DavesTractor said:
Brandi,
If you build a swivel knuckle, then just put quick connects on the bucket cylinder. Remove the bucket, install the digger. It will hang plumb. Remove those hoses from the bucket cylinder and attach to the hydraulic digger. Use the bucket digging lever on your right hand joystick to run the auger. You'll only need short hoses and no extra valve. Of course if you ran it all day, you will build some heat and might want bigger hoses, but a PHD is used for a minute or two, then the tractor is moved, then used again, etc. Heat shouldn't be a problem. We have done this.
Well, the hydraulic post hole digger came with a swivel knuckle,
but the attach hole for the 1 & 3/8 inch diameter pin on the dipper stick was too small.
I had the knuckle modified for $115,
which I think was high, but Danuser wanted $199 for the swivel knuckle to fit my dipper stick. I just finished clamping the lines back after installing quick disconnets today. I didn't think to have 5-6 inches removed from the lines,
as that is what the new fittings and quick disconnects added. It took awhile to figure the right place for the line flexing at the dipperstick pivot.
I finally drilled holes and installed aircraft line clamps and spacers and clamped both lines together above the disconnects. Anyway, I didn't have any leaks
and CRC spray on brake cleaner (used as a degreaser & cleaner) eats paint.
I usually use LPS electical contact cleaner, but Graingers was out.
Attached is a photo of the installation. I will have to add a rubber chafe strip under the disconnects while in transport position, as they rub the dipperstick. Right now they are wrapped in leather.
Oh yeah, my aluminum diamond plate canopy fianlly came in.
Attached is a photo of the canopy.
hugs, Brandi