Posthole Digger Question About Hydraulics for Auger

[Sponge Bob]

Good luck on the trees! Let me know how it works.

Thanks, will let you know how it works.

[jenkinsph]

Thanks for all of the great advice. If I go the hydraulic auger route I think I will try running I off of a third function valve, and engage/disengage at low throttle. I think I will go for the hydraulic auger drive because I see a lot of fencing in my future, with difficult ground conditions.

I think the third function valve at low throttle is a good compromise, simply put you want to take it easy on the hydraulic motor with soft starts and stops. The motor will last longer with less wear if you do. Being able to reverse the auger to get unstuck is a great benefit in my locale with the occasional large boulder.

[DT86]

Hey guys lets think about a skidsteer with an auger for one moment...

I bet no one ever eased into the throttle using one. The ones I've ever seen are all or nothing with no feathering into the power. Heck the best way to clear dirt from one is to run it one way and abruptly run it the other way.

When I ran a CAT auger on my 3rd function it didn't turn as fast as on the skidsteer. But it always had plenty of power to dig the holes.

I just don't think you'll have to worry about tearing it up.

Just a few thoughts.

[jenkinsph]

DT86,
You are right about the skidsteer and the auger, most use an electric controlled valve to engage the auger. It will work and you can stop, start and quickly reverse to clear the bit. But doing this is inherently hard on the hydraulic motor and reduces the life. For some people this is just the cost of doing business but it does help to understand what is happening and try to reduce the cost of operating when you can. When I bought my PA30 planetary auger, bits and mounting for the 110tlb it was about $4000, I for one wan't it to last awhile without repairs.

[Rustyiron]

I think the third function valve at low throttle is a good compromise, simply put you want to take it easy on the hydraulic motor with soft starts and stops. The motor will last longer with less wear if you do. Being able to reverse the auger to get unstuck is a great benefit in my locale with the occasional large boulder.

You just brought old memories back of "unscrewing" a 3pt. auger with a large pipe wrench from around a root or rock when fence building!

[rd_macgregor]

This summer I got a Belltec NC-150 with similar specs to the Danuser. I already had hoses from the rear remotes up to the FEL to run my grapple, so I only have to connect hoses and I'm on my way, using the regular control lever for the remotes.
The auger works pretty well (except through bedrock!). Two things I noticed right away: (1) [in my tractor, at least] you can't see where the bit hits the ground so a ground observer/guide is handy if exact hole placement is critical, and (2) in a tractor, it is a bit more of an operation to swing to the side to clear the auger than it is in a skid steer; getting the bit lined back up with the half-finished hole is then a tad challenging, given (1), above. I'm seriously thinking of getting one of those magnetic trailer-hitching cameras to put on my brush bar so I can see where the auger tip is going.
BOB

[Sponge Bob]

This summer I got a Belltec NC-150 with similar specs to the Danuser. I already had hoses from the rear remotes up to the FEL to run my grapple, so I only have to connect hoses and I'm on my way, using the regular control lever for the remotes.
The auger works pretty well (except through bedrock!). Two things I noticed right away: (1) [in my tractor, at least] you can't see where the bit hits the ground so a ground observer/guide is handy if exact hole placement is critical, and (2) in a tractor, it is a bit more of an operation to swing to the side to clear the auger than it is in a skid steer; getting the bit lined back up with the half-finished hole is then a tad challenging, given (1), above. I'm seriously thinking of getting one of those magnetic trailer-hitching cameras to put on my brush bar so I can see where the auger tip is going.
BOB

Good point Bob. I noticed the very same thing when doing the couple of test holes that I did. I have the skid steer mount on mine, so you do lose sight of the tip when you lower it. That is a good idea with the back up camera. Danuser also makes a mount that you can place on the side of the bucket, but I am not sure how effective that would be either.

[EverythingAttachments]

Danuser also makes an offset quick attach mount that is pretty popular for tractor loader applications. We do not have it on our website yet but can include it with an auger drive for the same price as the regular skidsteer cradle.

[JRP]

Danuser also makes an offset quick attach mount that is pretty popular for tractor loader applications. We do not have it on our website yet but can include it with an auger drive for the same price as the regular skidsteer cradle.

I,m actually building the QH mount for my nc150 today. It will have a tool bar look and the auger mount will pin on. The location of the auger could be centered, or offset to either side. I also want the auger to fold parallel to the mount tol bar for easy transport and compact loading on a trailer.

[rd_macgregor]

I think the offset mount would probably do the trick as far as visibility of placing the auger tip is concerned. I'd considered having a welding shop weld an alternative, offset mount onto mine...it's not a very complicated setup.
BOB