auger size

[dogranch]

I have a branson 3820 and was wanting to get a post hole digger so I can build a pole barn using old utility poles. I was wondering what the largest size auger i could use safely without tearing up my PTO to dig the holes. The poles are around 12-16 inch diameter at the base. I'm really not sure what size hole I even need. Any help appreciated. Thanks

 

[AlanB]

My experience when setting posts has been that I need all the extra room I can muster, somehow I always find myself working against the edge of the hole to get the poles where they need to be even though I swore I drilled it centered.

If you have a correct shear bolt, or properly working slip clutch, I do not think it is reasonably possible to damage your tractor by too big of an auger.

We dig with a 18" I think it is (might be a 24") regularly. We dig 3 holes in a triangle to plant trees. When digging in rocky or root infested ground, keep the shear bolts handy.

They have the 36" augers, and it always amazes me when I see one on a Dingo.

24" is as big as I want to do on our tractor. NH 1925

 

[Neophyte]

Typically the Post Hole Digger has a Maximum Auger Diameter listed. When purchasing your PHD, make sure it is rated for the auger diameter that you want to use.

You may want to consider a hydraulic driven 3PH mount, bucket mount or quick attach mount unit. A bucket mount units gives you the down pressure of the bucket. The hydraulics allow you to turn the auger in reverse as well, which is very useful for removing the auger from the hole or for removing the dirt from the auger. You just need to make sure your tractor has enough hydraulic flow to power these, which can be anywhere from 5 to 25 GPM . There are even down pressure kits available for 3PH units.

Which PDH units have you been looking at?