Posthole Digger Brush Hog - Post Hole Digger. Anyone have the Down Force Hydraulic Attachment?

[Altex]

Iv'e been using my Brush Hog PHD 2102 a lot for fence posts. It didn't come with the Down Force Hydraulic Attachment, which I didn't know existed when I acquired it. Too often I hit CLAY! When I do hit clay, the auger just goes round and round but not down. At that point, I get out my "Spud Bar"(Digger/Tamper Bar) and go at it a few cubic inches at each swing. Then clean it out with the manual PHD, and back and forth. I'm getting muscles! Often I try to go back to my Brush Hog PHD but still, round and round but not down. So I chip away at it.

When I don't hit clay, I can use the Brush Hog PHD and within seconds get a 3 deep hole. But when I hit clay, it may take me up to 40 minutes manually.

I just found out that the 2102 has the capability of adding the Down Force Hydraulic Attachment which adds 550 lbs. I've been trying to find more info about this kit but can seem to find any, even on the Brush Hog website.

Anyone know how much the Down Force Hydraulic Attachment Kit costs and have any comments on the performance? Or any other links to this subject?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Can't speak for you PHD, but I have a Land Pride PD35 with a down pressure kit. I am sort of in your situation, some areas I drill a hole in seconds and other areas it can take forever. After having a few holes that didn't want to get drilled was when I bought my down pressure kit. It was about $550. Unfortunately I have had no need to use it since I got it put on, so I have no first hand experience as to how well it works. I imagine that it will work very well though with all the pressure that it puts on the bit.

I am a weekender and do not have the time it takes to get stuff done when things don't go right, thus the down pressure kit. Things are easier when you have the right tools. Get a hold of a your Brush Hog dealer and get that thing ordered.

 

[jmc]

Mine does that on hard clay. Its problem, I think, is the pilot point. It's a blunt radius that mostly just polishes the clay. Before the next project, I'm going to grind more of a drill shape on it, providing that replacement tips are available in case it doesn't work out or it wears to quickly.

John

 

[chadincolo]

If you are going to be doing enough post holes to justify the cost, get it! It will work, they can put enough force on the auger that it will amaze you.

 

[Gittyup]

I have the same Bush Hog PHD. I've had no problems in hard dry clay. Have you checked your bit? Is the cutting edge good and sharp?

 

[MarkV]

And if you do not have remote hydraulics to the rear of your tractor add another $1000 to the bill.

MarkV

 

[Kfbeal]

It looks like you could make that fairly reasonable from this diagram:

http://www.landpride.com/ari/attach/lp/public/manuals/317-059m.pdf

Of course that's for a landpride.

 

[thavil]

Altex - If you have more holes to dig before you purchase the down force kit, you might want to try something that has helped me in clay. When my auger would just spin in the clay, I would lift the auger about 6" up and then drop it back down fast (making sure I never lift the bottom of the auger above ground level). Usually, after a few tries, the bit would bite in the clay and I could finish the hole without using my tamper. I'm sure some of the safety police will come after me but this has worked for me without issue.

 

[Happyman]

I have the same Bush Hog PHD. I've had no problems in hard dry clay. Have you checked your bit? Is the cutting edge good and sharp?

I agree. The bit could be the problem. I suggest you purchase a better bit with a good auger point and cutting "wings". Or maybe just sharpen the one you have. If that doesn't work, THEN go with the hydro down-force attachment.
My $.02

 

[Kfbeal]

When you say bit, what exactly are you referring to? The spiral tip or the starting blades that are replaceable?