System features include: 

• Increased strength (80,000 pounds per square inch/psi minimum yield) at load-bearing points compared to other post materials like wood.
• High-tensile strength (140,000 psi minimum) allows more weight to be distributed per post, requiring fewer supports per acre. 
• Easy installation using a conventional power post driver to drive each steel post in place in approximately 30-40 seconds in even the harshest soil conditions. That’s less than one-fourth the time required for a comparable pine post.
• Eliminates drilling and backfilling.
• Steel posts offer the added economy of holes running the length of the posts, so side pieces of U-channel or other steel components can be easily bolted to the support posts.

RIB-BAK® post maximum load* capacity: 

• RIB-BAK 2lb. max. load capacity: 400 lbs. 
• RIB-BAK 3lb. max. load capacity: 1,120 lbs.
• RIB-BAK 4lb. max. load capacity: 1,500 lbs.

*Tests conducted at UC Davis Research Facility at Oakville, CA. Posts were driven to a depth of 36” in compacted soil and hardpan. Pull tests were conducted by attaching a chain to the test sample while concurrently connecting a chain to a deadman anchor on the opposite end. A “come-a-long” provided pull and a crane scale measured load capacity in pounds at midpoint. 

Only Nucor gives you the superior rust-resistant protection, durability and appearance of powder coating at the price of paint. POWDER-SHELL^® is available for all sizes of RIB-BAK^® U-Channel in green, black, yellow, white, orange and brown (other colors by request) and meets all NCHRP 350 requirements. For the ultimate protection against the elements, RIB-BAK posts are also available in hot-dipped galvanized (ASTM A123). 

Nucor steel agriculture products meet or exceed the following ASTM specifications: 

• Steel MDS: ASTM A-499 Yield Strength, ASTM A-1 Chemical Analysis, ASTM A702 Steel Fence Posts (for use in field and line fencing) 
• Galvanizing MDS: ASTM A-123-89a Zinc Coating on Steel 
• Powder Coating MDS: ASTM D523 Gloss, ASTM D3363 H-2H Pencil Hardness, ASTM D522 Flexibility, ASTM D3359 5B Adhesion, ASTM D2794 Direct and Reverse Impact 

ASTM specification details are available upon request. 

RIB-BAK^® U-channel products are available in 1.12 lbs., 1.75 lbs., 2 lbs., 2.5 lbs., 3 lbs., 4 lbs. and 5 lbs. They are available in lengths of 6’-20’ in Grade A36, SP60CR and SP80 in tapered or non-tapered with 3/8” or 7/16” punching. We offer finishes in bare, powder or galvanized.  

Steel agricultural U-channel products are widely used in agriculture for end posts, orchard supports, fencing, trellising, netting, shade structures and other structural support for fruit and vegetable farms.  

• U-channel posts provide strong, durable frames for vineyard and orchard trellises, encouraging stable plant growth. 
• Can be used for securing fencing to protect crops and livestock.
• Weather-resistant properties and long lifespan make steel posts a reliable choice for agricultural applications, reducing maintenance and replacement costs over time. 

Nucor’s NU-POST™ T-post grape stake steel products are available in 0.95 lbs., 1.25 lbs., 1.33 lbs. and 1.46 lbs. and can be cut into 6” increments of 5’-10’ in 702 Grade A. We offer a bare finish with or without an anchor plate.

Because Nucor uses recycled scrap in an electric arc furnace (EAF) as the main input for steel, we can control the chemistry of the steel we melt and the billets we cast. Our unique chemistry is specifically formulated for NU-POST fence posts, giving them the strength of rail steel (ASTM A499) combined with enhanced ductility.  
 
In contrast, rail steel is produced from iron ore, which has very low levels of the elements needed for weather resistance, like copper, nickel and chromium. Scrap metal naturally contains significant amounts of these elements (ASTM G101), giving NU-POST products up to seven times the weathering resistance* of rail steel fence posts. 
 
*Atmospheric corrosion resistance calculated using ASTM G101-04, an industry-standard formula. 

Steel is commonly used for snow fencing because of its durability, strength and resistance to harsh weather conditions. Steel snow fences help control drifting snow by blocking heavy winds and allowing snow to accumulate in designated areas, keeping roads, railways and properties clear. Galvanized or powder-coated steel enables long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance, making it a dependable choice for winter infrastructure.

Yes, steel grapevine stakes, U-channel steel posts and steel T-posts provide reliable, long-term support for trellises, helping to optimize plant growth and crop yields. 

Steel provides superior durability, resistance to weather and pests, as well as long-term stability compared to wood and other materials. Steel grape stakes, trellises and T-posts offer strong structural support for vines and trees, encouraging optimal growth while minimizing maintenance and replacement costs. Additionally, using low-embodied carbon steel supports sustainability practices in the agriculture industry. 

Steel resists moisture, pests and UV exposure, making it ideal for harsh agricultural environments. It can also consistently withstand heavy loads, high winds and temperature fluctuations more effectively than traditional materials like wood.