which post hole digger to buy

[747driver]

Need a PHD ! Looking at the TSC and Everything Attachment PHD. I need a 9 inch auger. The EA is $760 and at the top of my price budget. EA seems to build quality implements and everything but the gear box is made in the USA. Open for reviews !!

Chuck

 

[rrrkkk]

top of the line id Danuser I have one that I use that is almost 50 years old. They still make parts for it. Almost indestructible!

 

[Jarrod32]

Probably depends on how much and how hard you are going to work it. The TSC has worked well for me, but I only use it occasionally and don't work it very hard when I do. But if you expect to put a lot of hard hours on it, you probably want to go to a better quality product.

 

[Fallon]

Probably depends on how much and how hard you are going to work it. The TSC has worked well for me, but I only use it occasionally and don't work it very hard when I do. But if you expect to put a lot of hard hours on it, you probably want to go to a better quality product.

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=421448"/>

A cheap one will do a couple hundred holes easy, unless you have really gnarly or rocky conditions. Look on craigslist & see if any used ones are cheaper than TSC or what not. Here in Colorado I don't see used PHDs being much cheaper than new though.

Make sure the gearbox is full of oil (not grease), not leaking, grinding or otherwise messed up. PTO shaft should be free to extend/retract as well as the U joints lubed & moving smoothly. The teeth on the augur can be worn a bit, but should have a lot of wear left on them (easy to replace though)

 

[rswyan]

I have the TSC (SpeeCo) unit with 6", 12", and 24" augers ... have drilled probably at least 30 or 40 holes at this point ... no issues so far.

 

[tman1020]

I have had a couple of the TSC models without problem. Have more than a couple hundred holes on each of them. They will work well up to a 12 inch auger in Sand clay or black dirt. If you're going to be using it intensely or in more aggressive soil with multiple or large rocks or roots go a different route.

Hydraulic would be a great way to go because then you would have reverse just watch for the flow requirements of the hydraulic units you may have to run the auxiliary pump.

If you do go with the TSC model or the like make sure you pick up a handful of sheer bolts to go with it you will break them from time to time.

 

[gogo]

I bought the TSC with 9" & 12" and I love it. Hard clay, 45 holes now and it worked perfect. Definitely buy the extra sheer bolts. I only sheered 1 during all the holes. I wasn't constantly cleaning out the hole at first and it sheered. After that, worked great. Price is great too. good luck.

 

[bdog]

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.

 

[Fallon]

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.

Yes they are better, but not 3 times the price better unless you have a LOT of holes.

 

[tman1020]

Need a PHD ! Looking at the TSC and Everything Attachment PHD. I need a 9 inch auger. The EA is $760 and at the top of my price budget. EA seems to build quality implements and everything but the gear box is made in the USA. Open for reviews !! Chuck

The more made in America the better but
To me the gearbox is the only part I would really be worried about. If you have a failure that's probably where it will be.