Posthole Digger Horse power of tractor

[winford1]

I have a sub compact Yanmar tractor 16 or 17 HP. I am looking for a post hole digger to fit / use . Is there a brand or size I should be looking for? Do I have enough HP to run a digger? the PTO is rated at 540. If there is a PHD that will work please let me know and or direct me to the information.

Thanks
New at this

 

[newbury]

Go to everything attachments for info. You will probably need a small cat 1. The primary problems are width of 3pt and clearance of the auger when driving around.

 

[gwdixon]

The biggest problem with running a PHD with a smaller tractor is the size of the auger (and, of course, if the 3PH can lift it far enough to clear the ground).

I'd recommend a 6" auger for your tractor. Any bigger could cause complications.

The condition of the ground is also a factor. Obviously, moist ground is preferred. If you start a hole and the auger refuses to dig down just fill the started hole with water, go have lunch, and get back to it later.

Medium to large rocks can cause a considerable strain on the tractor's components. If the auger is breaking shear pins by the handful don't be tempted to go with a harder pin.

 

[Gary Fowler]

We ran an 8" auger with a JD 750 (about 17HP)and no problem with HP. I don't think it would be a problem HP wise with a 12", just go slow and don't let it auger in. That is the only problem we ever had when BIL let it auger in a couple of times when he first got it. Backing it out with a pipe wrench wasn't an easy job as you have to turn the drive shaft a lot of rounds to get one round on the auger before it loosens up enough to be able to turn the auger and unscrew it from the ground.
It doesn't take a lot of HP to turn the auger since it is geared way down from 540. Ground clearance problems can be addressed by which hole in the top link attachment of the tractor that you use. There are usually 3 holes to choose from, so use the one that gives you the most clearance.

 

[winford1]

Thanks for the information.

 

[Ken45101]

I agree, a lot of horsepower isn't needed. Although I use it on a bigger tractor (45hp), I normally run the tractor at idle speed when using the PHD.

IDK if there is something strange on the 3pt geometry on the Kubota, I don't get enough lift for some attachments. The PHD was especially bad until I welded an extension piece on the boom for the adjustment. Now it clears better