3 Pt. Post Hole Digger Brand/Duty Questions

[Jimc295]

I just purchased a dirty hand tools model 90 and a 12 auger for my baby MF (GC 1705) I like it a lot. It works well in red clay and rocks, the only thing that would be an improvement is a handle for a person on the ground to line it up straight before you start the PTO. As it is now I have to back up to get it straight.

 

[CobyRupert]

I just purchased a dirty hand tools model 90 and a 12 auger for my baby MF (GC 1705) I like it a lot. It works well in red clay and rocks, the only thing that would be an improvement is a handle for a person on the ground to line it up straight before you start the PTO. As it is now I have to back up to get it straight.

Doesn't it hang down straight? Sometimes as you lower the 3 point hitch, the arc of 3PTH travel might cause the top of the PHD to move away from tractor and the auger bottom slants back toward tractor. People compensate by driving forward a few inches as auger gets further into ground.

I don't think a manufacturer would encourage, with a handle, anybody getting anywhere near an auger. They're probably mandated to post stickers and owner manual warnings saying the opposite.
There's a lot of stories of "helpers" at the business end of the PHD who provide alignment or down pressure and end up wrapped around the auger or PTO. A few horsepower can turn the human body into something that looks like a pretzel. Horrible.

 

[Jimc295]

I had a old speeco passed down from my grandfather that had a removable handle. This one doesn't hang straight down I may need to adjust my toplink just have not had it long enough to experiment with it. I do know it is worlds better than my old one.

 

[CobyRupert]

I had a old speeco passed down from my grandfather that had a removable handle. This one doesn't hang straight down I may need to adjust my toplink just have not had it long enough to experiment with it. I do know it is worlds better than my old one.

Most PHD's top beam connect directly to the tractor and there is no top "link" to adjust. On some tractors there may be multiple top holes (high/mid/low) to connect this top beam to. This will effect how high/low you can raise/lower the PHD with the 3PH.

I still don't understand why your auger doesn't hang straight up and down when PHD is lifted up. What is resisting the weight of the auger? Are pivot points oiled? More likely: Does the PTO shaft slide freely/easily? Is it greased? Have slight bend?

 

[fayjim2]

I have no idea what brand my post hole digger is but its old green in color. The gearbox is obviously a rear differential. It has a 12 inc h auger It shears lots of pins we loooooooooots of rocks here. Spent 375 for it . There is a Decal on the Boom mostly worn off something Green ---- Any ideas on the make. I assume very old also open driveshaft.

 

[Jimc295]

Most PHD's top beam connect directly to the tractor and there is no top "link" to adjust. On some tractors there may be multiple top holes (high/mid/low) to connect this top beam to. This will effect how high/low you can raise/lower the PHD with the 3PH.

I still don't understand why your auger doesn't hang straight up and down when PHD is lifted up. What is resisting the weight of the auger? Are pivot points oiled? More likely: Does the PTO shaft slide freely/easily? Is it greased? Have slight bend?

I have not had this one long enough to answer all those questions and obviously was tired when I mentioned the top link LOL after I have had it a while longer Ill be able to explain.

 

[mopardude318]

have you thought about a hydraulic auger? you should have about 16gpm flow which is plenty to run one. although, they are a couple grand. I have a McMillen and its been great, but I understand the expense...I guess it comes down to how many holes are you gonna drill in your lifetime? lol

 

[Alan W.]

I had a old speeco passed down from my grandfather that had a removable handle. This one doesn't hang straight down I may need to adjust my toplink just have not had it long enough to experiment with it. I do know it is worlds better than my old one.

My cousin had a PHD that had a long steel rod that you could use from the tractor seat to adjust the angle. Cant remember the brand.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

Most PHD's top beam connect directly to the tractor and there is no top "link" to adjust. On some tractors there may be multiple top holes (high/mid/low) to connect this top beam to. This will effect how high/low you can raise/lower the PHD with the 3PH.

About the high/mod/low connections:

If you have a cab on your tractor - CAREFULLY Check The Clearance as the beam is raised.

I opted for the highest lift, climbed in and raised the beam ..... Shattered the back glass.

As for the basic 3pt PHD, it was pretty much a waste of money. If you have any rocks, or hard clay, forget it. They have ZERO down-pressure.

 

[windy acers]

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.

USE 12 INCH AS YOUR SMALLEST IT DIGS THE SAME AS 9 INCH.