Applications: Mobile home anchoring made easy
The proper tools can make mobile home anchoring a breeze.
By Mike Hale, Little Beaver Inc. sales manager
Some drill manufacturers offer anchor adapters and high torque anchor handles which allow operators to install each anchor in less than a couple of minutes and complete an entire home in as little as 90 minutes. |
Step 1: Rent or buy an earth drill from a local rental center or dealer and gather the essential equipment such as a mobile home anchoring kit, anchors and steel straps. |
When strong winds blow, a mobile home needs additional protection. No matter the geography, anchoring a mobile home typically involves installing tie-downs and anchors to secure it to solid ground. It’s essential to complete the anchoring process soon after positioning the mobile home on the lot.
Traditional methods to anchor a mobile home involve a pipe thread machine powered by a generator. This system is expensive, as well as slow and cumbersome, resulting in several hours of work to anchor a single home.
Instead, look for hydraulic earth drills designed for speed, safety and precision which simplify the process and eliminate back-breaking labor.
Some drill manufacturers offer anchor adapters and high torque anchor handles which allow operators to install each anchor in less than a couple of minutes and complete an entire home in as little as 90 minutes.
For increased safety, choose a drill made for one-man drilling. These earth drills don’t have handle mounted motors, but, instead, utilize a separate engine carrier to eliminate felt kickback. To make anchor removal as easy as installation, select a hydraulic drill that features a reverse option.
Next, with research complete, anchoring a mobile home can be easily completed in five steps.
Five easy steps to anchoring a mobile home:
- With a manufacturer in mind, rent or buy an earth drill from a local rental center or dealer and gather the essential equipment such as a mobile home anchoring kit, anchors and steel straps. Looks for a manufacturer that makes OEM anchoring kits designed for their drills.
- Determine where and how many anchors you’ll need to install around the home’s perimeter. Depending on state laws and regulations, you’ll need to install anchors at 2- to 5-foot intervals, so the number of required anchors can vary. A quality hydraulic earth drill and auger will eliminate the need for predrilling, saving time and money.
- Setup: a knowledgeable manufacturer will make setup as easy as snapping the anchor adapter on to the drill’s handle and fastening the anchor with an adjustable wrench or ratchet.
- Start drilling: drill the anchor into the first location until only a few inches remain above ground. Continue this process around the mobile home.
- Secure: fasten steel straps around the mobile home’s frame and attach them to each anchor with adjustable bolts.
It’s best to check anchors and straps periodically after installation, as well as before a major storm, to ensure each is secure and free from rust or cracks. Be sure to keep fertilizer away from the anchors and straps to prevent rust.
The proper tools can make mobile home anchoring a breeze. Choosing a manufacturer that can provide the total package with all accessories needed ensures exact compatibility with your drill and smooth performance. CS
About the Author
Mike Hale started his career in the fencing industry in 1974, and in 1996 he began working at Little Beaver Inc., a leading manufacturer of portable earth drills and accessories. He continues to offer expertise on fencing and hole digging equipment as the sales manager. If you have questions or comments, contact Mike at mikeh@littlebeaver.com or call 800-227-7515.
About Little Beaver Inc.
Little Beaver has been proudly manufacturing quality, safe and productive drilling equipment for three generations. With a full line of easy-to-operate equipment, along with a complete offering of accessories, including augers, extensions, points and blades, Little Beaver effectively serves the needs of end-users from professional contractors to rental centers.
For more information: Little Beaver, 2009 South Houston, Livingston, TX 77351; 800-227-7515; 936-327-4025 (fax); sales@littlebeaver.com; www.littlebeaver.com, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube.