teeth, apparently intended to drill a pole-sized hole in granite rock. That one ran for a while and was replaced by another truck that sounded like it was using an oversized jackhammer.
They were at it for several hours, but by lunch time they had the poles all set. Amazing how much trouble this can be here in NH.
It made us wonder why they didn't bury the wire. But I guess the normal depth is several feet (for the primary -- high voltage -- wire) and if it can't go that deep it may have to be encased in concrete or some such hairy scheme. In any case, I guess the new home owners didn't want to spend that kind of money.
paul
Today they were back with several trucks that made a LOT of noise and clouds of white dust. I think I saw one of those before (for another pole planted nearby), it looked like it had something similar to the normal post hole auger but with much bigger teeth, apparently intended to drill a pole-sized hole in granite rock. That one ran for a while and was replaced by another truck that sounded like it was using an oversized jackhammer.
They were at it for several hours, but by lunch time they had the poles all set. Amazing how much trouble this can be here in NH.
It made us wonder why they didn't bury the wire. But I guess the normal depth is several feet (for the primary -- high voltage -- wire) and if it can't go that deep it may have to be encased in concrete or some such hairy scheme. In any case, I guess the new home owners didn't want to spend that kind of money.
paul
Mark Kinsler
Jan 12, 2026, 10:00:22 PMJan 12
to howthi...@googlegroups.com
There are no decent alternatives in mountain work. I suppose that an overhead structure could be fastened down to your granite with rock bolts or something, but power companies don't like new ideas. My guess is that your pole is no worse than most that they plant in your area.
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Mark Kinsler
512 East Mulberry Street
Lancaster, Ohio USA 43130
740-503-1973
Lancaster, Ohio USA 43130
740-503-1973
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