dustinfox
Gold Member
Anyone have an opinion? Pros and Cons? Although less powerfull, it seems like the hand held might be easier to maneuver.
Posthole Digger Post Hole Digger PTO vs Gas powered (Hand operated)
- Thread starter dustinfox
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SSdoxie
Elite Member
Gas powered (hand operated)
Pros: Quicker to line up on hole and start digging.
Cons:
Weight to carry around
Even more weight to lift out of hole with dirt on the auger
Impact to your body and arms when it hits a rock or root (even with the spring style auger).
My first job out of high school was on pole barn crew and we used 2 man hand held augers to drill the holes. All of the above apply. When done drilling holes for a 40' X 60' building you knew you had put in a days work even if it wasn't quiting time.
Pros: Quicker to line up on hole and start digging.
Cons:
Weight to carry around
Even more weight to lift out of hole with dirt on the auger
Impact to your body and arms when it hits a rock or root (even with the spring style auger).
My first job out of high school was on pole barn crew and we used 2 man hand held augers to drill the holes. All of the above apply. When done drilling holes for a 40' X 60' building you knew you had put in a days work even if it wasn't quiting time.
crazyangel
Gold Member
I guess it all depends on the terrain when you will be digging, but having spent some time on the two man, I would be heavily in favor of the 3 point. It has a much better ground (thousands of pounds) vs the two man (a few hundred), and that alone is worth it when you hit rocks and roots. As long as you can fit the tractor where you need the hole, it's a no brainer to me. I am just not interested in getting the snot kicked out of me by a post hole digger any more.
Last edited:
OP
dustinfox
Gold Member
Good points that I probably would not have realized until I started using a gas model. I'm thinking that any trade-off in maneuverability of the tractor might be well worth it.
sixdogs
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Use the hand held for a few minutes and you'll be a 3-PT devotee a little later. The slightest rock, root or obstruction is a wrenching experience and I always figured the risk of an accident or getting clothes wound up to be a much greater risk.
vabiker23518
Gold Member
I purchased one of those small, one man 2 stroke post hole diggers and its great! Has two blades, one 6" and one 10". The larger one bogs down badly, but this machine has been great with digging holes for planting small trees and saplings, and footers for small outbuildings.
You're right, however...tree roots are a pain!
Bottom line, if you only need it a couple times a year, the hand held is great.
You're right, however...tree roots are a pain!
Bottom line, if you only need it a couple times a year, the hand held is great.
OP
dustinfox
Gold Member
I don't have a lot of digging planned. I'm going to dig probably 8 holes for a pole barn and a couple dozen more for fencing. I am concerned now, after reading other folks' experiences, about the thing yanking out of my hands if I hit an obstruction. I mean, I would like to be able to get by spending $300 instead of $600 - $800 for a 3 Pt model but it's not worth dislocating my shoulder :ashamed:
crazyangel
Gold Member
I would recommend trying to rent one if at all possible. Try checking with local tool and equipment rental companies. If you have very limited use you might be able to save quite a bit of money that way. I know there is a rental company near me that rents out a couple tractors and they have a 3pt post hole auger available.
RoyJackson
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Concur with renting 100%!!
That applies to either the 3PH type or the hand held.
If you do consider a hand held unit, be honest with yourself as to your physical condition. Make sure you can take the punishment...
GreenWannabe
Platinum Member
I rented a gas model a number of years ago (read: I was much younger!) and had a helper. He and I put in about 175' of chain link fencing one day with it. Of course we hit plenty of rocks, and every time we did, it threw us around like we were rag dolls. Neither of us was a lightweight either. So my vote is PTO, or even better (but pricey) hydraulic. You can back the hydraulic ones out if they auger in, but it does require a rear remote.