Installation & Extraction

Step One

Mark location where the post is to be located. Be sure to call local utility companies to assure that there are no buried utilities in the area where Oz-Posts™ are going to be installed. Serious injury can occur if the Oz-Post™ is driven into underground utilities.

Step Two

Before inserting the Oz-Hammer™ inspect it for any visible damage. Do not use the Oz-Hammer™ if it has cracks or stress marks. Fit the Oz-Hammer™ into an appropriate jackhammer and be sure that it is securely positioned. Be sure wear safety goggles, gloves, steel toed boots, and ear protection.

Step Three

Slide the Oz-Post™ onto the Oz-Hammer™ and position the tip of the Oz-Post™ at the center of the post location.

Step Four

Strap a two way level on the outside of the Oz-Post™ as shown.

Step Five

In one swift motion lift the jackhammer and Oz-Post™ into an upright position. Be careful not to hit the trigger on the jackhammer. Be sure that the tip of the Oz-Post is located correctly on the post mark. If it is not move it to the correct location.

Once the Oz-Post is in the correct location move the entire assembly to find level in BOTH directions. Installation of the Oz-Post™ is most successful if the operator uses "short bursts" by depressing the trigger and quickly releasing it. Once level has been established depress the trigger on the Jackhammer and insert the Oz-Post™ into the ground 4" or 100mm. Check that the Oz-Post™ is still level. Corrections to level can be made by pushing the jackhammer in the necessary direction to achieve level.

Step Six

Using "short bursts" continue to drive the Oz-Post into the ground 1" (25mm) - 2" (50mm) at a time checking level at each interval. Once the Oz-Post™ has been driven into the ground more than 8" (200mm) corrections to level can no longer be made. Be sure to check level often to assure that the Oz-Post™ is being installed correctly.

Tips

Once past the Oz-Post™ has been driven into the ground more than 8" (200mm) it becomes increasingly difficult to change the alignment. It is much better to spend a little more time and care using the level in the initial stages of driving to ensure the desired result than to have to remove the support from the ground and start again.

In some occasions an underground obstruction may cause the support to "drift" off-line. In this instance it may be better to stop the driving process, remove the support, select a slightly different site and start again.

Oz-Post's are very robust and use the destructive vibrations and shock of the jackhammer to "break-up" underground obstructions. If the Oz-Post™ hits an underground obstruction have patience in many cases the Oz-Pos™ will penetrate through an obstruction and permit the completion of the installation process.

Installing through concrete (sidewalks, driveways etc.)

Using an angle grinder with a masonry cutting wheel, cut a cross shape in the concrete as deep as possible; this accommodates the passage of the fins. OR..

Using a jackhammer with a pointed chisel, create a hole approximately the circumference of the Oz-Post™ sleeve right through the entire depth of the concrete. The fins will usually manage to make their own passages once the driving process is underway. OR..

Use a concrete saw to "core bore" a hole large enough for the Oz-Post to fit through.

Step Seven

Finish the driving process when the base of the housing is at ground level OR if so desired the housing may be completely submerged.

In the smaller housing sizes it usually unnecessary to remove any topsoil to completely submerge the sleeve. With larger sleeves 3.5" x 3.5" (90mm x 90mm) it may be necessary to remove a shovel full of soil before driving the support.

Step Eight

Insert the post into the sleeve of the Oz-Post. Be sure that are no obstructions inside the sleeve and that the post fits into the sleeve completely.

Step Nine

There are several methods for affixing the post to the Oz-Post Support™, The Oz-Wedges™ are shown here. With a hammer drive the Oz-Wedges™ into the expanded areas on the Oz-Post™ sleeve.

Several alternative methods for attaching the post to the Oz-Post™ are possible depending on your particular needs. Lag screws for wooden posts, self-drilling screws, spot welding, galvanized bolts and other fasteners can also be used.

Step Ten

Extraction of the Oz-Post™ can be accomplished in several different ways.

Hint: It is the easiest to remove the Oz-Post™ with vertical force. Any forces that are not vertical will dramatically increase the energy required to remove the support.

Method 1 – Using a crowbar and blocks for leverage pry the Oz-Post out of the ground. The use of two crowbars on opposite sides will improve removal speed.

Method 2 – The Oz-Post Extractor™ allows quick removal of Oz-Posts with ease and safety. The Oz-Post Extractor removes the supports whether the sleeve is out of the ground or completely submerged.

Method 3 – Excavation equipment (back hoe, skid steer etc.) can be used to pull the Oz-Posts out of the ground.