Skip to content
Need assistance: Call us on 01283 215097 or Email: hello@bisonproducts.co.uk
Need assistance: Call us on 01283 215097 or Email: hello@bisonproducts.co.uk

Bollard Installation Guide — Tools & Materials

The short answer

A telescopic security bollard goes into a hole about 200mm square, dug to the depth of the bollard unit, approximately 850mm. It sits on a gravel soakaway of about 100mm so water can drain away, and the top of the socket is set in concrete flush with your drive.

Hole200–250mm sq
Depth850–950mm
Soakaway~100mm gravel
Concrete cureA couple of hours

Bison Products has supplied and fitted security bollards since 1972. These are the same instructions our own fitters follow. Pick your bollard for its specs and step-by-step instructions. If you'd rather not dig, get an instant fitted price at the bottom of this page.

Too much of a job? We'll fit it for you

Our own fitters will install it for you, with a 2-year warranty on the bollard and the installation.

Get a fitted price →or call 01283 215097

Choose your bollard

Ramco 70 telescopic security bollardRamco 70Hole 200mm sq · 850mm deepInstallation steps ↓ Ramco 100 heavy-duty telescopic security bollardRamco 100Hole 250mm sq · 850mm deepInstallation steps ↓ Ramco 600 round telescopic security bollard in blackRamco 600Hole 200mm sq · 950mm deepInstallation steps ↓ Ramco AutoGuard automatic battery bollardRamco AutoGuard400 × 600mm · 950mm deepInstallation steps ↓

⚠ Before you dig: check for underground services

Gas, water, electricity and drainage often run under driveways. Scan the spot with a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT scanner), which you can hire from most tool hire shops, and check any utility plans you have for the property. If in doubt, don't dig.

Tools and materials for a telescopic bollard

This list covers the Ramco 70, 100 and 600. Any extras for a particular model are listed in its own section.

Tools

  • Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT scanner)
  • Tape measure and marker spray or chalk
  • Breaker, to get through tarmac, concrete or anything hard
  • Post-hole digger or narrow spade, plus a digging bar for stony ground
  • Spirit level (a post level makes it easier)
  • Bucket or wheelbarrow and something to mix with
  • Gloves, eye protection and ear defenders when breaking or drilling

Materials

  • Your bollard and keys (x2)
  • Gravel or aggregate for the soakaway: you will need about 2 bags
  • Concrete, ready-mixed or fast-setting post mix: 1 to 2 bags per bollard
  • Material to make good the surface (tarmac repair, sand or mortar for block paving)
Ramco 70 bollard dimensions: 70mm x 70mm post, 540mm above ground

Manual telescopic

Ramco 70 installation

Hole sizeAbout 200mm × 200mm
Hole depth850mm
Post70mm × 70mm × 3mm box section, 540mm above ground when raised, about 6kg
When loweredSits flush with the ground

View the Ramco 70 Driveway Security Bollard →

Step by step

  1. Check for services with a CAT scanner (see above).
  2. Mark the position. Place the bollard where it physically stops the car leaving the drive: if directly behind the vehicle, try to stay within 300mm. If protecting an entrance, make sure your car can't fit through any gaps. We recommend between 1.5m to 1.7m.
  3. Break the surface. Use a breaker to break out the tarmac or concrete to about 200mm square. Or lift up the blocks to the area.
  4. Dig the hole to 850mm deep, keeping the sides straight.
  5. Check the depth by adding the bollard then add the soakaway. Put a layer of gravel in the bottom of the hole so water drains away from the socket: approximately 100mm.
  6. Set the socket. Stand the ground socket on the gravel so its top is flush with the finished surface. Check it's vertical on two faces with your spirit level.
  7. Now to fix it. Pour the gravel around the bollard and pack down with a rod or bit of wood.
  8. Check the post is level by lifting the inner part and checking all sides.
  9. Pour concrete on top of the gravel. You can pour dry post mix then add water or make a wet mix in a bucket and pour it in. Check it's still level as you go.
  10. Let it cure before you use the post: this should only be a couple of hours, depending on the concrete you have used.
  11. Make good the surface around the top plate.
  12. Test it. Raise the post, lock it, unlock it and lower it.

Too much of a job? We'll fit your Ramco 70

Our own fitters will install it for you, with a 2-year warranty on the bollard and the installation.

Get a fitted price →or call 01283 215097
Ramco 100 security bollard installed in a gravel driveway

Heavy-duty manual telescopic

Ramco 100 installation

Hole sizeAbout 250mm × 250mm
Hole depth850mm
Post100mm × 100mm square, 5mm wall, 540mm above ground when raised, about 10kg
Best forCar parks, commercial sites and large, heavy vehicles

View the Ramco 100 Heavy-Duty Telescopic Security Bollard →

Step by step

  1. Check for services with a CAT scanner (see above).
  2. Mark the position. Place the bollard where it physically stops the car leaving the drive: if directly behind the vehicle, try to stay within 300mm. If protecting an entrance, make sure your car can't fit through any gaps. We recommend between 1.5m to 1.7m.
  3. Break the surface. Use a breaker to break out the tarmac or concrete to about 250mm square. Or lift up the blocks to the area.
  4. Dig the hole to 850mm deep, keeping the sides straight.
  5. Check the depth by adding the bollard then add the soakaway. Put a layer of gravel in the bottom of the hole so water drains away from the socket: approximately 100mm.
  6. Set the socket. Stand the bollard on the gravel so its top is flush with the finished surface. Check it's vertical on two faces with your spirit level.
  7. Now to fix it. Pour the gravel around the bollard and pack down with a rod or bit of wood.
  8. Check the post is level by lifting the inner part and checking all sides.
  9. Pour concrete on top of the gravel. You can pour dry post mix then add water or make a wet mix in a bucket and pour it in. Check it's still level as you go.
  10. Let it cure before you use the post: this should only be a couple of hours, depending on the concrete you have used.
  11. Make good the surface around the top plate.
  12. Test it. Raise the post, lock it, unlock it and lower it.

Too much of a job? We'll fit your Ramco 100

Our own fitters will install it for you, with a 2-year warranty on the bollard and the installation.

Get a fitted price →or call 01283 215097
Ramco 600 telescopic bollard installed behind a Land Rover Defender

Manual telescopic, round

Ramco 600 installation

Hole sizeAbout 200mm × 200mm
Hole depth950mm
Post92mm round, 600mm above ground when raised, steel lid covers the sleeve when lowered

View the Ramco 600 Telescopic Security Bollard → (six finishes)

Step by step

  1. Check for services with a CAT scanner (see above).
  2. Mark the position. Place the bollard where it physically stops the car leaving the drive: if directly behind the vehicle, try to stay within 300mm. If protecting an entrance, make sure your car can't fit through any gaps. We recommend between 1.5m to 1.7m.
  3. Break the surface. Use a breaker to break out the tarmac or concrete to about 200mm square. Or lift up the blocks to the area.
  4. Dig the hole to 950mm deep, keeping the sides straight.
  5. Check the depth by adding the bollard then add the soakaway. Put a layer of gravel in the bottom of the hole so water drains away from the socket: approximately 100mm.
  6. Set the socket. Stand the bollard on the gravel so its top is flush with the finished surface. Check it's vertical on two faces with your spirit level.
  7. Now to fix it. Pour the gravel around the bollard and pack down with a rod or bit of wood.
  8. Check the post is level by lifting the inner part and checking all sides.
  9. Pour concrete on top of the gravel. You can pour dry post mix then add water or make a wet mix in a bucket and pour it in. Check it's still level as you go.
  10. Let it cure before you use the post: this should only be a couple of hours, depending on the concrete you have used.
  11. Make good the surface around the top plate.
  12. Test it. Raise the post, lock it, unlock it and lower it.

Too much of a job? We'll fit your Ramco 600

Our own fitters will install it for you, with a 2-year warranty on the bollard and the installation.

Get a fitted price →or call 01283 215097
Ramco AutoGuard battery bollard installed on a block-paved driveway

Automatic, battery powered

Ramco AutoGuard installation

Hole size and depth400mm × 600mm × 950mm deep
Bollard133mm or 166mm diameter, 600mm above ground, stainless steel, IP68
Power24V rechargeable battery locked inside the bollard. Supplied with 2 batteries and a charger, and each battery lasts about 6 months of normal use
In the box2 remote fobs, 2 batteries, charger

View the Ramco AutoGuard Battery Bollard →

Step by step

  1. Check for services with a CAT scanner (see above).
  2. Mark the position. Place the bollard where it physically stops the car leaving the drive: if directly behind the vehicle, try to stay within 300mm. If protecting an entrance, make sure your car can't fit through any gaps. We recommend between 1.5m to 1.7m.
  3. Break the surface. Mark out a rectangle of 400mm x 600mm. Use a breaker to break out the tarmac or concrete. Or lift up the blocks to the area.
  4. Dig the hole to 950mm deep, for the main part of the bollard, with a step to the rear to about 400mm depth.
  5. Check the depth by adding the bollard then add the soakaway. Put a layer of gravel in the bottom of the hole so water drains away from the socket: approximately 100mm.
  6. Set the socket. Stand the bollard on the gravel so its top is flush with the finished surface. Check it's vertical on the top of the bollard with your spirit level.
  7. Now to fix it. Pour the gravel around the bollard and pack down with a rod or bit of wood. Make sure the gravel sits under the battery box and around the sides slightly, leaving enough room for concrete.
  8. Check the post is level by raising it and using your spirit level.
  9. Pour concrete on top of the gravel. You can pour dry post mix then add water or make a wet mix in a bucket and pour it in. Check the level as you go.
  10. Let it cure for an hour before you use the post.
  11. Make good the surface around the top plate.
  12. Test it. Raise the post, lock it, unlock it and lower it.

Too much of a job? We'll fit your Ramco AutoGuard

Our own fitters will install it for you, with a 2-year warranty on the bollard and the installation.

Get a fitted price →or call 01283 215097

Installation FAQs

Can I install a security bollard myself?

Yes. A competent DIYer can fit a telescopic bollard. DIY-installed bollards carry a 1-year warranty. Fitted by Bison Products, both the bollard and the installation carry 2 years.

Why does the gravel soakaway matter?

The bottom of the unit is completely open to allow surface water that enters the bollard to escape. The gravel stops mud clogging up the open bottom, giving the water freedom to flow down and away from the bollard.

Can I fit a bollard into block paving or tarmac?

Yes. Installation into most surfaces is fine. Resin and newly printed concrete can sometimes cause issues, so call us to discuss this in more detail.

Related: Which type of driveway bollard do you need? · Do you need planning permission? · Repairs and servicing · Call 01283 215097

Rather we fitted it? Get your price now

Pick your bollard and enter your postcode — the tool gives a fully installed price straight away, fitted by our own team with a 2-year warranty.

Compare products

{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}

Select first item to compare

Select second item to compare

Select third item to compare

Compare