Post hole digger (3pth). Need advice.

[Luke'sScreenName]

I have limited experience with a small 3pt post hole digger. I now need a post hole digger for my approximately 40 horsepower at the PTO tractor. I'd love a hydraulic one but can't justify the cost. I'll average 20 holes per year.

My dealer has two used and I was wondering what y'all thought of them. They were piled together on a pallet so sorry for the crappy photos.

#1) Woods PHD65 with 12" auger for $750 (this seems like a decent price even if it looks a little rough)










#2) LandPride PD35 with 12" auger for $1150 (probably more than I'm willing to spend)

 

[Dadnatron]

Looks like whomever owned the Land Pride forgot to dig the holes in the ground. That auger doesn't even look like its been scratched up enough to have put in a yard flamingo.

 

[davesl708]

Neither look like they have had a lot of use or were used in soft soil.
Check the gearbox for leaks and water in the gear oil. Also, I would rotate the PTO shaft to check for excessive wear or bad sounds.

The Woods appears to be in better shape than the LP.
Maybe offer $400. Dealer wants to get rid of them and sell new stuff.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Either will serve you well. The LP PD35 is 15% heavier, so take that as you will. Check the gear ratios, the LP is 4-1, could not find what the Woods unit is.

 

[buickanddeere]

Which unit has the heavist and most agressive auger ?

 

[zzvyb6]

The red one is the best deal in MHO. Auger tip shows least amount of wear and abuse. Teeth are fair, For a few bucks at Rural King get some new ones. The auger flighting is graduated, that's good for a few reasons. Anybody wanna guess them?

The yellow one has had a hard life. Auger tip is shot, (bent or wickered). Teeth are shot (rounded) and useless. You will need to replace them both unless you are installing volleyball nets on a beach.

A 12" auger is bigger than you need for most posts unless you get free ones from AT&T. New one with tip and teeth in 8" is about $129 around here (RK grand opening Friday, goodbye TSC).

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Neither look like they have had a lot of use or were used in soft soil.
Check the gearbox for leaks and water in the gear oil. Also, I would rotate the PTO shaft to check for excessive wear or bad sounds.

The Woods appears to be in better shape than the LP.
Maybe offer $400. Dealer wants to get rid of them and sell new stuff.

Will do.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Either will serve you well. The LP PD35 is 15% heavier, so take that as you will. Check the gear ratios, the LP is 4-1, could not find what the Woods unit is.

I also noted the weight difference. All the info I can also find on the Woods is that it is rated for 540rpm. (I don't actually want to run it there do I?

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Which unit has the heavist and most agressive auger ?

The LP is definitely heavier. The teeth and tip are slightly different but the angle of attack seemed similar. :confused3:

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

The red one is the best deal in MHO. Auger tip shows least amount of wear and abuse. Teeth are fair, For a few bucks at Rural King get some new ones. The auger flighting is graduated, that's good for a few reasons. Anybody wanna guess them?

The yellow one has had a hard life. Auger tip is shot, (bent or wickered). Teeth are shot (rounded) and useless. You will need to replace them both unless you are installing volleyball nets on a beach.

A 12" auger is bigger than you need for most posts unless you get free ones from AT&T. New one with tip and teeth in 8" is about $129 around here (RK grand opening Friday, goodbye TSC).

Thanks to everyone for the input.

I agree that the woods on her certainly looks in better shape. The Land Pride auger is certainly well used but the rest of the unit looks very new. Maybe they got switched?

I wish we had alternatives here; I really dislike TSC but often need it.

I will be on the lookout for a 9" auger as you suggest. :thumbsup: