best post hole digger for less than $1000

[IslandTractor]

Island, just as a heads up reminder, I think that the 16.8 GPM that your tractor has is a combined pump rate. I don't think that is the flow that you would be getting to run an implement.

Yes, I am sure you are correct. However, if the tractor is sitting still as I would be when using a PHD, I would imagine that a fair fraction of that would be available either through rear remotes or my diverter valve. As the specs for the wheel motor are something like 20gpm and 200rpm, I'm thinking that even if I get only a quarter or a third of that output (say 6-8 gpm) then I would get about 50rpm wide open. Is my math or assumptions about flow off by more than 50%?? I really think I'd be happy with 30rpm.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Yes, I am sure you are correct. However, if the tractor is sitting still as I would be when using a PHD, I would imagine that a fair fraction of that would be available either through rear remotes or my diverter valve. As the specs for the wheel motor are something like 20gpm and 200rpm, I'm thinking that even if I get only a quarter or a third of that output (say 6-8 gpm) then I would get about 50rpm wide open. Is my math or assumptions about flow off by more than 50%?? I really think I'd be happy with 30rpm.

I'm only guessing, but I think that your tractor implement pump would be in the 10-11GPM range. How that works out to supply a 20GPM motor I have no idea. :confused3:

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm only guessing, but I think that your tractor implement pump would be in the 10-11GPM range. How that works out to supply a 20GPM motor I have no idea. :confused3:

Well, maybe JJ or one of the more experienced hydraulic guys can clarify. I was kinda assuming that the specs for a 20gpm motor were what was required to get it to operate at the rated RPM. Hydraulic fluid obviously doesn't compress or dissipate power otherwise so my assumption is that if you feed the motor 10gpm it would run at half speed etc. Must be able to "feather" the input to control speed and I cannot figure how that could be done (given there are no electrical connections to the motor itself) other than by sending more or less flow from the tractor. Therefore (I hope), 10gpm would mean a max speed of half rated which is probably more than I need. Anyone out there who can offer more than the wildass guess that I came up with??

 

[woodlandfarms]

Woodlandfarms, do you mind sharing the sizes of the C channel you used? And, how did you rig it so it can tilt? Do you need to slightly curl the loader as the auger digs to keep it vertical?

I have a blank SSQA adapter I have been waiting to find a use for and as I don't have a phd but could use one, this looks like a good winter welding project.

(Edit: I looked at the photos again and can now appreciate the bolts that allow free pivot from front to back on the motor mount. Is there also pivot side to side? And, is the loader on the Powertrac self leveling or do need to move the tractor at all during digging?)

So I think it is 12" C Channel. I am not home and won't be for some months so I can't fully tell you. Sorry. So I used 3 pieces of C Channel. Two for sides and one as the bottom plate to hold the motor. The bolts are 1" I think. The back plate, where it attaches to the tractor is two pieces. The actual mount, and the plate that holds the arms together. There is a bolt in the center of all of that that allows it to tilt left and right. It is not the best rig but it works.

I have holes drilled to lock the plates and arms from swinging, but have yet to use that feature.

I am going to add some sort of visual leveling device (an arm so I can see how level things are) My lift arms get in the way of a good line of site.