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.