John Deere Post Hole Digger Update

[ddivinia]

I bought a John Deere PHD 300 - which I guess is a "John Deere" one a number of years ago. I have punched a lot of holes int he ground. Well, I discovered they have a hydraulic down force kit option for it. I got one and it rocks. No more having to climb on top of it, jump and down, pour water in the hole, etc. This sucker gets after digging holes now.

Anybody looking at the PHD300 should consider the hydraulic down force kit. My dealer knew nothing about it, but I had them order me the kit. It is night and day difference in regards to punch holes thru roots, and other nasty stuff.

D.

 

[beenthere]

Sounds great. How about a pic of it? Thanks, we like pics.

 

[ddivinia]

I'll post a pic this evening.

D.

 

[ddivinia]

Here is a pic on my 4520 cab.

 

[beenthere]

Thanks for the pic.
Sure looks like, since the top arm isn't being used, that the hydraulic top arm could be used for that application.
Now, just so it doesn't get the auger stuck in the ground more often.. as it is hard to get back out with no reverse on the PTO.

 

[ddivinia]

Thanks for the pic.
Sure looks like, since the top arm isn't being used, that the hydraulic top arm could be used for that application.
Now, just so it doesn't get the auger stuck in the ground more often.. as it is hard to get back out with no reverse on the PTO.

I am not sure I follow you on the top arm being used part.

I have stuck my auger int he ground a handful of times. I had to change up my ay of digging the holes and listen for the turbo on the engine. When it does get stuck I get my other tractor and use the FEL to pull it out.

D.

 

[beenthere]

I meant the hyd. top arm could possibly replace that hyd. cylinder shown, given the brackets would be made to fit. Replaces the need to buy another hyd. cylinder for the down pressure attachment.
i.e since the top arm apparently is removed, that it be used in the application.

 

[ddivinia]

I meant the hyd. top arm could possibly replace that hyd. cylinder shown, given the brackets would be made to fit. Replaces the need to buy another hyd. cylinder for the down pressure attachment.
i.e since the top arm apparently is removed, that it be used in the application.

Are you saying in a top n tilt configuration?

The front bracket actually pivots against the frame of the post hole digger and that is where the pressure point is.

I suspect a top in tilt might do the trick also.

D.

 

[ddivinia]

I was working on fence today and I have to say that the hydraulic down force kit is a winner. I had some holes that did not want to dig until I kicked in the hydraulic ram. Then it took off. I had to keep the pressure on it to keep it digger. 4 of them were right up against a fence. It would have been very difficult to punch those holes without this addition.

It is high on my list of excellent tools,
D.

 

[jenkinsph]

Darin,

Could you post the part number for the kit? I have a Deere 31B which looks identical to yours, I want one of those suckers too.

 

[ddivinia]

2 different kits (brackets look a tad different).

For the PHD200 - 5BPPHD005
For the PH300 & PHD400 - 5BPPHD002

D.

 

[Duffster]

Is that a Deere digger?

It says "Rotomec USA" on it.

 

[ddivinia]

Is that a Deere digger?

It says "Rotomec USA" on it.

That is an interesting question. It is a Rotomec. It is what JD is selling these days.

John Deere Ag - New Equipment Features for Post Hole Diggers

I guess JD got tired of slapping their labels on it or something.

D.

 

[jenkinsph]

2 different kits (brackets look a tad different).

For the PHD200 - 5BPPHD005
For the PH300 & PHD400 - 5BPPHD002

D.

Thanks I'll check it out.

 

[ddivinia]

Thanks I'll check it oout.

I would have taken some video, but we didn't have enough people. It is amazing how much difference it makes.

The rotomec site has the manual online in PDF format.

D.

 

[AKfish]

My thought's exactly, jenkinsph!

When I looked at the pics - Darin's JD 300 - looked an awful lot like my JD 31B. I wonder if Rotomec has been "making" JD post hole digger's for a number of year's..?

The hyd. down pressure feature looks to be a real sweet addition. Would certainly help to alleviate the tendency for the auger bit to "wander" around (especially when working alone). But, I could envision problems with shear-pins if you got "heavy handed" with the hyd pressure, too!!

Great info - D. Thanks.

AKfish

 

[ddivinia]

My thought's exactly, jenkinsph!

When I looked at the pics - Darin's JD 300 - looked an awful lot like my JD 31B. I wonder if Rotomec has been "making" JD post hole digger's for a number of year's..?

The hyd. down pressure feature looks to be a real sweet addition. Would certainly help to alleviate the tendency for the auger bit to "wander" around (especially when working alone). But, I could envision problems with shear-pins if you got "heavy handed" with the hyd pressure, too!!

Great info - D. Thanks.

AKfish

You are exactly right about wandering. I have found that once I get the tip of the auger where I want it, I put the 3 point all the way down and tension things up with the hydraulics. It helps straighten it up and keep sit from moving around.

I have not broken any sears pins with the kit, but I have without it.

D.

 

[jenkinsph]

I like the idea of being able to have down pressure on the 3pt phd since it may save me the trouble of moving my 110 and planetary auger for a small job. Nice to have choices.