Hp and post hole size?

[Bill Barrett]

I did a search but didn't find anything on tractor HP and auger size. I know what your digging has everything to do with it. I have a Kubota L3130 and need to go 18" at least in soft clay.
Thanks

 

[weldingisfun]

My little old (1958) Ford 2000 has powered my PHD with a 12" auger 24" into hard packed rocky Texas soil. You should have no problem with your Kubota.

 

[jimgerken]

I have 17 pto hp and dig 14 inch diameter holes as deep as it will go in soft clay, with rocks. I always run engine just above idle.

 

[art]

Most of the manufacturers we sell have ratings for the power head as to the diameter of the auger used.

The proper size tractor is an important step too! You should be fine with the right gearbox.

 

[Jimbrown]

I dig all my holes at just above idle and never needed more power. More weight on the digger but never more power.

 

[Farmerford]

My Kubota B2400HSD with 18 pto hp drives a Bush Hog post hole digger with 6, 12, and 24" diameter augers. The 12" auger goes into nearly rock hard Georgia clay with a little extra weight on the phd and has never stalled the tractor even at 1800 engine rpm.

The 24" auger will not penetrate hard clay at all unless it is wet (and that creates a huge mess). The 24" auger will penetrate normal pasture loam fairly easily but you have to go slow or the tractor will stall or the shear pin will break.

I have a Kubota 2900 as well, but the little B2400 has been more than adequate so I have never even tried the phd on the 2900.

My experience has been exactly like jimbrown, jimgerken, and weldingisfun describe. My main problem is that the 3 point hitch on the B2400 is not strong enough to pull the 24" auger out of a deep hole if the flights are full of dirt.

 

[Bill Barrett]

Thanks for all the info, this really made my day, I'm a happy camper!

 

[Timber]

I have had great luck with my Land Pride. I run it just above Idle and it dig great till it hits a large stone. I matters very little how big the auger is with soil. It is the stone and roots they encounter under the ground that cause the problems. I have never snapped a Shear Pin but I have staled it out a few times. Increasing the speed does nothing to help it dig. I often wonder why people think if the drill turns faster it will dig better.