3 Pt. Post Hole Digger Brand/Duty Questions

[waendo]

I've read a lot of posts on this topic here, but have some lingering questions. I'm upgrading my tractor to a NX4510 and would like a PHD to use for adding some fencing, installing gate posts, digging some sono-tube holes, and for planting trees. A dealer recommended the Woods PHD25 with a 9 in. and 18 in. auger. The total cost is around $1,700. I've read several users are very pleased with the County Line and Dirty Hand Tools units, which can be purchased with the two augers for between $1,100-$1,300. My question, is there a difference for my purposes in the durability or functionality of the Woods vs. the other two?

Thanks!

 

[waendo]

Would be nice to hear from some County Line/Dirty Hand Tools PHD users that have also experienced the name brand Woods/Land Pride.
Thanks.

 

[STERLING351]

Ive never really been big on brand names if im not using it everyday. I bought a PHD for my tractor for $150 a few years ago. I don't know the brand all I know is that it is red. Came with a 12in auger which gives a nice whole for setting post. I would has I have dug about 300 post with it with zero issues. So it might be helpful to look for a used one that's cheap.

 

[waendo]

I had a no-name box blade that I thought was great until the hitch pen tore through the steel plate and put me out of commission for my project. That type of issue is what I'm digging for. Of course I like a deal, but a true deal on used equipment is rare on the west coast.

 

[MoMower]

I have a county line (speeco) that I run on my Massey SCUT. works well. Only complaint is I waited to long to buy one. I did about 100 fence posts by hand. I ha e done 5 with the PHD and kick myself every time I do a hole in 5 minutes, in our heavy clay/shale.

 

[PA hayseed]

I have a woods PHD, have had it for about 10 years. It mainly sits in my field hanging from some 4x4 until needed. Works well everytime. Have a 6" 9", and 12" auger.

I did not buy mine new, I bought it "scratch and dent" from an equipment auction for about $400. Don't think new, think used and in good shape. Used will save you tons of cash that will allow you to buy more pieces of equipment, so you can buy more grinding wheels and paint.

 

[waendo]

Aside from CL and ebay, I do not have a used equipment resource. How do you find an equipment auction? When the tool has moving parts, how do you test?

 

[HickoryFarms]

Tractor house is a decent used equipment source.

 

[SmallChange]

FWIW I've had a CL PHD for maybe 25 years, and last year it dug 100 holes in the woods. Our soil destroys a lot of stuff -- it's round river gravel cemented together with clay. And there are tree roots everywhere. I kept stalling my tractor with it. I'm wearing out the digging teeth on the auger itself, but otherwise never a bit of trouble. Sorry, that's all I got.

 

[coobie]

I have a befco post hole digger that has served me well.I would also check out Danuser & woods diggers also.I am not a big fan of the TSC county line equipment.