I am looking for a reference for a contractor who can dig my hole for my tower foundation here in Davidsonville. It needs to be 4’ diameter and 9’ deep. Preferably other than a backhoe, did it with a backhoe last year when I was in Mont Co. Although it only cost me $250 the backhoe had problems with reach (it was a full size one) and made the hole bigger at top than I wanted. Took a couple of more yards of concrete to fill in.
Preferably would like to see if someone can do it was a large diameter auger, or maybe a mini-ex, that would keep the hole as close to 4’ diameter from top to bottom as possible.
Done this before by hand and vowed never again!
Gary N3JPU
www.mitchelson.org
n3jpu_gary @ verizon.net
Hole dug!
I took Mark’s suggestion and called Statewide. They came over the following day with a rig that bores dry wells. They were here and gone within 45 minutes and I had a 4.5’ wide x 9.5’ deep hole, perfect for the foundation. This weekend I will be laying in the rebar cage and forming up the top. Then hopefully I can get the county over next week to inspects, and then I can get the concrete.
After that I still have a 100’ trench to dig to lay the conduit for the Heliax back to the house, and also the trenches for the 400’ of #2 copper for the lightning protection.
I have started a new page on my website to document to progress.
www.mitchelson.org
Tower footing
You may want to try a septic company like Statewide Septic (who supplies the porta-potties on field day). What are are looking for looks a lot like a dry well - 5' diameter hole 9' deep. Are you doing the rebar and pour yourself? This must be a very large free standing tower for a base that big. Sometimes it is easier just to buy more concrete and/or form the top of the hole with some 1/2 plywood.
Mark
Tower
Gary, the contractor would be someone like Mckinney Drilling (they have a website) but I sure it would cost more than $250. A big foundation contractor would be your best bet and Mckkinney is one.
Good Luck
Jim