Post hole digger: PTO vs. hyd. SSQA

[Carhartt Cowboy]

Can we hear from people that have used both styles of post hole diggers and any comments on the pros/cons or preferences. I just bought a frontier PHD400, rated up to 90hp, cost ~$1,500 and I noticed the cost for a hydraulic unit with the skid steer QA frame runs ~$2,500. Honestly, when I was working with the local JD salesman I gave them a list of implements I wanted and then later on started thinking about a skid steer style carrier and 3rd hydraulics on the loader and never revisited the PHD issue. I ended up with a H240 FEL, SSQA carrier with hydraulics ports to run implements and a mechanical 3 point hitch PHD. In hind sight, I'm looking back and wondering if I would be better off with the hydraulic unit.

Is the hydraulic unit worth the extra 1,000$?

The main pro I can see from the hydraulic unit is you can run them in reverse and vary the actual speed. While the PTO PHD will only run one direction and either on or off. It would also seem the simple design and rugged gear box of the PTO PHD would possibly out last the more complicated hydraulic unit. Also, not having to turn around in the seat has to be some kind of pro.

 

[pmsmechanic]

For me it was a no brainer. I picked up a pto style at an auction sale for $40. I had to modify it a bit to fit on my tractor. After using the pipe wrench to turn it out of the ground a few times I learned to not let the three point hitch down so fast. I've paid for it many times over.

I don't know if paying $1000 more would be worth it. Depends if you need down pressure and just how much you are planning on using it. I use mine on the average for about 4 holes a year.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

I always recommend a hydraulic post hole digger for those that are serious about digging and have the means to run one.
Like this: Danuser Model EP10 Auger Drive For Skid Steers From 10 to 20 GPM. Free shipping within 1,000 miles
For a tractor, I'd order it with an offset mount like this(same price): Offset Skid-Steer Quick Attach Mount- EP Series | Danuser
Travis

 

[Carhartt Cowboy]

^^^ I'm curious why you suggest the offset mount. Is it for an unobstructed view? vs. the view being blocked by the hood of the tractor?

 

[EverythingAttachments]

^^^ I'm curious why you suggest the offset mount. Is it for an unobstructed view? vs. the view being blocked by the hood of the tractor?

Yes! :thumbsup:

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

Imao you are a tad lean hydraulic wise to run a hyd post hole digger really well, it can certainly do it but I think you would be happier if you had a few more gpm. You would have approx. 11.4 gpm at an scv but not necc that much out of the 3rd function eh scv (the minimum spec is 8.8 gpm). On that tractor the 3rd eh scv is primarily there for operation of cylinders as opposed to rotary powered equipment. If digging lots of holes or tough conditions I think that the pto operated version would be better. If the digging is pretty easy I would say go for it.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Imao you are a tad lean hydraulic wise to run a hyd post hole digger really well, it can certainly do it but I think you would be happier if you had a few more gpm. You would have approx. 11.4 gpm at an scv but not necc that much out of the 3rd function eh scv (the minimum spec is 8.8 gpm). On that tractor the 3rd eh scv is primarily there for operation of cylinders as opposed to rotary powered equipment. If digging lots of holes or tough conditions I think that the pto operated version would be better. If the digging is pretty easy I would say go for it.

Deere doesn't put the pressure on the 5E series brochure, but i'm guessing it'd have over 2,000 psi.
The EP10 would provide more torque, but if you wanted speed over torque, the EP6 is for 6-15gpm
Danuser Model EP6 Hydraulic Auger Drive Unit for Skid Steers Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach Free shipping within 1,000 miles

 

[Carhartt Cowboy]

Imao you are a tad lean hydraulic wise

You may have a good point on the amount of flow, never thought to check it. Perhaps I could use one of my other toys

 

[Carhartt Cowboy]

Deere doesn't put the pressure on the 5E series brochure, but i'm guessing it'd have over 2,000 psi.
The EP10 would provide more torque, but if you wanted speed over torque, the EP6 is for 6-15gpm....

The pump is rated at 2,800 psi. and ~11 gpm at the SVC, for one at a time I'd assume. With the length of hoses I'd have to do some calculating to figure out what that amount of restriction does to the flow. However, the pressure is there to turn the hydraulic motor, may be a little slow...

 

[George2615]

The big plus on the hyd. unit is that you can run in reverse if it gets stuck in the ground.
A PTO model only goes into the ground. If it gets stuck you need a large pipe wrench to unscrew it.

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

Yes, the hoe would run a hyd digger like a sonofagun !!! Not sure about the motor bike though

 

[Jkott]

I borrowed the smallest bobcat hydraulic post hole digger from my brother. Having used only a hydraulic one, and reading about 3 pt hitch diggers, I will save up and buy my own hydraulic.

I only have 8gpm on my 30hp CUT, but I don't think I ever used it at full speed output of my rear remote (I ran long flex hoses from the rear remote to the front loader mount).

I imagine torque is going to come from PSI, and speed from GPM.

I'm not drilling holes for a living and paid by the hour, and if I was I would actually buy a Skid Steer with 20 GPM to power it. Since I'm not, my 8 GPM CUT is just fine.

I ran it slower because the tractor took a bit of moving around as I drilled to keep the hole plumb. If using it with a tractors front loader, consider going up a size in auger to make it a lot easier to deal with the not straight up/down movement of the auger.

 

[Carhartt Cowboy]

^^^^ In hind sight I think I would have gone with a hydraulic. Found models that will suit my needs for less than $2,000 while I paid top dollar, $1500, for the 90hp PTO driven unit. Being able to reverse rotation and working facing forward seems to justify a few hundred more dollars. Live and learn I say.

 

[boggen]

hydraulic PHD more than likely = some sort of FEL mount or backhoe mount. that alone = better down pressure. and digging in hard ground.

though there is the post hammers. no drilling / digging at all.

 

[rd_macgregor]

In addition to reverse and downforce, the hydraulic will give you more flexibility in depth (say you want a really deep pole barn base), since you can buy auger extensions. The 3PH auger is a lot more limited in how high it can lift the auger, so there isn't much room for extension of the bit.
Hydraulic auger visibility is an issue for me in my Kioti DK45; I can't quite see where the auger bit hits the ground. The offset option would likely fix this, but I'm planning on putting a magnetic camera on the lift arms to keep a better eye on targeting (and on keeping the bit aimed straight down, too).

Bob

 

[buickanddeere]

Soil type can be a defining factor. Most people that have tried to auger a hole in hard dry soil, clay , around roots , stones etc. they will choose a loader mounted hydraulic unit over a pto unit.

 

[FatTire]

Our ground is about 6 to 10 inches of loose soil over rock and clay. I have the Danuser EP6 and my only complaint is I'd like more torque. I would probably go with the EP10 if starting over, but wouldn't even consider a PTO unit based on our ground conditions. The offset mount provides adequate sight to the auger. Tractor is about 9 gpm at 2400 psi. Turns out that I don't really care about RPM.

If thinking about a hydraulic unit and have questions, don't hesitate to talk to Danuser. They have great customer service.

 

[Threepoint]

Soil type can be a defining factor. Most people that have tried to auger a hole in hard dry soil, clay , around roots , stones etc. they will choose a loader mounted hydraulic unit over a pto unit.

Agree with this, big-time. I've run fence in very difficult, dry conditions with both a 3pt-mounted PHD and a rented Bobcat walk-behind machine with hydraulic downforce. If you are sinking posts in hard pan, there is no substitute for being able to add steady down force to punch in. That, or a hydraulic impact post driver that many pros use, which can be even more effective but is a whole 'nuther animal. Pouring a bucket of water in the hole and having a brave 200-lb buddy stand on the lower link arms with a 3pt auger helps, but doesn't add much in really tough soil. If you'll be doing much of this, and an additional $1000 is really all it would take to go with a loader-mounted hydraulic, that sounds good to me.

 

[KYDan]

We have heavy clay with rock and I have used the rear mount PTO driven type for years with a 12" auger with so-so results. It works, but shear bolt replacement is required very frequently. I carry at least 4 in my tool box. I made the switch to the Danuser EP 10 with a 9" auger this year as they recommended it for the torque over speed with my MX5100. I went with the offset mount and use the 3rd function remote. It works, but you have to be patient if you have rocky soil. I am using the rock and dirt auger. A caveat here is to be careful if you have embedded, large rocks in heavy clay soil. You can bend the auger mount as well as the QA unit if you try to pull the auger up without reversing it first which will require replacement of both pieces unless you have access to a press that will straighten the auger mount.

 

[whirly]

KYDan

Good info!

I'll be borrowing my buddy's Bucket Mount PHD and converting it to an SSQA. I was worried that the 9.5GPH on my MX5100 wouldn't be enough. At least now I know to take my time to get the job done.
:drink: