How big of a PHD?

[rswyan]

You would have no issue running an 18” auger with 23 PTO hp.

 

[SmallChange]

I agree with others it should run fine. I have awful gravel soil and the tractor doesn't struggle until I hit a big tree root. I'm talking a 9" auger, but, really, the soil is just awful.

 

[Fixastuff]

I’ve read that square holes are better for planting than round ones.

 

[rswyan]

I have 6”, 12”, and 24” augers.

Am able to run all of them just fine for the most part here in glacial till/heavy clay soil.

That’s on a Kubota B2910 which is around 21 hp at the PTO IIRC.

Usually don’t run any more than 1500 rpm.

The 24” gets used the most (planting holes)

Typically it will just shear off tree roots and bring up rocks that will fit in the auger’s flighting.

 

[dnw64]

Thanks much guys!

I have read that the roots mostly want to go horizontal, so I will probably get the 18" and just drill as deep as the root ball, then mix the spoils with some mushroom soil to backfill.

 

[Fixastuff]

The

Thanks much guys!

I have read that the roots mostly want to go horizontal, so I will probably get the 18" and just drill as deep as the root ball, then mix the spoils with some mushroom soil to backfill.

The thing I was reading said plants treat a circle hole in hard ground like a pot but give them a square hole in the same ground and they spread outwards instead of circling the edge.

 

[dnw64]

The thing I was reading said plants treat a circle hole in hard ground like a pot but give them a square hole in the same ground and they spread outwards instead of circling the edge.

I will consider that. If I dril an extra 6" or so I could spade the hole square pretty quickly and let it fall into the bottom. Will look more into this.
Any references?

 

[dnw64]

OK, after doing (an admittedly small) some research, I found this:

No, you shouldn’t plant trees in square holes, AND it is 26% more work for you. | Meristem

Planting a tree is a great way to celebrate the new year and the new decade. Heaven knows, I’ve got a few that I need to get in the ground or move from one spot to another. But, recently, I’ve seen the article on the interwebs about planting trees in square holes. It

meristemhorticulture.com

In our super loose/sandy Jersey soil, I am not going to worry about it and just "drill" round holes for them.

 

[etpm]

I only have a 9 inch auger and I use it to plant all my trees and bushes. I drill about 3 feet deep and widen the top of the hole letting the spoils drop into hole if the root ball is large, other wise I leave the hole size about the drilled size. I still put loosened dirt, spoils, into the hole and mix it with soil amendments. I want to make sure the roots have loosened soil to grow into. I have never had a plant die that I have planted in a drilled hole. If your tractor can handle an 18 inch auger then you will have plenty of loosened soil. I love my PHD and it is the reason, in a roundabout way, that I have my tractor.
Eric

 

[USN2TN]

I had to have my PTO clutch replaced on my 29 HP tractor (thankful it was under warranty). I no longer use my small tractor for ground-engaging PTO implements (PHD, Stump Grinder). I leave those for the bigger tractor (60Hp). I would ask the mechanics at your local tractor shop if they have any issues with your tractor PTO doing the task.