No doubt a hydraulic one is way better. But one size does not fit all. Nothing wrong with saving some $$$ and putting it towards implements that get used more
OR browse used ones on craigslist.
But if you don't have enough money, a PTO digger is 10x's better than by hand
I did that for about three years, finally bought one with two augers at Agrisupply.I've been trying that, too. Used ones are usually $500-$900, made from old car parts, or 100+ miles away.
Bruce