Posthole Digger Post Hole Digger PTO vs Gas powered (Hand operated)

[rambler]

Anyone have an opinion? Pros and Cons? Although less powerfull, it seems like the hand held might be easier to maneuver.

You've got to be kidding. The hand held models beat you to death, they are used only if you have zero access to a tractor, or the land is too rugged to travel over with a tractor. There is nothing 'easier' about a gas handheld model, no way no how.

--->Paul

 

[tornadowatchranch]

I own a 3pt model but when I had about 30 holes to dig at once I rented a Dingo with a 12 inch by 4 foot auger. These are hydraulic and thus have both reverse and down pressure that you will not get out of most 3pt models. The rental was $90 for 2 hours and I had it back in that time frame. including 40 minutes on the road. Each hole took about 30 seconds. I carefully marked hole locations prior to leaving to go get it. Well worth it to me.

Good luck.

tornado

 

[RoyJackson]

I own a 3pt model but when I had about 30 holes to dig at once I rented a Dingo with a 12 inch by 4 foot auger. These are hydraulic and thus have both reverse and down pressure that you will not get out of most 3pt models. The rental was $90 for 2 hours and I had it back in that time frame. including 40 minutes on the road. Each hole took about 30 seconds. I carefully marked hole locations prior to leaving to go get it. Well worth it to me.

Good luck.

tornado

Pre-planning is the most important part of the job, especially if you rent equipment!

 

[dustinfox]

You've got to be kidding.

Nope... Not kidding. Never used either one.

 

[Reg]

New Hampshire, Eh ?

Got Rocks ?

Well, SURE you do (-:

I just got the WildKat grapple and my next purchase from them is very likely to be a front mounted hydraulic PHD.
Rationale ?:
1) They are REVERSIBLE
2) They can be lifted quite high with the FEL, so extensions are a real possibility.
3) Down pressure is already included with a FEL.
4) I now need front hydraulics for that grapple on my li'lul'est tractor anyway.

Against all that; A bit "spendy", but my back values its comfort.

Ahh the universality of SSQA - and the spending opportunities it brings forth~

 

[KYErik]

I rented a 1 man 9" power auger a few years ago (before I had a tractor). It had a long rigid arm with a hinge and a flexible shaft running through it (like a huge weed eater). The 8-10 hp engine sat in a small wheeled cart about 6 feet away from the auger. It had a centrifugal clutch and had a hand throttle on the head. It worked surprisingly well and I was able to use it by myself in pretty heavy clay (but no rocks or roots).

 

[bcp]

Another alternative:

From:
Hydraulic Post Hole Diggers

http://www.equipment2u.com/family/Post_Hole_Digger_340CC_Towable/27916

http://www.littlebeaver.com/products/

 

[radioman]

You've got to be kidding. The hand held models beat you to death, they are used only if you have zero access to a tractor, or the land is too rugged to travel over with a tractor. There is nothing 'easier' about a gas handheld model, no way no how.

--->Paul

:laughing: - yeah I know the feeling first hand. Rented a 2 man post hole digger since it will fit in trunk of car. After digging 12 holes for deck 48 inches deep in heavy wet clay under 4 hours (auger was stuck for hour in one hole. had to dig manually to get out) I was pretty beat. After the 2 man one, I wished we rented the wheeled version which is pretty sweet.

 

[radioman]

:thumbsup: bcp beat me to it with pic of wheeled one I was refering to.

 

[EddieWalker]

I love my 3pt post hole digger. One day I want to have a hydralic one, but for now, I'm happy with what I have. I've never used a one man post hole digger, but have done quite a few residential fences with a two man machine. It gets the job done, but it's physical work that gets harder with each hole you dig.

Considering the time to get the digger, and bring in a helper, I just use a heavy duty set of clam shells to dig holes if I can't get my tractor there. Even if I can, I will use the clam shells for just a hole or two.

Heavy clam shell post hole diggers are not the same as light, cheap, wooden handle ones. Mine dig on their own wieght. All I do is lift the dirt out of the hole!!!

Eddie