ground hard as a rock....can't get post hole digger to dig

[GaryBDavis]

Going back over your modified PHD pics to try and get a better understanding on how you did your mod, I noticed that in pic PHD 12 there are two hydraulic lines going into the cylinder. The other pics show only one line. Was pic 12 taken before you "installed a simple filter plug on the "retract" port which turns it into a single-acting cylinder"? With the retract port plugged, how are you able to retract the cylinder? I am a hydraulics novice.

I forgot that sometime after the initial mod, I added a second hose and used the cylinder in a double acting configuration. (sorry about that) I didn't have rear SCV on this tractor and I was using the FEL hydraulic ports. If you didn't have it hooked up to a valve with a float position, you couldn't get it to retract. But, with dual hoses, any valve configuration would work.

A hydraulic valve with a float position opens the valve and allows hydraulic fluid to pass both ways without restriction. Most FEL have a float position on the up/down bucket movement, but not on the bucket curl. I ended up using the FEL bucket curl ports to run the PHD and that way I could still raise and lower the bucket. If you ever raise a bucket in the air and disconnect the hydraulic ports the weight of the FEL will put pressure on the hydraulic hose it becomes difficult to re-connect the hose. And, when you do get it connected, the bucket can come crashing down if the FEL joystick is in the float position. Life lessons

BTW, there used to be a PHD manufacturer that sold a heavy duty unit with this type of down pressure. I think it was only available in a category-two size and was somewhat expensive. But, it was out there none-the-less.

 

[yankee7]

I see from the date of the last post that I'm about 4 years too late on this discussion, and maybe no one will notice my question, but I figured I'd try here first before starting anew thread. Anyway...

Does anyone know if they make/sell different auger assemblies/bits for a Rhino EPHD model 12" auger? The standard teeth that come with it, or the ones that are sold as replacements are like dull, rounded chisels. In the dry clay soil I'm digging in I thought something with a sharper edge might work. In the meantime I'll try wetting the soil as a few guys suggested.

 

[MotorSeven]

I welded some 1/2x1/2 square stock on the point which made it look kinda like a oil drilling bit. It works much better until they dull. Also an engine block on top of the gearbox will give it more down force.

 

[JohninCT]

I see from the date of the last post that I'm about 4 years too late on this discussion, and maybe no one will notice my question, but I figured I'd try here first before starting anew thread. Anyway...

Does anyone know if they make/sell different auger assemblies/bits for a Rhino EPHD model 12" auger? The standard teeth that come with it, or the ones that are sold as replacements are like dull, rounded chisels. In the dry clay soil I'm digging in I thought something with a sharper edge might work. In the meantime I'll try wetting the soil as a few guys suggested.

Agressive and rock augers are available but are big $$$. You can first try sharpening the cutting edges of your auger. Second you could attach some bucket teeth like these.

Dirt Works Industrial Tooth Bar, Bucket Teeth, Assembled or Build Your Own Tooth Bar

 

[picanoor]

I put a hydraulic motor,on my PHD and put it on front loader for down force, this worked in east Texas sand area.
Now I Need to drill holes for a fence around my property, about 10acrea in Texas hill country , are there Rock tips for sale for a land shark post hole Digger? If so where.
.Thanks

 

[orezok]

Try augerteethonline.com. They had carbide teeth for my Danuser.