Appropriate post hole digger for tractor size

[bsvitale]

Need to dig holes for average size fence posts, nothing fancy, probably mostly cedar - 6" or 9" auger should do. Maybe a couple dozen holes a year.

My JD 45e is roughly 50HP / 37 PTO HP and has a Cat 2 hitch.

Two part question

1. Do I need to worry about burning out the gear box on smaller diggers? For example the PHD100 or 200 https://www.deere.com/en_US/docs/non_current/PostHoleDigger_Literature.pdf (They don't seem to have HP ratings, but the Woods models seem to suggest I'd want the TPD65, not the TPD35)

2. If I buy a smaller Cat 1 digger, how do I adapt it to fit my Cat2 hitch?

I guess in general, should I be looking at Cat2 diggers that match the HP of my tractor? I don't need a lot of digger but it seems like for this size tractor, there aren't many 'light' duty models. I've also found used ones that are smaller Cat1, but don't want to buy if it doesn't make sense.

thx

 

[MF283]

I have an old digger that i've used on 30-80 HP tractors, bought it used 30 years ago & it's still going strong when i need it.
Never considered the rating for it being you don't run them fast to begin with. I just use bushings on the hitch on different CAT.

Ronnie

 

[Ed of all trades]

With a tractor that size you won't even have to, or want to go above your slowest idle. With my LITTLE massey I have to speed up my idle just a little si I don't stall. That will help protect the digger. Ed

 

[teg]

The shear bolts should protect the gear box...

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Need to dig holes for average size fence posts, nothing fancy, probably mostly cedar - 6" or 9" auger should do. Maybe a couple dozen holes a year.

My JD 45e is roughly 50HP / 37 PTO HP and has a Cat 2 hitch.

Two part question

1. Do I need to worry about burning out the gear box on smaller diggers? For example the PHD100 or 200 https://www.deere.com/en_US/docs/non_current/PostHoleDigger_Literature.pdf (They don't seem to have HP ratings, but the Woods models seem to suggest I'd want the TPD65, not the TPD35)

2. If I buy a smaller Cat 1 digger, how do I adapt it to fit my Cat2 hitch?

I guess in general, should I be looking at Cat2 diggers that match the HP of my tractor? I don't need a lot of digger but it seems like for this size tractor, there aren't many 'light' duty models. I've also found used ones that are smaller Cat1, but don't want to buy if it doesn't make sense.

thx

If you do not want to purchase a more expensive, Category 2 phd, I recommend buying a Category 1, like the EA 6900HD post hole digger, and simply use bushings on the pins.
All of the EA Category 1 Post Hole Diggers ship free to your home via Fed-Ex ground within 1,000 miles of Newton, NC.

This video explains the different sizes and shows how to use one:

 

[buickanddeere]

Once you use a hydraulic drive post hole digger . You will wonder why anybody fools around with a pto drive unit. No busted shear pins. Able to reverse out from stones or in case she threads in.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Once you use a hydraulic drive post hole digger . You will wonder why anybody fools around with a pto drive unit. No busted shear pins. Able to reverse out from stones or in case she threads in.

Agreed. For those who are serious about holes, this is the ultimate choice.
Danuser EP6 Hydraulic Auger Drive
For a tractor, I'd order it with an offset quick attach mount for visibility.
It is available with a universal SSQA, Euro/Global QA or JD 200-500 series QA. Of course, the green mounts are a little more $$.
Travis

 

[DK35vince]

Once you use a hydraulic drive post hole digger . You will wonder why anybody fools around with a pto drive unit. No busted shear pins. Able to reverse out from stones or in case she threads in.

If you are using one for a large # of holes often that would be the way to go.
But they are also a lot more $$. I don't use one nearly enough to warrant the extra cost, so a PTO version is the way for me.

 

[CobyRupert]

Did anybody read the OP's questions?
He doesn't want anything fancy for the few holes he does a year. Why are we telling him to go top of the line $2000 units? Heck, he ought to get a self propelled diesel track unit.
1- pto phd's should have a shear bolt or slip clutch that protects itself
2- use bushings on a class 1 Ph.D. To adapt to a class 2 hitch
Don't run it at 540 rpm.

 

[gladehound]

Need to dig holes for average size fence posts, nothing fancy, probably mostly cedar - 6" or 9" auger should do. Maybe a couple dozen holes a year.

My JD 45e is roughly 50HP / 37 PTO HP and has a Cat 2 hitch.

Two part question

1. Do I need to worry about burning out the gear box on smaller diggers? For example the PHD100 or 200 https://www.deere.com/en_US/docs/non_current/PostHoleDigger_Literature.pdf (They don't seem to have HP ratings, but the Woods models seem to suggest I'd want the TPD65, not the TPD35)

2. If I buy a smaller Cat 1 digger, how do I adapt it to fit my Cat2 hitch?

I guess in general, should I be looking at Cat2 diggers that match the HP of my tractor? I don't need a lot of digger but it seems like for this size tractor, there aren't many 'light' duty models. I've also found used ones that are smaller Cat1, but don't want to buy if it doesn't make sense.

thx

I have the same PTO hp as you and use a cheap tractor supply post hole digger with no problems. I run it at idle. The tractor doesn't even know it's there. At idle you aren't making enough power to worry about heat in the gear box. If you hit something big enough the PHD's sheer bolt will break. have a few on hand. Should be no problem.

Yes, hydraulic units are in a whole different league but I got my PHD for $450 with an auger. What's a hydraulic unit cost :confused2: