Cheapestest PHD available for a <20hp PTO?

Quigly · Sep 21, 2003

I'd like to know the cheapest Post Hole Digger available for a 20hp or less compact tractor? (mine is a Satoh-Mitsubishi Buck)

I'm not going to dig holes for a living! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Just need something functional for installing a three rail lodge pole fence around my property. I'm guessing this project will need about 75 holes. The post will be 5.5", non-cemented. Any recommendations for bit size?

How about a list of all the discount tractor supply houses near Los Angeles, California? Sure could use that!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Slamfire · Sep 21, 2003

In your situation I'd look around for something used, you can fence, then sell the PHD for nearly as much as you paid for it. In that decomposed granite, I'd think a 9" auger would be better than a 6" just because of the amount of dirt that is gonna fall back in the hole. Are you planning on using them peeler cores for posts?

Quigly · Sep 21, 2003

Finding anything used around here is difficult... and no one is going to lend me one for my project, but they sure will ask to barrow stuff from me when they don't have it !?!?!? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

The fencing is like large peeler core that is treated. I bought it from J.C.T. in Acton. It is "pre-made pressure treated" fencing. Posts are 3 rail 5.5" X 7' and the rails are 3.5" X 8'. I ordered about 200 feet last week and plan to order another 200 after that is installed. Looks great and matches the fencing the city of Santa Clarita uses alone the railroad tracks, buike trails and many streets.

cowboydoc · Sep 21, 2003

You can use just about any brand on that tractor. PHD's don't require much hp. Worksavers are cheap and built very well. There are a slug of off the wall ones as well. Just go to your local farm supply store and see what they have. Look to pay $300-400 for a cheaper one.

Steven · Sep 21, 2003

have you looked at northern tool Northern Tool

Gary_in_Indiana · Sep 22, 2003

Speeco makes one that looks pretty serviceable and sells for under $400 around here with the auger adding maybe another $125, depending on size so you'll be out the door under $500 plus tax.

Quigly · Sep 22, 2003

I think the low priced Speeco would work fine for my applications. I've read here that people have purchased these new for $300 (under $400 with auger) on sale and the normal price is about $350 plus auger at the discount tractor supply houses in their area, but here in Los Angeles, CA I don't even know where to look. I'd go buy one today if I could get the entire PHD and auger for $400!

ANYONE KNOW OF A PLACE THAT CAN SET ME UP HERE NEAR LOS ANGELES CA FOR THE SAME SALE PRICES THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN OTHER AREAS?

Trying to keep within my budget for this phase of my "never ending project". Might end up just buying the PHD and renting the augers at Home Deput when I need them. That way I can aways have access to the size I need for whatever application I am working on at the time. After the lodge pole fence is installed, I will be working on some large beam patio roof and carport cement post mounts. That will require much large holes.

chrisjbell · Sep 22, 2003

Hate to say it, but once you get out of California the prices drop. I've been wanting a PHD for a while - don't have a driving need for it, but I have to dig holes often enough that I want one. Northern is one of the best deals you'll find, I expect. I don't see used ones up here (norther CA) and so I'm looking at about $500 out the door for PHD and auger.

One of the many joys of living in this wacky state. Higher prices and higher taxes. (Almost stuck in a really politically charged comment - saved myself just in time /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif.)

OkeeDon · Sep 22, 2003

Tractor Supply has them on sale right now for $299 (normal price $349) and normal price for augurs - $89.99 for 6", $99.99 for 9" and $109.99 for 12". However, I looked at TSC's web site, and the closest stores to LA are in Texas. They have no provisions for shipping as far as I can tell, and anyway, the shipping costs would probably bring the price back up to "normal". Do you know anyone making a trip to Texas who can bring you one back?

Quigly · Sep 22, 2003

Thanks everyone for your input. Looks like $400 for PHD and Auger elsewhere, but in the Golden State, $600, a 50% mark up!!!

I guess like many things here (realestate, auto's, services, etc...) you just have to bite the golden bullet for the middleman to make up all the extra casts here I guess /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I'm with you on holding back the political comments. It's difficult...

Awe-sta-la-vee-sta baby, Quigly /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif