Fun with the PHD

[deereman64]

A weekend of projects, one of which was the fencing of a vegetable patch. This required the use of my PHD. All went well, but then our luck ran out. The auger went down very quickly and then of course the three point wouldn't raise it. A couple of the usual tricks of trying to raise with the auger running only led to the auger going deeper. Digging was the only way out. The hole was widened and a jack placed under the auger... no good. Finally after 4 hours of digging in heavy clay and sizeable rocks it came out. Lesson learnt every hole is a new one and don't assume that the soil conditions are the same even in a small area.

 

[VABlue]

Another reason to go with a hydraulic PHD... If only I could defend the price of one...

Glad you got it out! What did it get stuck on - stones or root?

 

[GaryM]

A weekend of projects, one of which was the fencing of a vegetable patch. This required the use of my PHD. All went well, but then our luck ran out. The auger went down very quickly and then of course the three point wouldn't raise it. A couple of the usual tricks of trying to raise with the auger running only led to the auger going deeper. Digging was the only way out. The hole was widened and a jack placed under the auger... no good. Finally after 4 hours of digging in heavy clay and sizeable rocks it came out. Lesson learnt every hole is a new one and don't assume that the soil conditions are the same even in a small area.

Uncouple the PTO and use a pipe wrench to unwind the auger. Much easier than using a shovel!

 

[SkunkWerX]

I have not done this myself, but I heard recently that a pressure washer will dig out around the auger in short order. Then a large pipe wrench to unscrew it.

Also, same discussion, was to use a pressure washer to clean around tree roots for cutting them.

 

[deereman64]

it was stuck on rocks, and thanks for the ideas on the wrench and pressure washer.

 

[GaryM]

Get yourself a pipe wrench, about a 2 footer should do, and use cable ties to attach it to your ROPS. That way you'll have it handy.

And be sure to have a pocket knife to cut it loose!

 

[AlanB]

I weld a peice of pipe on the top flight of my augers horizontally, the length of the flight of the auger.

When we get stuck (often) we stick a shovel handle or spud / digging bar in there and back it out.

 

[bigballer]

I'm with VAblue - I think a hydraulic auger is the way to go. I haven't priced a 3pt hydraulic auger but having a reverse option almost seems like a requirement. I have rented a one-man trailered PHD and it worked perfectly. If it got stuck, just hit the reverse lever and out it comes.. The 6hp motor hanging off the end provided good balance, not to mention the wheels are not removable so there is no concern around stability or thoughts to being thrown around.

has anyone converted a standard 3pt auger to hydraulic?

 

[6sunset6]

I actually built one in 1995. Sized the motor and bought one $200 I think and made all the other parts. I think I had an external 2 way pressure relief valve across the motor ports. No pictures Had an Ingersoll all hydraulic 20HP gas tractor with a bucket it on it. Big mistake buying it but thats another story. Anyway hung it off the FEL. Plenty of juice except the tractor climbed up the auger. Pretty scary. I sold the tractor with the hydraulic motor rig, Another really big mistake. Then I got a real tractor and a PHD . Reverse would be good. Some body ought to make a PTO shaft with a reverser built into it. Little gear box right in the middle of the shaft. Go ,stop flip a lever go , runs the other way. About the size of a slip clutch.

 

[shvl73]

I've always been able to get mine unstuck with a pipe wrench. I've never unhooked the pto, just disengaged it so it will turn freely. Usually it only takes a half turn or so and I can lift it right out with the 3pth.