Posthole Digger PHD for JD2520

[MtnViewRanch]

Thanks for your input guys. I am putting in a 4 ft high post and rail fence ( 6" posts). I think that I would like to get a phd, but the thought of getting it stuck in the ground seems to be very frustrating. I also find it frustrating when I bought the tractor for these jobs, and I am told to rent. I will have a tough time explaining it to my wife why we just spent 16K and still rented equiptment. I do hope that building my house on a christmas tree farm will mean that it is pretty good soil. The more opinions the better. Thanks again guys.

Now this might not work for you, although I don't know why not, but while you are using a phd raise the auger up about 6" every 6" it digs down after it is down about 12". Does this make sense? Anyway do this until you have reached the depth that you want. I do this often and like some of the other posters, have never had an auger stuck.

One other thing, a lot of guys have good luck with the inexpensive phds, but you do get what you pay for and if you want as few problems as possible spend the $$$$ for a better phd and auger.

Just my experience, hope that it helps you.

 

[Timber]

My feeling on implements is if it has a gear box buy a top brand, If it is a non mechanical buy anything that fits the bill.My PHD is one of my most important implements. Not that I use it all the time but when I need it it will spend weeks on my tractor. there is a way to use it and every hole is different, you have got to clear the hole as you drill. If you sink the drill and let the hole fill in on top of it what do you think is going to happen. The other thing about storing and mounting is no more hassle than any other implement. In fact I find it one of the easiest to store and mount. It takes up no room at all in my shop.

 

[mjncad]

Maybe if you would have had your phd on a stand you would not have fought it so much. By selling your phd you now have taken away the convenience of being able to go and drill just a few holes when needed. My guess is that in your situation you don't need that convenience. I have found that renting equipment is inconvenient and costly. Renting can be a real problem if needed on spur of the moment type of conditions. We each do what works best for us. Oh, unless I'm having a bad day, I can have my phd hooked up and ready to use in about 5 minutes.

I bought Bush Hog's optional parking stands for it, which placed the 3PH connections at the right height for hook up. I just found it a pain to connect, use and disconnect as I had to remove my quick hitch, then the top link, then fight with the thing to hook it up. Of course the projects I bought it for didn't materialize as I had expected. In my case, renting would have been far cheaper than buying the PHD. I had a 12" auger by the way. Anyway I'm glad it's gone.

 

[pkav32]

Thanks for everyones help. I think that I am going to go with either a land pride or a frontier PHD. will just take it slow.

 

[pkav32]

Does anyone recall what they paid for thier Land Pride PHD.

 

[JiminGa]

Thanks JiminGa,
I like definitive answers. What size auger do you recomend. I was thinking about a 9" like Timber recommended. Jimgerkgen mentioneed smaller augers jam up with rocks that a 12" auger will dig up, maybe it is wiser to go bigger. Of course this is a motto here at tbn, always bigger when you can.
thanks again.

I would think a 9" hole would be hard to get a packing stick in, I like 12" better, also a larger one may be of use if your mrs. has lots of potted plants for you to install.

 

[Timber]

I love the 9 inch but a 12 will be OK too. I have a lot of experience digging post holes so i am good at locating them and dealing with obstructions. My reasons for a 9 are I like hole integrity. If I need to open it that is very easy. Much is personal as what you want to work with. My feeling is the bigger the auger the bigger chance of caching something on the way down

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Does anyone recall what they paid for thier Land Pride PHD.

Land Pride PD35 $1495

Land Pride augers 6", 9", 12", 18", and a 24" tree auger $1676

Land Pride hydraulic down pressure kit $500

 

[Timber]

I think it was like 11 hundred

 

[pkav32]

Has anyone used a phd with the iMatch system, or Pat's easy change. I planned on getting the iMatch. Just curious.