Jumbo Star Pickets — When You Need the Extra Weight

Sometimes a standard star picket just isn't going to cut it. Maybe you're building an exclusion fence on rocky ground, maybe you need something that'll stand up to constant cattle pressure near a laneway, or maybe you just want the toughest intermediate posts money can buy. That's where Jumbo pickets come in.

WHAT MAKES THEM JUMBO?

Our Jumbo star pickets are 210cm long and weigh 7.3kg each. To put that in perspective, a standard 210cm picket at the industry-standard 1.86kg/m weighs about 3.9kg. Our Jumbo weighs nearly twice as much.

That extra weight comes from significantly thicker steel in the Y-profile. More steel means:

• Greater resistance to bending
• Deeper, more stable installation
• Ability to handle heavier mesh without flexing
• Longer lifespan (more material for corrosion to work through)

WHEN TO USE JUMBO PICKETS

Exclusion fencing: Predator-proof and pest-proof fencing uses heavy mesh (8/115/15 or 11/142/15) that puts more load on pickets than standard stock mesh. Jumbo pickets handle this load without flexing. If you're building a wild dog fence on a property west of Dubbo, this is what you want.

Gateway and laneway areas: Anywhere stock regularly push against fencing — gateways, water troughs, laneways between paddocks — pickets take more punishment than on a standard boundary run. Jumbos handle it.

Replacement for leaning pickets: If you've got a section of fence where standard pickets keep getting pushed over by cattle, swap in Jumbos. The extra weight and rigidity usually solves the problem.

Corner and curve reinforcement: On gradual curves where you don't need a full strainer assembly but standard pickets aren't coping with the lateral load, Jumbo pickets give you a middle ground.

Rocky ground: When you can only drive a picket 300mm into rock and normally that wouldn't be enough, the extra weight and rigidity of a Jumbo means it still performs. It's not ideal, but it works better than a standard picket at the same shallow depth.

Stockyards and loading areas: These are high-abuse environments. If you're using star pickets at all in yards (rather than pipe or timber), Jumbos are the only option that makes sense.

AVAILABLE OPTIONS

We carry Jumbo 210cm pickets in two finishes:

• Black bitumen: $20 each (7.3kg)
• Powder coated: $25 each (7.3kg)

The powder-coated option is worth considering for visible areas or where maximum corrosion resistance matters. The baked-on powder coat finish is tougher than both bitumen and standard galvanising.

COST PERSPECTIVE

At $20-25 each, Jumbos cost roughly double a standard picket of the same height. But you don't use them for every post on your fence — they're strategic reinforcements for the positions that matter most.

A typical application might be: standard 2.1kg/m pickets at 5m spacing for the full run, with Jumbos substituted at every tenth position, at curve points, and near gates. On a 1km fence, that might mean 180 standard pickets and 20 Jumbos — adding about $230 to the total picket cost but significantly improving fence integrity at the critical points.

INSTALLATION TIPS

Driving a 7.3kg Jumbo picket by hand is a workout. The extra weight means each swing of the post driver has more resistance at the top of the stroke. A powered post driver makes Jumbo installation much more pleasant.

Drive them to 500-600mm depth minimum — the extra above-ground height and weight means they need good anchorage. In soft soil, go deeper. In rocky ground, go as deep as you can.

Make sure the lugs face the mesh side, same as any star picket. The beefier profile means the lugs are more pronounced and grip mesh clips better.

Jumbos aren't for every fence line, but where you need them, there's no substitute. They're the heaviest star pickets we stock, and they earn their keep in demanding applications.

Come in and see them at 76 Astill Drive, Orange, or give us a call on 0434 093 077 to discuss whether Jumbos are right for your project.

Installation Tips for Jumbo Pickets

Getting the most out of your Jumbo pickets starts with proper installation. The extra weight means they need a different approach compared to standard pickets.

Use a post driver or hydraulic rammer if you've got one available. The 7.3kg weight makes them harder work with a hand driver, especially in harder ground conditions common around Orange and the Central West. Drive them at least 600mm deep in normal soil conditions — deeper if the ground allows it. The extra weight helps them stay put once they're in.

Space them according to your mesh type and terrain. For exclusion fencing with heavy mesh, 3-4 metre spacing works well on level ground. Reduce this to 2.5-3 metres on slopes or where you expect high wind loads. In areas with significant cattle pressure, consider 2-3 metre spacing regardless of terrain.

When replacing failing standard pickets with Jumbos, don't just swap one-for-one. Often you can replace every second or third standard picket with a Jumbo and achieve better overall fence performance than the original installation.

Check your wire tension after installation. Jumbo pickets won't give as much as standard pickets, so your fence line will be more rigid. This is generally good, but make sure your wire isn't over-tensioned, especially in areas where temperature variations cause expansion and contraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much more do Jumbo pickets cost compared to standard pickets?

Jumbo pickets cost roughly 60-80% more than standard pickets, but they often eliminate the need for additional intermediate supports or frequent repairs. When you factor in the longer lifespan and reduced maintenance, they're often more economical for demanding applications.

Can I use Jumbo pickets with any type of mesh?

Yes, Jumbo pickets work with all standard rural mesh types. They're particularly beneficial with heavy exclusion mesh, but there's no harm using them with lighter stock mesh if your situation calls for the extra strength. The Y-profile design accommodates the same wire spacing as standard pickets.

Do Jumbo pickets need different clips or accessories?

No, standard picket clips, wire ties, and other accessories work fine with Jumbo pickets. The Y-profile is the same shape, just made from thicker steel. Your existing fencing tools and techniques all apply.

Use our free fencing calculator to estimate your project, or give Jess a call on 0434 093 077 for expert advice.