Post Hole Digger and Rocks?

[kday64]

Hi all,

I have not yet purchased my first SCUT but I an interested in post hole diggers, since I have no fence in my back yard. However, I live in Connecticut and the ground here is filled with rocks of all sizes. Most of the rocks are 3-4 inches in diameter.

Will these rocks break the post hole digger or the PTO?

~k_day64

 

[Don87]

I'ts possible that a rock of that size may break a 'shear bolt', but that would probably be the only thing.
But the other concern, is that, with rocks........it can alter the course of your hole, which depending on the size of the hole.........and the size of the post could leave you with an 'angled post'.
If it's for a yard.........I would make an oversized hole, then set the pole straight............for a field: depends on the installer.
But it all depends on your soil.

 

[kday64]

Don,

I guess I didnt think about the auger creating a crooked hole. I imaging a quality auger bit would greatly reduce this problem.

It looks like there are some auger bits that are designed to drill through solid rock.

As the post hole digger gets deep do does the tractor need to reposition at all, to ensure the hole goes in straight?

~k_day64

 

[whistlepig]

Rocks or not the post hole digger will have to be repositioned while drilling. I start the hole and go down about 12". Then I pull the tractor forward about 12" until the auger is level again and finish drilling the hole. An occasional 3"-4" diameter rock shouldn't hurt much. If the ground is pure 3"-4" rock they will grind the end of your auger off after time if you can even get the auger to dig at all.

 

[Gary Fowler]

None of the post hole diggers are designed to dig in rocky soil. A small rock of 1" diameter or so will just be pulled out with the dirt. Anything much larger and the auger will start bouncing around and running sideways. Large 4" diameter rocks will likely bind up and shear the bolt on your auger. If your soil is that rocky, I would suggest using a backhoe rather than PHD. If you dont need one past this point, just hire out the digging or rent one from a local rental place. Unless you have a very large yard, you could likely dig all your holes in one day.

 

[kday64]

Howdy,

I have done a little bit of research and Belltac makes augers that are designed to opperate in soil/rock mixtures. The sad part is these augers require a post hold digger that has down ward pressure.

~k_day64

 

[ctgoldwing]

Geetings fellow glacial till neighbor!

I am in the process of building a dog containment fence and have drilled 8 holes so far (about 80 more to go when I get some posts delivered). I did snap one shear bolt on the first hole. Its a learning curve. Now I go pretty slowly and as soon as I feel it hit a larger rock I raise it up & try lowering it again - repeat as necessary or until I decide the rock is just too big.

The auger is pretty good at removing stones up to abot 3-4 inches. I find raising the auger completely out to clear the material is very helpful in also removing rocks.

I have a double whammy in trying to keep the auger drilling straight. I am going down a fairly steep grade and its difficult to keep anything straight

 

[Don87]

Don,

I guess I didnt think about the auger creating a crooked hole. I imaging a quality auger bit would greatly reduce this problem.

It looks like there are some auger bits that are designed to drill through solid rock.

As the post hole digger gets deep do does the tractor need to reposition at all, to ensure the hole goes in straight?

~k_day64

Nice video here: L7200JR Junior Tractor 3 Point Hitch, PTO Driven Post Hole Digger, Driller, Auger, for Compact and Sub Compact Tractors

 

[whistlepig]

You may want to consider renting a skid loader with the post hole digger on the front. These have down pressure.

 

[kday64]

Whistle,

I was really hoping that I would be able to tell my wife that I could use the BX2360 and a post hole digger to dig the holes required to build a fence in our backyard.

The wife still thinks I am nuts for wanting a SCUT rather then a craftsman.

~Kevin