Step-In Posts: How O'Briens Treadaline Post Compares
As a livestock management tool, few things compare to step-in fence posts when it comes to utility and frequency of use when setting up a portable electric fence. Among the plethora of options available, O'Brien's Step-In Fence posts, also known as O'Briend's Tredaline Posts, have differentiated themselves due to their study design and durability in the farm field.
The differences are stark when you compare standard step-in posts with the O'Briens Tredaline Post. O'Briens step-in posts have are better in several categories including:
- Lasting longer in the sun
- Navigates polybraid easily with temporary fencing products
- Is more durable than any other temporary step in post solution
Let's look at some of the benefits of the O'Briens Tredaline Post that make it superior to other step-in fence posts on the market. The polymers are of high quality and are unmatched by any other product. When it comes to a step-in post, you have to factor in quality, as regular usage will quickly wear down the product quality.
- High strength H-profile post
- Eight positions for polywire
- Four positions for 1.5" polytapes
- Long galvanized stake embedded above the foot peg for added strength
- Premium grade UV-stabilized polymers
- Easy visibility to livestock
- Unique hook design for easy polybraid insert
Standard Step-In
Typically, these might not match O'Brien's in terms of material quality. While many posts offer UV protection, the polymers used might not be as resilient for a sturdy but portable electric fence, leading to brittleness over time, especially in extreme conditions. The stakes might also be thicker, which, while sturdy, can be harder to insert into hard or frozen ground without significant effort or tools.
- Straight angled hooks make it difficult to insert and remove polybraid
- Cheap rigid plastic easily breaks when exposed to UV rays
- Foot pad lacks support and easily breaks
- Black post color can be difficult for livestock to see
O'Briends step -in post Durability & Material Quality
You don't go to the store and buy cheap slippers and wear those when you're cutting wood in the field. The task calls for the right tool. Instead, you'll get some steel towed boots or at least footwear with better durability. The same applies to a step in post.
A good step-in post needs to be able to withstand daily moving, or sitting in one place and being exposed to weather during extended periods. While it may not be designed to stay in one place forever, that doesn't mean it shouldn't be designed to last a long time.
Choosing a step-in post color
Our most popular post color choices are blue and yellow, but white are also a popular choice. Black posts will typically attract more UV heat, and will be more difficult for livestock to see, making it a paradoxical choice for most cheap step-in post distributors. If your local livestock supply store only sells cheap black posts that easily break in the field, you may consider advising them to upgrade to a more economical solution for farmers. In the meantime, we fulfill orders of O'Brien Tredaline step-in posts nationwide and are happy to help you make the best choice for your temporary electric fence solutions.
Trusted Partners Agree
Our growing list of partners in the adaptive grazing industry agree that a quality post can go a long way. That's why they have partnered with us to offer quality solutions to farmers at an affordable price. Farmers like Greg Judy have advocated for the quality of O'Brien's Tredaline step-in posts, and our other partners who are soon to be spotlighted also share a passion for our products.Here is one example of Greg discussing the differences of O'Briens Tredaline step-in posts with other step-in post alternatives:
Conclusion
It really isn't too complicated. A cheap post may be half the price but may last 1/8th the life of a high quality post. We can't tell you what to do, but as adaptive grazing suppliers, we take the quality of a post very seriously. We urge you to consider all your options, do the math, and make the most economical choice when it comes to not just your temporary electric fence needs, but all your fencing solutions.
If you have any questions about your step-in post requirements, we're happy to help. Just give us a call and we will walk you through what options might work best on your farm.
FAQS
What materials do the clips accomodate?
They are designed to accommodate various types of fencing materials, including polywire, polyrope, braided electric twine, smooth wire, and electric tape.
How many posts come in a case?
Order one at a time or up to 50 at once.
What is the height of the post?
The overall length of the post including the stake is 43".
How can I use this post?
The post can be used from anything like small electrical fencing projects to scaled business operations.