Got rocks and roots, have a 36" pipe wrench ready for when it gets stuck... I run the PHD less then 540 PTO almost half speed, with a foot on the clutch for when it bites in. Take small bites, pick up to clean out the hole often... Have fun...
New to Me: Posthole Digger... PTO Shaft Questions.
- Thread starter Iplayfarmer
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
This is an update that I got the digger running. I had to replace the teeth too. I also figured out what that hook on the back is for. It's for hanging weight. I welded a horseshoe to a 75 lb. chunk of scrap and hung it off the back. That made a big difference.
My first project is helping a buddy dig some holes for a pole barn. Tonight I dug until dusk. I may have dug longer, but I busted a shear bolt. Like and idiot I forgot to bring extras. Breaking the shear bolt was actually a huge relief. I was a little worried that my bushing setup would smear the bolt rather than shear as was suggested.
I'm going back tomorrow to dig the last 8 holes.
My first project is helping a buddy dig some holes for a pole barn. Tonight I dug until dusk. I may have dug longer, but I busted a shear bolt. Like and idiot I forgot to bring extras. Breaking the shear bolt was actually a huge relief. I was a little worried that my bushing setup would smear the bolt rather than shear as was suggested.
I'm going back tomorrow to dig the last 8 holes.
That sounds pretty good, do you have any photos of that?? ...:tractor:...
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
Why?... So you can laugh at me?
I didn't get photos, but I can try tonight when I go to finish the job. It's a comical sight. I have an old brake disc and a reel section from a reel mower hanging by horseshoes off the back of my post hole digger. I'll call it proof of concept. Since the weight seems to make a big difference, I'll be on the lookout for a less redneck looking weight option.
That's no fun :laughing: ...also, laughing with you... not at. :thumbsup:
I was thinking if something was hanging from that hook, it would be in the way... the horse shoe, also has my curiosity up... A lot simpler then hydraulic down pressure... seen enough people trying to pull down or stand on top of the PHD to make it dig better...
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
Here's the picture of my weight. Imagine how much that weight must have cost when it was new. I also included a picture of the first hole I dug tonight. This is the hole that busted my sheer pin last night. I was impressed, though. Once I got the new sheer pin in it dug right down even with all those rocks. This was probably the worst hole for gravel, but there were still some good sized rocks in the other holes.
Another thing I learned tonight... I moved the bottom of my 3 point linkages out to the hole on the lift arms that is furthest away from the tractor. This gave me more leverage to lift the digger back up out of the hole. I got it stuck a few times last night. Not so tonight.
Another thing I learned tonight... I moved the bottom of my 3 point linkages out to the hole on the lift arms that is furthest away from the tractor. This gave me more leverage to lift the digger back up out of the hole. I got it stuck a few times last night. Not so tonight.
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
Sorry you can't seen the horseshoe very well in the picture. The two sides of the open end of the horseshoe are welded to the mower reel section as if to make a loop. The horseshoe loop is then hung over the hook.
It's only in the way insomuch as is causes the auger to tilt slightly more toward the tractor. I just drive forward a hair after putting the auger tip on the ground before engaging the PTO.
JB4310
Super Member
I know this is an old thread but what else can you tell me about this brand phd?
I'm looking at a package deal on an older 2wd kubota, there is a arps phd in the package, just wondering about the quality of the brand. From your oics it looks pretty decent.
JB
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
It's been good so far. I've dug about 50 holes with it total since I got it put together and working. The ground needs to be pretty soft before it will start to bite. Down pressure would help that.
My only concern with it is if I have to ever get parts. Getting the PTO shaft was enough of a challenge. I'm worried that a new gear box or some such would be even more difficult.
This is the only post hole digger I've ever used. I don't have much to compare it to.
