Posthole Digger PTO-driven post hole auger suggestions

[jedjoe]

Gentlemen,

We've started an implement cooperative in our neighborhood, as three of us all have compact tractors in the 30-35 horsepower range with category 1 three point hitches. Our next collective purchase is a PTO driven post hole digger. None of us are going to beat the heck out of this tool, but we do live in New England with it's rocky soils.

I'd be interested in hearing what brands and models you guys might suggest. Pros and cons, and approximate fair retail price would also help.

Thanks in advance,

Jed

 

[kebo]

The Leinbach L7200 is a good one for the price. I've had one for about 12 years now and it works just fine, although I did notice the other day there is a little bit of a leak on the front seal where the input shaft is. Since I bought mine a dozen years ago, I paid $365 for it, which included a 9" auger. I see that Everything Attachments has same one for $580 now!! I guess I got a deal huh?

 

[Crusty Nut]

I recently bought the Lienbach L7300 and have drilled maybe 100 holes so far. I am quite happy with it.

 

[Craig Clayton]

I bought a Work Saver 15 years ago and I have planted 1500 trees with it balls with it. I had it out yesterday relocating my mailbox.
Craig Clayton

 

[teg]

I recently bought the Lienbach L7300 and have drilled maybe 100 holes so far. I am quite happy with it.

I like my L7300 but I think the tip of the auger is way too small. If working on a slight angle, it doesn't bite in that good...

I took the suggestion to get a cheap 36" pipe wrench... sure enough, the PHD hit a root or a rock and screwed itself into the ground. I don't let the auger take that much of a bite before raising it and clearing the hole, now.

 

[Reg]

I agree, the Leinbach are probably the best value.
Not sure I would want to go into a collective purchase of a PhD with anyone though.
Augers get stuck, flights get bent, etc. friendships could get fractured.
I have learned to slow feed these things; no pushing the 3ph position lever all the way forward and waiting for the auger to run to the bottom of the hole (-:
I would probably buy it outright and drill holes for the other guys, always and only with my tractor - well, depending how far away they are (-:
They could make a fair contribution for whatever time I spend at their places, or return favors with different implements.

 

[whistlepig]

I have a Bush Hog Model 2102. The augers have "Bear Claw" staggered replaceable auger teeth that bite when they hit the ground so the auger doesn't "walk" when starting a hole. It also has the optional Bush Hog parking stand. I can back up to the post hole digger, insert three pins, lift it and go. I think it was around $1,300 for the digger and stand. It's an easy one man auger to mount and use.

 

[jedjoe]

I've looked at BH 2102. I think I could handle it on my NH 35, but is it too much digger for a smaller TC 30?

 

[jedjoe]

If it was any ol' neighbors, I'd agree that it would not be smart to share something like an auger (or a rotary cutter, either). But these guys are solid, and we are all sharing risks pretty well by each contributing 1/3 to all new purchases, and each putting in something substantial of our own attachments. Truthfully, I'm generally the heaviest user of all the equipment, so I kinda getting the best part of the deal!

 

[jedjoe]

I can't really see the difference between the standard 7200 (not the JR) and the 7300. How do they differ?