I always have trouble keeping my PHD digging straight holes - they usually aren't vertical enough for my liking. The auger tends to angle to one side as it digs, with the result a hole that is left to right from top to bottom, if that makes sense. Basically the twist of the auger causes a slant. There is very little if any sway in my setup. Anybody had or conquered this problem? Thanks.
keeping PHD vertical
- Thread starter surfster
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Mine tend to angle front to back. I've found that if I move the tractor a smidgen once the auger starts down, the hole stays more vertical.
Right now I'm digging 9" holes for 4x4 posts, and soon will move to 2 3/8 steel pipe, so I have plenty of concrete around it--I don't care if the hole angles a little--don't matter.
Ron
Right now I'm digging 9" holes for 4x4 posts, and soon will move to 2 3/8 steel pipe, so I have plenty of concrete around it--I don't care if the hole angles a little--don't matter.
Ron
ksmmoto
Gold Member
I bolted a two way level on the guard for mine. I can see it from the seat and I move the tractor forward or back as it goes down.
ksmmoto
ksmmoto
beenthere
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Do you have a pic of the level? Would like to see how you mounted it. Thanks.
RonMar
Elite Member
Well depending on how the boom is attached to the tractor and the gearbox to the boom. If there is any slop in those joints, particularly if your boom attaches to the toplink pin, that will allow the auger to fall off to left and right. It could be a combination of little movements through out your 3PH that allows the boom to swing off to the side. You could try stacking large washers at all the pin attach points on the 3PH and auger boom. Use as many washers as you can and still get the lynch pins in place. This may tighten up these joints and help keep things in line.
As mentioned, the angle problem is usually front to back as the boom drops, it moves the auger gearbox further from the rear of the tractor causing the auger to dig in at an angle if not corrected. I use my FEL bucket to move the tractor as the auger digs in. Once I get the auger point on the spot, I put the bucket edge down on the ground at about a 45 degree angle. With the tractor in neutral, I start the auger and let it start to dig in. As it digs in, I dump the bucket slowly and this drags the tractor forward to keep the auger vertical as it digs it's hole.
As mentioned, the angle problem is usually front to back as the boom drops, it moves the auger gearbox further from the rear of the tractor causing the auger to dig in at an angle if not corrected. I use my FEL bucket to move the tractor as the auger digs in. Once I get the auger point on the spot, I put the bucket edge down on the ground at about a 45 degree angle. With the tractor in neutral, I start the auger and let it start to dig in. As it digs in, I dump the bucket slowly and this drags the tractor forward to keep the auger vertical as it digs it's hole.
Freds
Veteran Member
I too don't have the side to side problem, just front to back and corrected it as stated, by inching the tractor up some after the hole is started (depending on how deep I'm drilling).
I plumb my bit up side to side by letting it rest on the spot where I'm digging and then turning the wheels of the tractor, moving the tractor forward or backward slightly, until it is plumb side to side. Then I plumb it front to back and if it starts drifting while digging usually have a good idea how to adjust the tractor.
I plumb my bit up side to side by letting it rest on the spot where I'm digging and then turning the wheels of the tractor, moving the tractor forward or backward slightly, until it is plumb side to side. Then I plumb it front to back and if it starts drifting while digging usually have a good idea how to adjust the tractor.
Justaplain
Gold Member
How about adjusting the lift arms? bcs
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
It's one of those two man, or maybe I should say, two person jobs. I have my girlfriend line me up, than keep an eye on it. Allot of the time the first couple inches will change everything and with her watching, she can catch it, stop me, and re-align it. Once I've got the hole started half a foot, it usualy stays true unless I hit something like a root or rock underground.
I haven't found a good way to do this on my own yet. I do drill them by myself, but they always need adjusting afterwards.
Eddie
I haven't found a good way to do this on my own yet. I do drill them by myself, but they always need adjusting afterwards.
Eddie
3RRL
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I've thought about this for some time and wondered if there was a way to use a plumb bob type device that is mounted to the auger on a collar (free spinning), or to the gear box? You could use something like a mercury switch of some type and a light to indicate perpendicularity to the Earth? Of course, it would still need adjusting while drilling to keep it perpendicular.
The mercury switch could be shaped like a vial (test tube shape) with the contacts...one being at the very bottom and the other a band all around the diameter of the tube with a small space just above the bottom one. If the device is tilted...say more than 5° or so, the mercury would make the connection and a light would go on to warn you. When perpendicular, the mercury would settle into the bottom, not touching the other band and break the connection...just a thought? Maybe one of you electronic whizzes can make one up for me?
If you do invent one, remember this is my copyright posting and you can share the millions with me...Ha ha. Or at least make one for me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
The mercury switch could be shaped like a vial (test tube shape) with the contacts...one being at the very bottom and the other a band all around the diameter of the tube with a small space just above the bottom one. If the device is tilted...say more than 5° or so, the mercury would make the connection and a light would go on to warn you. When perpendicular, the mercury would settle into the bottom, not touching the other band and break the connection...just a thought? Maybe one of you electronic whizzes can make one up for me?
If you do invent one, remember this is my copyright posting and you can share the millions with me...Ha ha. Or at least make one for me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
beenthere
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For getting started, I usually take a spoon shovel and dig a divot out where I want the hole to be. Then the first couple turns of the auger don't 'walk' away from the intended spot for the hole. Works especially well when there is heavy sod to punch through first.
Anyone around the auger when turning needs to be especially careful to not get twisted up in it or the PTO, or get pinched fingers. Not that you and the girlfriend aren't 'watching' each other, but for those who are a bit new to the PHD game. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Anyone around the auger when turning needs to be especially careful to not get twisted up in it or the PTO, or get pinched fingers. Not that you and the girlfriend aren't 'watching' each other, but for those who are a bit new to the PHD game. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
