Posthole Digger how do I keep from burying the auger when I use it

[koerbdog77]

I have a John Deere Model 790 (3o engine hp) and a countryline post hole digger. I am using a 6 inch auger. I run the tractor between 2000 and 2200 rpm. I also dig a foot or so and raise the 3 point hitch to clear the dirt and then I do that again about another foot down. Nevertheleess, ussually on the third dig when I try to raise the 3 point hitch the auger just keeps digging until the gearbox reaches the ground. It is very difficult to get the auger back out. Any suggestions?

 

[brin]

First be really careful when you raise the auger out of the hole...be sure to throttle way down in case you pull up too far...believe me you do not want that auger flying around at warp speed and for sure you don't want anyone around behind you....You might try some spray paint on the auger at the point you want to pull up and just take it easy on your throttle and down pressure as you are getting close...otherwise you just fill in with dirt on the holes you go too deep.....all I know and I have drilled a bunch of holes over the years...In the dirt....LOL

 

[MrWhippy]

Sounds like a combination of technique and ground conditions. If the auger catches and won't come up, shut off the PTO. You can try to rock it back and forth (by moving the tractor) while continuing to lift the 3ph. Even if it doesn't help, at least you won't have as much to dig out.

 

[Artisan]

Sounds like you need to go just little bits at a time.
Go a tiny bit and pull it out, Go a tiny bit and pull it out, Go a tiny bit and pull it out...
Do you have plenty of ballast up front? Are you butt heavy?
That may be of issue as well.

Post up pics...

 

[Ed of all trades]

I would never run my PHD at 2000 RPM. If you run it at idle you have plenty of time to lift it up in time to clear it, my 18 PTO HP is plenty for a 12" auger even at idle and if I catch a rock or root the tractor might stop instead of tearing up things.

 

[Soundguy]

way too much rpm...

 

[pacerron]

I have a John Deere Model 790 (3o engine hp) and a countryline post hole digger. I am using a 6 inch auger. I run the tractor between 2000 and 2200 rpm. I also dig a foot or so and raise the 3 point hitch to clear the dirt and then I do that again about another foot down. Nevertheleess, ussually on the third dig when I try to raise the 3 point hitch the auger just keeps digging until the gearbox reaches the ground. It is very difficult to get the auger back out. Any suggestions?

Cut your engine RPM back. With a 6" auger you are going too fast. Continue cleaning out the hole as you go.

 

[heitjer]

Could it be that your 3 point is showing less holding strength when (almost) down?

 

[Soundguy]

it's showing too much rpm and digging to china...

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I know that this is sort of a repeat answer-question. But have you ever even tried to dig a hole with the tractor at an idle? This would be my first thing to try to resolve your problem.

good luck