Posthole Digger Homemade post hole digger maintenance, PTO guard

[ransonjd]

I snagged a homemade post hole digger for $165 with an auger included. Is there anything that I should check before I run the thing?

Also, it doesn't have a PTO guard. Can I make a guard effectively and cheaply, or should I buy one?

 

[chander]

On the auger gear box there will be plug for checking the fluid level. I would drain the fluid and replace it with 80/90w gear lube.
Also, check that the PTO shaft is the proper length. Make sure that the shaft doesn't bottom out or extend too far when attached to your tractor.
As for the PTO covers, that is for your safety. Many old pieces of equipment do not use them but, that is at the operators risk.

 

[tractorgp]

I snagged a homemade post hole digger for $165 with an auger included. Is there anything that I should check before I run the thing?

Also, it doesn't have a PTO guard. Can I make a guard effectively and cheaply, or should I buy one?

Gurus here like to see a photo before commenting...

 

[old and tired]

Even NON- Gurus, like to see photos!!! As far as I'm concerned, NO one should be even remotely close enough to need a guard. Stay the <blank> away from it!!!! I removed my guard since I blew through a number of shear bolts and was tired of dealing with the guard to replace the bolts...