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

 

[skipmarcy]

Yep, I agree with everyone else - I barely run 1000 rpms when digging and work the heck out of that 3pt up & down again to keep the flights clear of dirt and to keep from snagging something too solid. I barely let the auger dig maybe 6" to no more than 12" before raising it up not quite out of the hole to keep it from flying around. It just takes a little practice to get into the repetition of it.

 

[cowski]

idle only ,bigger tractor would work better.

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree with everyone else. slowest speed the tractor will run at is fast enough. Slowly lower your hitch and keep the hole cleared as you go. Turning at a very low rate of speed my hydraulic auger will drill a 2' hole in a few seconds at 50rpm. My standard phd will turn much faster at an idle speed of 800 rpm so in this case slow is the way to go.

 

[jimgerken]

Yea, what they have told you is all good stuff. Idle, retract often, use care, keep others away. One other trick I added to mine: At the top end of the auger tube I welded on a short cross-tube of 1.5" square tube, a section of square tube almost as long as the auger diameter. Square tube because it was easier to weld onto the round auger center tube, compared to welding on a round tube section. Once you have this in place, when you eventually DO get the auger stuck, SHUT OFF THE TRACTOR, slip the PTO into neutral so it can be turned, slide your shovel handle thru the welded-on tube section, and turn the bit out of the earth backwards. This works so slick I can't believe the manufacturers are not putting this feature on at the factory. There, you owe me a beer.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I know you will likely stick the auger again so here is my way of getting out a stuck auger. Dont try to turn the auger unless you have a mighty big wrench. I find it easier to turn the PTO shaft opposite direction to screw the auger out of the ground. It takes more turns but the PTO turn easy. I would never try to dig one out, way too much work.
All other advice is spot on, low RPM, raise the auger to clean out the hole frequently. You can even stop the auger to pull it out if you worry about wobbling out the hole. When using a ground man, I like to have the spoils scraped back away from the hole before removing the auger to keep more dirt from falling back in.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I have a 4' pipe wrench I have had for years, out of 1000's of holes I have used it once.