Posthole Digger PTO post hole digger Vs Hydraulic Post hole digger

[kcook]

What is the advantage of both and disadvantage of both?

Any thoughts?

KC

[rambler]

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

[dfkrug]

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.

[MMM]

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.

[rmonio]

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..... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Good luck with your selection!

-Bob