Posthole Digger Adjusting a Post Hole Digger

[MikePA]

I think my post hole digger needs some kind of adjustment. See attached pictures. (Depending upon the resolution of your monitor, you can click on the button in the lower right hand corner of the picture to enlarge it.)

As you can see, when the auger reaches it's maximum depth there's interference with the top of the PTO shaft, the guard and the ground. The guard has already been damaged and today the chain that stops the upper part of the guard from spinning went MIA.

Is there an adjustment I can/should make to prevent this?

 

[jimmoore]

Mike, the last photo shows that you are digging to deep. If you need deeper holes, you are going to need a longer auger!

 

[MikePA]

Thanks, Jim. I was afraid someone would say that! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[radman]

Yes, your hole is to deep for the depth of auger. Consider getting an extension for your digger or you can fairly easily fabricate one yourself. Probably 12-18" extension. You still want to be able to clear the ground with the extension on and the auger raised.

 

[frierfly]

..... Consider getting an extension for your digger or you can fairly easily fabricate one yourself. Probably 12-18" extension.

I am in the same situation. I need an extension for my SpeeCo Model 70 post hole digger. Has anyone made an extension that held up to repeated use/abuse?

The auger that I have has an ID of 2 inches and an OD of 2 3/8, so that means it is 2" diameter schedule 40 pipe. Obviously, the part of the extension that connects to the output shaft on the gear box of the digger will be a piece of schedule 40 steel pipe, but what do I do for the part that has to slide into (and bolt onto) the auger? Both Schedule 40 & 80 pipe that is 1.5" diameter has an OD of 1.9", so I was thinking of just using 2" Schedule 40 with an inside sleeve of 1.5" Schedule 80. Would that work and be strong enough?

 

[mxg342]

I am in the same situation. I need an extension for my SpeeCo Model 70 post hole digger. Has anyone made an extension that held up to repeated use/abuse?

The auger that I have has an ID of 2 inches and an OD of 2 3/8, so that means it is 2" diameter schedule 40 pipe. Obviously, the part of the extension that connects to the output shaft on the gear box of the digger will be a piece of schedule 40 steel pipe, but what do I do for the part that has to slide into (and bolt onto) the auger? Both Schedule 40 & 80 pipe that is 1.5" diameter has an OD of 1.9", so I was thinking of just using 2" Schedule 40 with an inside sleeve of 1.5" Schedule 80. Would that work and be strong enough?

you need to look at DOM tubing instead of pipe. Pipe is measured in Nominal dimensions (2" is not actually 2"). DOM tubing is true to size. If they say 2" by 1/4" wall it will be 2" OD with a 1.5" ID. Pipe is not what you want for this.

 

[kirkawilson]

Here is one from Rural King Farm Star 12inch Auger Extension with Guard (175)

 

[PA hayseed]

Just a word of caution, don't make your extension too long. If you make it too long, you won't be able to clear the hole with your auger to get it back out (lift height of PHD). Second, don't use pipe, it may seem strong until you start making twisting metal art with it. Third, if you are in soft soil, you may need an auger plate to sit your auger on while hooking up your extension. It may shock you to learn that professional rigs have left lots of augers in the ground.

Here is a link to a site that sells auger extensions **I know nothing about this brand, just a link**.
Rice Hydro Products

 

[5030]

If I need additional depth, I use the FEL bucket to lift the front of the tractor which increases the dig depth of the auger.. That way an extension is not needed and you can get the auger out of the hole when done drilling.