My 12" rankin auger sucks!!!

Danner · Aug 25, 2011

Our clay soil gives as a similar problem when it is real dry. The auger just can't bite, and it spins on top of the dirt. I'm in north Texas.

Chilly807 · Aug 25, 2011

Danner said:
Our clay soil gives as a similar problem when it is real dry. The auger just can't bite, and it spins on top of the dirt. I'm in north Texas.

Same here... it will go in slowly, but it's a struggle until it gets down to more workable soil.

All the pilot point does is prevent the auger from skittering around, it has no effect as far as "pulling" the auger down into the ground.

Sean

jppaynesr · Nov 21, 2011

I just want to chime in and agree that the Tractor Supply auger bolt in tip #21000301 is awesome. I had the same tip the OP (jokegerm) has. It resembles a wood paddle bit in that it had 2 cutting surfaces that merged into a screw twist. Like the OP, I was having problems drilling holes. Some would drill fine, but those with clay would not. The bit would spin and leave a nice polished surface about 6" deep. Since I had 30+ holes to drill for some trees & shrubs, I purchased the bit from Tractor Supply.($37.00) (Also available from EverythingAttachments.com - ETA-AUGER-TIP) It is aggressive and for the first time I was able to sink the bit all the way down to the gear head. I had one hole out of 30 fail to drill, but since trees don't care about 12" either direction, I just moved over and tried again. (Must have been some of our world famous Elberton Granite!) If you are having problems drilling with your PTO auger, I strongly recommend you try this auger tip.

KYDan · Nov 21, 2011

I have a Shaver PHD with a bit like the TSC one and it works great in rocky, heavy clay (Eden shale) soil. Do any of your neighbors/friends/acquaintances that live in your area have PHDs? If so, check with them and see if they have had similar problems and if not what type PHD and auger are they using.

Johnbro · Nov 22, 2011

I don't think it's the soil, since he said he could out-dig the tractor with a shovel. My neighbor and I jointly own an ancient ratty PHD and routinely dig 3 or 4' deep holes in clay filled with boulders. There's no downforce, just the weight of the PHD. I think it's got an 8" auger on it. What I would do is borrow or rent a different PHD and try it on your tractor. Assuming it works, compare the two devices carefully to see what is different. HTH.