Posthole Digger PTO post hole digger Vs Hydraulic Post hole digger

   / PTO post hole digger Vs Hydraulic Post hole digger #1  

kcook

Platinum Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2001
Messages
777
Location
MI
Tractor
Cub Lawn Tractor
What is the advantage of both and disadvantage of both?

Any thoughts?

KC
 
   / PTO post hole digger Vs Hydraulic Post hole digger #2  
Hyd costs 3x or more - big disadvantage.

It is more forgiving - won't shear as many pins as the hyd will bypass if you hit something unmovable. As well you can reverse the auger if it gets snagged - need to use a pipewrench & do it manually with a pto unit.

--->Paul
 
   / PTO post hole digger Vs Hydraulic Post hole digger #3  
I have both, but I am adapting a Worksaver hyd PHD to
my backhoe, which gives it much more flexibility. It can also
be used on a 3-pt frame. The cost of the Worksaver 714H is
about $1500, and the HD mechanical 3-pt unit (# 500) is about $550, without augers.
 
   / PTO post hole digger Vs Hydraulic Post hole digger #4  
Need to make sure you have the required flow. A hyd phd is a little more expensive than a QUALITY pto unit, but is reversible, and self centering which is great for deep holes(3pt trajectory) and hilly ground. Most are fel mounted which saves the neck. A hyd is a bit more complicated and requires power beyond and extra valve. Mine has a 12v directional valve wiring to worry about. I thnk a hyd will handle a larger bits like my 24" amd 36". Ive never tried them on the pto auger as they don't fit.
 
   / PTO post hole digger Vs Hydraulic Post hole digger #5  
I have a Greenline EM5000 3-Pt PTO-driven PHD for my JD4600. This fall I drilled over 150 holes (1300ft on 8ft centers - 3 ft deep) for my perimeter PVC 3-rail fence and other than minor issues with some rocks, the drilling went without major hiccups. The cost was reasonable - purchased through my local JD Dealer - and is comparable to what one would buy a Speeco unit through TSC for. Naturally it requires that you be a bit more careful when drilling as the downward pressure isn't there (unless you have the hydraulics back there), but it did a good job for me. I am going to install another 750-1000 ft of fence this next year and aside from having sheer pins available, I believe this to be just fine for my use. I quite frankly don't know why I'd need the hydraulic unit otherwise..... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Good luck with your selection!

-Bob
 
 
 
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