3 Pt. Post Hole Digger Brand/Duty Questions

[waendo]

Thanks for the replies. I think the CL or Dirty Hand model will work for my needs and save me some $$. At the price they sell them, if they work on the terrain, I could be another one in 5 years and still be under the price of a Woods/Land Pride #30 model. I am planning on purchasing a 9 in for some 4in posts work, and a 18 or 24 for tree planing, probably will do the 18 for the price unless I can find a 24 on sale.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I bought a cheapo PHD from a fam store and as far as I'm concerned, it was junk. It didn't strip out, it just wouldn't dig for beans I learned to HATE it...

I sold it and bought a Bush Hog brand PHD'er, and it's been GREAT! It digs well in any soil I've had it in, and it's built much heavier duty, it's worth what I paid for it!

SR

 

[Alan W.]

I bought a cheap used one about 30 years ago with a 12 inch auger. Probably equivalent to the TSC model. My ground is very rocky, so bad that the point and cutting edges will be gone in a few holes if not hard faced.
Still works like a charm.

 

[waendo]

A lot of stories, different experiences, some good reviews on Youtube about the CL and the EA guy makes a point that most of the gearboxes are made overseas, irrespective of the brand. I plan to purchase the Friday before I need to start use, if it's terrible, I'll return it.

 

[Oldoak]

When it comes to post hole diggers, I am also a fan of Danuser & Woods. A few other top name brands are out there too. Even most of them have different model lines and categories of ruggedness and duty service to choose from.

 

[Gary Fowler]

From what I see, all PHD are about the same, gears all made in China along with materials for the frame. Auger quality is the biggest difference and that would effect the operation of the PHD. The frame and gearbox on all look the same and I doubt you would ever wear them out or break them.

Note: most new ones come with no gear oil so fill the gear box before use.

For cost, I would buy the cheapest digger and then spend my extra cash on a quality auger. The auger is where the rubber meets the road so to speak. The auger needs replaceable cutting teeth to function properly on hard soil or other hard to dig in material. Purchase one with good hard-surfaced replaceable cutting teeth and you will be good to go.

Most PHD see mostly one time use. The buyer gets them, does his fence then it sets somewhere under a shed or out in the weather till he decides to sell it. I would look for used if possible and get it for less than half price.

 

[PA hayseed]

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?

Auctions - family business or farm, preview the listing and if it looks good enough on paper and pictures then you have to go to the site for the sale (if it isn't an online bid). Have your number in your head and don't exceed it once there.

Surplus - state, city, town, federal surplus sales (call or look online).

Let Go, Facebook, craigslist, ebay, a couple of equipment sales websites mentioned on this site periodically

You have to spend some time looking, it doesn't happen overnight usually (never for me but I hear it happens for others that way). As far as inspection goes, start with finish (rusted, missing parts, bent dinged scratched). don't let rust scare you, see if it is surface or deep neglect. Check for pieces being chipped or warped. check the grease fittings, check the oil stick/port/opening. Check the auger, see if it well worn or just scratched up a little. Check the PTO shaft. Spin it by hand while listening. A PHD is a surprisingly simple piece of equipment.

IN the end, you have to make a decision based on what you have seen. I have done this numerous times, and sometimes I haggle with the owner because I didn't get a warm fuzzy when looking at the piece. Sometimes I have driven an hour for nothing but a return trip home. I am not a pro, but I have bought used cars, equipment, furniture through CL, EBAY, auctions, and ad papers/bargain papers, and the old newspaper. I'll drive 2+ hours to save myself a couple hundred dollars, some people won't.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Check out our EA 6900HD post hole digger. It is built very well with a nice, large gearbox and HD round tubing and strong welds from our factory here in NC.


The price, including a 9 and 18" auger would be $1382. Shipping via FedEx ground is free to your home within 1,000 miles of Newton, NC or to the west coast for $100.

For those with smaller or larger tractors, check out our FULL Post Hole Digger lineup here!
Travis

Here is an informative video with Ted:

Camera captures it well.

Looks good nekkid. :laughing:

 

[bullbreaker]

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.

Heres an old red one I used to own with a 12" auger . If yours looks like this you have a World Agritech Corp or also known as International back in the day .......

 

[Alan W.]

Heres an old red one I used to own with a 12" auger . If yours looks like this you have a World Agritech Corp or also known as International back in the day .......

Thats just like mine cept its a mite purtier than mine.