Abstract: A mechanical fence post driver for attachment to a lift arm of a standard front-loader which includes a mounting plate, guide tube, and roller latch assembly. The guide tube receives a tee or other fence post inserted therein such that it contacts the mounting plate. The fence post is held in place by a roller latch assembly which compresses the post against the rearward side of the guide tube. Insertion of the fence post into the ground is accomplished by lowering the lift arm while the post is held within the guide cylinder. A rotation plate assembly may be positioned between the mounting plate and guide cylinder to provide a convenient mechanism to rotate the guide cylinder in relation to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are provided for processing the drilling mud used to flush cuttings from the bore hole while maintaining control of bore hole pressure. Air is injected into the lower regions of drilling mud in the working pits to agitate the drilling fluids and thus maintain particulate additives in suspension while simultaneously facilitating the settling of larger cuttings from the earth formations. Air is also injected into the bottom of the drilling mud and other waste fluids which are placed into the discard pit to evaporate the water and thereby accelerate consolidation or ultimate drying of the drilling mud for final disposal. This can be done as required during the drilling operation so that the consolidated or dried drilling mud can then be more easily and economically handled for transport to a hazardous waste disposal site, or can be more easily covered with earth while remaining in the discard pit.