Looking for recommendations and advice for my first Post Hole Digger

[Spanky100]

I am looking for my first post hole digger to use on my Kioti CK27 HST. Sadly tractor does not have any front end loader hydraulic attachment provisions or any rear remotes so will limit me to a rear 3 point PTO digger. Engine HP is 28 with from memory 20.5 PTO HP.

Initial use will be to dig (30) 12 inch diameter holes to a 42 or 48 inch depth. Location is clay soil with likely some small rocks (less that 3 inch diameter) and small tree roots (the two trees in the area are maple 14 foot tall and 10 inch diameter at base). This will not be an expected high use piece of equipment for me. Expect casual use every few years. Possible next use would be for a smaller poll barn in a years. A few tree holes for new plants and mailbox post from time to time.

(I considered renting a 2 person gas trimmer but two reasons make this not a desirable option. 1) hole dig phase will likely be spread over 5 weeks so rental cost gets high and 2) I am concerned the 2 person hand held hole diggers will be more than I can handle at my mature phase. Son is capable but I think he would be covering too much for me and have to over do physically for himself)

Now looking for recommendations, advise, and help from this group.

My first thought is the Tractor Supply Company (TSC) Country Line 3 point post hole digger (item 1353114) for 18HP to 100HP Tractors. Current sale price is $585 USD with a 12 inch auger adding $153 = $738 total before tax. It has a 3 year warranty so suspect basically if the gearbox, 3 point shaft, or weld fails you might have some support. From my review of the still in shipping box at TSC store it looks to be a light duty post hole digger intended for casual low use.

What other options would the group suggest.
Again this would be my first post hole digger. I have never use one myself so I am looking for any help. I would love to get the heavy duty piece of equipment but my expected use does not support an expensive unit.

Thanks and best regards

Spanky100

 

[CH4Ohio]

I think the cheapest PHD from TSC or Rural King is what I'd recommend. Your tractor isn't going to tear it up due to being over-powered.

Do your holes have to be 12" diameter? Do they have to be 48" deep? You'll find that it's fairly easy to screw an auger into the ground. BUT, it takes a lot to pull it out once you bury it. You'll need to be careful to only go a few inches and keep pulling it out of the hole to keep the hole cleared out and to keep from burying it. You'll still get it hung up now and then. The bigger the auger bit, the more this is an issue.

I'm also wondering if your tractor will have the height to dig a 4' hole.

Either way, get the cheapest one at the local farm supply and go slow till you get the hang of it. I'd pick whichever color you like best.

 

[CH4Ohio]

Meant to add -- Good decision on NOT getting the 2-person auger. Those things can be killers.

 

[AntiqueIron]

What about renting a skid steer and a post hole auger on that?

I’m not a fan of 3 point PHDs.

You’d probably have all your work done with a loader mount (tractor or skid steer) in less than 6 hours.

You could also see about renting a 3 point hydraulic power pack, but I’d worry those are hard to come by.

 

[BlueKnife]

(the two trees in the area are maple 14 foot tall and 10 inch diameter at base).

That's got to be a wild looking tree. I've never seen a maple that short but that big at the base, unless it broke off. You'll want to stay away from that as much as possible.

What other options would the group suggest.

Get everything prepped ahead of time and rent a mini skid steer. It'll be tens of times (at least) as fast as a little 3 point auger and far less frustrating. 30 12 inch holes should take less than an hour or two, as long as there aren't too many rocks and roots to deal with. For your pole barn, the holes should be at least 18", probably more like 2', which is more than a little 3 point auger on a 20 ish HP machine should be doing, so you'd need to rent a bigger machine for that anyway.

 

[404nouser]

With a little thought one could purchase a hydraulic selector valve and rig up a diverter setup.

manual valve
Some fittings and hoses then have a cheap manual setup.

 

[etpm]

I bought the PHD from Tractor Supply that you are talking about. I already had the auger. I have used it a bunch to drill holes up to 48 inches deep. I use mine mainly for planting trees. Way easier than a shovel where I live. We have lotsa rocks and the auger just pulls them up. I am using a Yanmar YM2310 tractor to drive the PHD. It has 23 HP at the PTO. I have had to back the auger out twice by hand using a pipe wrench. Being smart for once I turned off the tractor both times before unscrewing the auger. No sense getting all wrapped up around an auger or PTO shaft. Anyway, I have drilled many holes and expect to drill many more with my setup.
Eric

 

[Spanky100]

I think the cheapest PHD from TSC or Rural King is what I'd recommend. Your tractor isn't going to tear it up due to being over-powered.

Do your holes have to be 12" diameter? Do they have to be 48" deep? You'll find that it's fairly easy to screw an auger into the ground. BUT, it takes a lot to pull it out once you bury it. You'll need to be careful to only go a few inches and keep pulling it out of the hole to keep the hole cleared out and to keep from burying it. You'll still get it hung up now and then. The bigger the auger bit, the more this is an issue.

I'm also wondering if your tractor will have the height to dig a 4' hole.

Either way, get the cheapest one at the local farm supply and go slow till you get the hang of it. I'd pick whichever color you like best.

CH4Ohio

My first use will be for installing vinyl 6 foot high stockade fencing at my Daughter's house and the instructions call for a 42 inch depth with a 10 inch diameter. So likely would benefit from your input and get the smaller 10 inch diameter auger.

The CK27 HST (same frame series as CK30/35) is a compact and I believe sized like the current Kioti CK3520/4020 so I suspect it will be just large large enough in height for a 4 foot hole. Will take some measurements with 3 point up and with post hole digger to be sure.

Thanks for mentioning Rural King as there is one 18 miles away so will look at them as well. Since my Kioti is the "other orange" tractor they might even have a matching orange PHD as TCS Country Line is Yellow. (my box blade and flail mower are orange so I should stay implement color coordinated ).

Appreciate your input. Thanks

 

[Spanky100]

What about renting a skid steer and a post hole auger on that?

I’m not a fan of 3 point PHDs.

You’d probably have all your work done with a loader mount (tractor or skid steer) in less than 6 hours.

You could also see about renting a 3 point hydraulic power pack, but I’d worry those are hard to come by.

AntiqueIron

I like the idea of digging all holes at the same time and using a half day rental but my soon to be SIL's Father installed the same style fence in the past and did that. Sadly his Father did not keep the spacing correct the further out from hole number one.

I am trying to let my soon to be SIL be the project manager but this a challenge for me not to be the lead dog. Added goal for me is to let the next generation learn and start taking the lead. He is a good kid (engineer) but does not have many years of learning from doing and tends to be a little stubborn. So that plan was kicked out. I glad my son will also be helping and has much experience with this this type of work.

Plus Daughter said she would buy her dad (me) the POD with her fence funds since she is not have to pay for labor. The fence company quotes were over almost three times the material costs. I can always use a new piece of equipment (toy).

Thanks for your input. It was my initial plan

 

[Spanky100]

With a little thought one could purchase a hydraulic selector valve and rig up a diverter setup.

manual valve
Some fittings and hoses then have a cheap manual setup.

404nouser
That is a good point but I am planning to get my lovely wife a larger tractor in the future with a cab and front grapple iso will need to purchase with hydraulic at front and rear.

So will not add to this older tractor