which post hole digger to buy

[bdog]

If money is not an option, then going with a hydraulic post hole digger is the way to go. You have more control, more pressure and you can reverse out of the hole. I've thought about it. I have a Universal Quick Attach on my backhoe that I could mount it to and power it with the same lines the power my grapple. It wouldn't be very difficult to make happen, I just hesitate at spending that much money when the 3 point one I have does the job.

Good luck,
Eddie

If a 3pt works in your area by all means go for it. They definitely are cheaper. In my case back in 2004 or so I bought a new 3pt digger and to this day it is still probably the most disappointed I have been in an implement purchase. Not because the quality of it or anything like that but because it simply wouldn't dig well in our hard ground. I ended up fabbing some weight on the top of it about 3-400 lbs and that helped a lot but made it so awkward to attach.

 

[747driver]

I bought the Farm and Fleet Speedco PHD this morning with a 9" auger. It is the same as the one sold by TSC. I will pick it up tomorrow morning ! Wanted the ETA PHD but couldn't justify spending a extra $300.....that extra money will go towards a new 5' box blade !!

 

[Hilbilly]

I too am thinking of getting a PHD but don't know if it would work in my soil conditions. Do these things work in rocky soil?

 

[JRP]

I would not buy a 3pt hole digger. Save up and get one to mount on your FEL. The ability to use downforce, reverse, and the control you have over it is like night and day.

Beltec has a hydraulic auger power head for $1000. You would have to fab a bracket for the FEL bucket. Mounted on the RH side of bucket you drive right down the fence line, with posts carried on your carry all, sugar sand in the bucket. Augers are hex drive, so no shear bolt as the relief valve does that function. Auger bits are $300 to $400 at JD.

This is the option I took, also works for my Bobcat, and I sold my 3pt PHD ASAP.

Probably out of the price range for many. Check ctaigslist, or buy new.

 

[JRP]

I forgot

Mounted on the RH side of the bucket makes it very easy to see what you are doing.