Fixing our BX Post Hole Digger

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For years, we've been making our 3pt. EA Post Hole Diggers for tractors ranging from subcompacts up to larger utility sized machines.
The EA Compact PHD was designed to work with small tractors like the B & BX Kubotas. It has worked.
It gets the job done and allows enough clearance for you to use a 48" auger, even on a BX, but can be quite a strain for those little tractors in certain conditions.
If you've used a rear PHD, you know the conditions i'm referring to.

The EA Compact PHD hooks up to the BX without any interference and functions properly, however, there is room for improvement.
The extended boom length extends the center of gravity and is pretty tall, so augering dirt out of a 48" hole can be challenging.
We want our attachments to be IDEAL for the recommended tractors, so now you know the mission.
Travis

Here's what we started with:

 

[xring100]

Look good wont work here on sub compact tractors.

Definitely right on the strain part. Neighbors JD2305 augered staight down into the clay so fast he lifted the front wheels off the ground with loader installed. Then Proceeded to stall out all before he could kill the pto. It was an interesting spectical

 

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Look good wont work here on sub compact tractors.

Definitely right on the strain part. Neighbors JD2305 augered staight down into the clay so fast he lifted the front wheels off the ground with loader installed. Then Proceeded to stall out all before he could kill the pto. It was an interesting spectical

Yes, I can see it now.
In decent soil, it doesn't really matter, but in hard, difficult soil, they can twist into the ground like a corkscrew.
It's virtually impossible to gradually lift and clean out the hole with those tiny tractors because the lift lacks position control.
Travis

 

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We started out by picking an existing PHD which is sold specifically for the BX by Kubota dealers.

It looked like it would be a great match, but, after installing it, we discovered it wasn't such a good fit.

Problem #1
The tubing on the tractor end of the boom, by design, is compressed together and welded, resulting in this:

When we raised the lift, the boom caused stress on the BX toplink bracket on the tractor and bent it.
If you look inside the red box, you'll see why. Notice how close it is, even when the hitch is somewhat lowered with the auger in the ground.

 

[kneedeep]

What is your fix for this?

 

[Bansil]

What is your fix for this?

A bigger Tractor :thumbsup:

 

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What is your fix for this?

Here's our fix. This is with the lift raised up all the way.

In this zoomed pic, you can see where the LP boom came in contact with the bracket.
This is not from using the post hole digger, it is only from hooking it up and raising the lift.

 

[bcp]

Feel like experimenting with a tooth design?

I saw an auger with this design, probably in an Eastern European Youtube video, but I can't find it again.

The tooth is sort of an "L" shape, with the vertical part reaching to or near the next flight. This may stop the problem of screwing the auger into the ground, and may make a smoother sided hole. Probably would be needed on both sides. This might be a bolt-on replacement, or the "L" tooth may require a redesign of the auger bottom.



Bruce

 

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Something else we didn't like is that you have to spread your lift arms out SO far to hook it up.
It looks like someone had the right idea with the pins toward the inside, but didn't follow through.

We followed through and built a true Subcompact Tractor post hole digger. It hooks up much easier, fits perfectly and produced excellent results in our red clay soil.

 

[prichard]

If you need someone to test prototypes on a B let me know.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Feel like experimenting with a tooth design?

I saw an auger with this design, probably in an Eastern European Youtube video, but I can't find it again.

The tooth is sort of an "L" shape, with the vertical part reaching to or near the next flight. This may stop the problem of screwing the auger into the ground, and may make a smoother sided hole. Probably would be needed on both sides. This might be a bolt-on replacement, or the "L" tooth may require a redesign of the auger bottom.

View attachment 465664

Bruce

We're always open to suggestions.
We've tested this new Land Shark Subcompact PHD out on our B and BX tractors.
The geometry really amplifies the lifting ability compared to the Compact PHD we've been making, especially with the BX.
Travis

 

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If you need someone to test prototypes on a B let me know.

Actually, Ted & Peanut tested it on the B and BX, but we appreciate the offer! :thumbsup:
It's been terribly dry here and the PHD performed great on both tractors in this hard NC red clay.
Travis

Check out the action here:

 

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Like a Glove!

 

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Our new Land Shark Post Hole Digger has been pretty popular.

Here's a review that was recently posted to the EA Facebook Page:

"I just assembled the post hole digger/auger for my Kubota BX-23 compact tractor. Not only was it shipped very quickly, it is easy to install and easy to use. Digs beautiful holes in hard soil quickly. It may be one of the lower price models, but it works really, really well. Money well spent. Thanks again guys!"

 

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It's always great to find videos of our products in action!
This guy made this video overview of our Land Shark Post Hole Digger on his John Deere 1025R.
Travis

 

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The same guy made this video showing it in action!