Another Post Hole digger question?

[Anonymous Poster]

Hate to re-bring this up again, but I am still looking for the cheapest and best post hole digger that will dig through roots, new england soil, some rocks, etc... there has been much discussion on this, yet I seem to find there are some models that do not lift high enough for my JD4100? Who has a 4100 with a good post hole digger, and what brand and cost is it? Where can I order one today?

thanks,

carl

 

[Anonymous Poster]

How many holes do you plan on digging? If its not many then you will be just fine with a cheaper model. I cant imagine you will need a top of the line model unless you are going into business.

The other thing to remember is that the auger and post hole digger are separate. You can choose just about any auger with your post hole digger.

One last thing is that if you really do have a rock problem youll be better off renting a skidloader with a big hydraulic auger that is reversable and can apply lots of downforce.

 

[TxBillyed]

I have just made a decision to go to Tractor Supply and buy their post hole digger for my JD 4100. They are on sale here in Texas until April 16 at $328.00. I have a bigger problem in that I live on Austin Chalk like soft rock, but some locals think it should work but just take more time, and some hand work. I have over 100 posts to put in and the alternative was to hire someone or rent a bigger machine. Well 300 bucks is a better investment.

Good Luck
BIll

 

[neilw]

Good Afternoon TxBillyed

How is your digging in the Austin Chalk? I live near Glen Rose and have had no luck at all digging thru the local linestone formations. Maybe were talking different formations? If you are getting holes drilled what is your secret?

 

[TxBillyed]

Well I'll be happy to tell you in a day or so. I went down to tractor supply and they where out of drive units, but will have them in mid week. Same price. I figure, dig what you can then use a jack hammer. Options, at least I own the equiptment.

Bill

 

[Old_Wanker]

Watch our for the TSC post hole digger (the SpeeCo is what I have) - when I assembled mine they had put in a grade 5 shear bolt instead of the grade 2 they tell you to use in the manual. Make sure you get a box full of these if your going to put it to hard use.

You also may want to get the auger somewhere else if youre going through rock. Some of the better augers have much more aggressive teeth and will be better than the TSC one.

My TSC was great for me. I did 175 holes in a day in heavy clay and only went through 6 shear bolts. It did take me half a day to assemble the PHD and find the right gear oil for it though (lots of driving around - should have called first). It paid for itself and then some.

 

[TxBillyed]

Thanks for the input, Im going to look for a more agressive bite drill and I think I'm o.k. Sheer pins, well hell I better buy stock in the company, let's see.

Bill

 

[TxBillyed]

O.K. give me a hit, where did you get your auger.

Bill

 

[Old_Wanker]

Heres an old thread to look at

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=implement&Number=44334&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1>Auger Points and Flights</A>

And heres the list of augers at Eastern Farm Machinery

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.easternfarmmachinery.com/scripts/catalog.pl?F=S&K=auger&SC=Y&ST=Y&X=500&V=Brief>Eastern Farm Machinery</A>

If you want to see a really aggressive tip look at this picture of a Shaver rock drill - although youll want the right digger to use it

Not cheap either - over $1000

I just have the cheapo 9 incher from TSC for my clay soil. I dont have the rock like you do but I have worked with rock before (limestone).

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have the TSC post hole digger and it has worked fine. I have probably done about a dozen holes with it using a 12" auger in clay soil. I haven't sheared any bolts but did find the control handle set screw would not keep the handle tight. It kept coming loose.