PHD handle

[jbs]

Hi guys and gals,

I need some opinons from the PHD experts. I have looked at several models and some have"steering" handles,some do not. The small dealer I usually try to buy from said his last couple of shipments have come with no handles and a new housing omiting a place to put one( sorry cant remember the brand) Are handles being phased out? How important is this feature, can one man guide it in place from the tractor seat? I have a real healthy respect for a rotating PTO and auger. Thanks again guys

 

[MikePA]

I assume you mean the long tube that runs from the power head towards the tractor? My Leinbach has a handle and the only time I use it is to stop the auger from swinging as I back over the place where I'm going to dig. You can accomplish the same thing by lowering the PHD until it just touches the ground and it will stop swinging. The problem I've had is the set screw that holds the handle in place can loosen. This usually results in the handle sliding forward and under the 'arch'. The handle also sticks out the back of the power head and is something you have to watch out for when you walk behind the power head. All in all, I wouldn't pay for the handle and I wouldn't be disappointed if it weren't there.

 

[Mosey]

I have a Leinbach with no handle and don't see a need for one. The digger is balanced so it will self-level.

 

[MikePA]

Danny, what do you do to stop the swinging of the auger?

 

[Mosey]

Mike - I just drop it until it hits the ground, then pick it up a little to let it level itself. I try to time it so it's about level when it hits the ground, then it won't start swinging too much again when I pick it up to let it level out. I guess I can see where the handle would be handy for that, but I get by fine without it. Based on your other post "Auger Technique", I haven't done nearly as much as you have, so if I did use it more I might wish I had the handle!

 

[MikePA]

Danny,

That's the same procedure I follow when I don't have the handle. Frankly, the handle is not much of a benefit, plus my wife darn near walked right into the handle, head on! /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif We were walking up to the tractor from directly behind it. The handle was sticking out the back pf the PHD. With a black handle and the black background of the seat back, the handle kind of 'disappeared' and she almost hit it.

On a related topic, I have the 3ph lowering/raising speed set to turtle, yet the slightest movement of the 3ph level results in a very jerky and sudden movement of the PHD. Does this happen to you?

 

[Mosey]

Sorry Mike, but I just don't remember right now. I haven't used it in quite a while. I bought it primarily to plant trees and planted some in early May and haven't used it since. I'll be doing some more this fall. I also bought it to build a pole barn this year and another one in a couple of years. I hope to start on the first one within a month. However, if I get a chance I'll try to hook it up and see if it does what you said.

 

[lblair]

Ive drilled lots of holes. My digger has the handel. I use it, but if it didnt have it i wouldnt miss it. I cut about 12"off it anyways. When the digger does swing it could gash your neck or head if ya hit it. You can lower the digger and get it level without one. The last thing the handel did for me was grab my vinyl siding on the house while comming out of a hole. ill probably take it off soon and use it for a wife beater/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif...just kiddin, Heck the deer even like my Post Hole Digger. See the picture Larry