Countyline 3-point post hole digger for New Holland TD24DA

[LS Tractor Owner]

It really depends on the soil. I have clay, and I have to be very careful or I will screw my tractor to the ground.

Yes, I have clay here too.... the type of clay that they make adobe bricks out of..... it is as hard as concrete when dry. Hence why the tutorial and "take small bites" and "frequently lift the auger" ..... so it doesn't screw into the ground.

The PHD has to be set up correctly in order for it to work correctly.

 

[jkk04]

That hole you made (circled in red) is going the wrong direction.... you need to move the U shaped support mount AWAY from the tractor, more towards the center of the boom.
Follow my previous post to set the boom correctly.

I just custom made the legs for standing the augur that were missing when I brought it.
Also, drilled another hole between the last and second Hole which was the last hole originally.
Will test digging the hole today.
jkk

 

[5030]

Try wetting the spot where you want the hole, the night before with plenty of water and I idle my engine with the PHD. never above an idle. Mine 'hangs' in a tree most of the time anyway.

 

[jkk04]

Yes, I have clay here too.... the type of clay that they make adobe bricks out of..... it is as hard as concrete when dry. Hence why the tutorial and "take small bites" and "frequently lift the auger" ..... so it doesn't screw into the ground.

The PHD has to be set up correctly in order for it to work correctly.

I Tried to dig again.
The boom lifting was perfect. It was lifting the auger just above ground after drilling the hole between the middle.
But it's still hard to dig the hole. .
It is stuck in the hole continuously.
Probably 3 point hitch lifting capacity is not enough to lift when the auger is stuck.
Time to get rid of it.
Jkk

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I Tried to dig again.
The boom lifting was perfect. It was lifting the auger just above ground after drilling the hole between the middle.
But it's still hard to dig the hole. .
It is stuck in the hole continuously.
Probably 3 point hitch lifting capacity is not enough to lift when the auger is stuck.
Time to get rid of it.
Jkk

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Did you try just taking "little bites" at a time? At most 6" deep, maybe less, lift it out. Any deeper and it will corkscrew....

 

[5030]

When I use mine I 'Pump' the auger up and down, I have plenty of power to lift it but why bother. There is a learning curve with them. Like I told you to wet the area down where you want to drill for instance.

 

[jkk04]

Did you try just taking "little bites" at a time? At most 6" deep, maybe less, lift it out. Any deeper and it will corkscrew....

I even adjusted the drop rate valve to the lowest possible to slow drop the 3 point hitch lower link but still stuck the auger too easily.
It is not worth trying again..
Jkk

 

[jkk04]

When I use mine I 'Pump' the auger up and down, I have plenty of power to lift it but why bother. There is a learning curve with them. Like I told you to wet the area down where you want to drill for instance.

This handheld auger purchased from local craigslist for $65 yesterday is much better..
It is lightweight (only 30lb) and easy to handle.
No more 3 point post hole digger.
Jkk

 

[grsthegreat]

Man. Ive used those and hated them…..dont know how many times we were thrown around when it encountered a rock.

 

[5030]

Man. Ive used those and hated them…..dont know how many times we were thrown around when it encountered a rock.

He gets to find out the hard way.. I had one too, converted it to an ice cutter for winter fishing. You lock the auger in a rock, it's impossible to let go of the handles fast enough. Hard on the wrists too.

I don't use any of them any more. Bought myself a Shaver post pounder, but then his tractor is too small for one. The Shaver I have will drive railroad ties if need be.

Had the right tool to begin with. Just needed to learn the correct way of using it.