PHD Advice Appreciated

[SmoothSippin]

All, As I have posted before, I am pretty green in the 3point equipment arena. I have a PHD and intended to use it soon. It is a leinbach (7200?). And I am attaching it to a JD2305. I am looking for tips/tricks/safety concerns etc, that may help me use the device and... survive it. Also, I was wondering, how one makes the holes plumb. It appears I would have to use the tilt on the three point?

As usual, thanks in advance.

 

[rmonio]

After digging 160 holes for my fence this last fall using my PHD/JD4600 combination, I can safely say:
- use your eye (or someone else's eye) to start the hole - insuring you're vertically straight
- dig the hole - place the post in - and use a 3-foot level to set the post appropriately
- insure that you have a masonry string in place to make the posts consistently straight in a line
- be prepared to use a set of clamshells and/or pick shovel to work with rocks and other things that get in your way (always stop the PHD if anything is encountered while you "carefully" dig so you don't shear the pin or get mired in the hole)
- take your time

We will be doing another 150+ holes for posts in another month - I think I've got my crew ready and our methods seems to work pretty well. I would also encourage that you sometimes start the hole with the clamshells if your dealing with grass/brush still intact where the hole is going. This helps the auger get started as it moves it way down. We played with different speeds, but found that the slower RPMs on the PTO worked best and digging went smoothly.

Good luck!

-Bob

 

[anojones]

One other thing I'd add- don't get the auger stuck in a hole. Depending on your soil conditions if you dig it down to the gearbox you can get the thing stuck to the poing you'll have to disconnect it from the tractor and reverse it with a pipe wrench or something. Just dig part way, then pull it out a bit and then keep digging. In most areas on my property I can dig to the gearbox and pull it out with my 3320.

 

[rozett]

You've gotten some good advice already, but I'll throw in my $0.02......

1) NEVER get out of the seat with the PTO engaged. PHD is one of the most dangerous implements. Did I say NEVER get out of the seat with the PTO engaged?

2) Start your hole with the auger plumb, but as you get a foot or so into the ground, creep the tractor forward a shade. As the auger goes in, the arc of the PHD will make the auger dig towards the tractor. By creeping forward a bit, you can straighten out the hole. Another TBN member explained that they use the FEL bucket tilt to pull the tractor forward a bit when they're digging holes, and I found that works just great.

3) If you have rocky soil, like New England, do not tray and drill through the rock. You'll be buying yourself a new auger. Don't ask.

 

[WVBill]

As a newbie with a PHD on my Kubota B6100, I found that getting the thing on and off of the 3Point was the biggest struggle. The darn thing is HEAVY - and TOP heavy at that!

Here's what I rigged up inside my pole barn that now makes it easy. The PHD hangs just off the ground and can swing in any direction. I really only have to get the tractor "close" to the right spot and I can swing the PHD around easily to get it hooked up - without worrying about the thing falling over on me!

I'll try to take some actual pictures tonight when I get home.

Hope this helps.

 

[MikePA]

I have the same PHD...

Buy a lot of Grade 2 bolts, with nuts, to serve as shear pins.
Have a pin and a hammer with you to drive the remains of the shear pin out of the PHD.

 

[SmoothSippin]

As always the advice is fantastic. BTW, what is the dangerous part? does it kick the tractor etc? I am putting in a fence. Should be a simple design with 4X4 posts. How deep do you all think I will have to sink em. I am thinking 3 feet tops. Any thoughts. I believe the fence will be 5 foot tall and I plan to use 8 foot lumber. Does this sound reasonable? Also, I plan to concrete them in, but I am hearing alot of folks tell me this is a waste of money. Keep in mind I am using a 9 inch auger (at least until I break it). Thanks for the shear pin advice.

 

[dubba]

I don't think this point has been stressed enough to a "newer" tractor user

We played with different speeds, but found that the slower RPMs on the PTO worked best and digging went smoothly.

Just because your tractor has a little mark that says PTO rpm, doesn't mean you have to run it there. Start slowly, take your time.

What's dangerous about a PHD?? EVERYTHING!!

People will want to help you, they can help you line up, but they need to be at least 10 feet away when you are running the PHD. Never let anyone near the PHD while it is running, DO NOT get off the tractor while it is running. Make sure someone else is watching the dogs & Kids. A PHD will outlive you by many many years if you do not acknowledge that it WILL KILL YOU WITHOUT MERCY.

Please read at least this thread in the Safety Forum before you go out to use your PHD

 

[Nuru]

Gee, the safety thread has got me thinking - BH again instead of PHD. BH is more expensive and digs a much sloppier hole, but....etc.

Actualty using a PHd for the task I need it for is okay as long as I respect the PHD. I am thinking smaller than a 12 inch auger now though. i was thinking of getting two augers, one at 6 inches (for posts), and another at 12 (for planting shrubs, trees, ..etc).

 

[OkieG]

As always the advice is fantastic. BTW, what is the dangerous part?

In farm country there are plenty of stories of auger deaths. What a horrible and senseless way to go...and you have a few seconds to reflect on how stupid you are before you die. A turning auger can catch clothes or gloves and pull you right in. Don't be fooled by the fact that it is turning slowly. STAY AWAY when ever it's turning.

OkieG