Auger questions

[Davinator]

I will be buying a new auger for my Kubota #M6040 in the spring of the year. I thought the choices/selection would be minimal but a friend recommended that I seriously consider buying a skid steer auger instead of the basic 3PH model. (It should be noted that I DO have the additional hydraulic lines installed on my FEL for a grapple). His reasoning is that, based on his experience, in digging holes in our area, where there are lots of rocks in the ground, it is a normal thing for the auger to get stuck and have to be unhooked and removed with a pipe wrench. Also, with the minimal down pressure, there will be a lot of hand work with a spud bar on each and every hole.

His reasoning makes sense to me, but I wanted to get some more input before making the final decision. (In looking a the specs from my tractor, I have a max. hydraulic flow of 11GPM.)

Any advice/viewpoints will be appreciated.

 

[E/S]

I use a McMillan on my M8540 like you are talking about. It is great in hard / tough soil. The only issue I have run into is that it turns to slow in soft soil and doesn't self clean well.
The big advantages I see are having it offset to one side it's easy to see. The other is no more broken sheer pins.

E/S

 

[Western]

You may want to price a Belltec auger, you wont be able to beat one of them in tough soil.

I've drilled 100's of holes with a 3pt and never really had a problem getting stuck in rock, maybe 5%. Shear bolts are another thing, but I'd rather loose a $2 bolt than a gear. I just watch my down pressure.

If money isn't an issue and you want the best, go Belltec.

Drill holes fast with Belltec products -- Belltec Industries, Inc.