Posthole Digger phd & tree roots

[ctgoldwing]

While waiting for delivery of my tlb I have decided on 2 must do projects that are at the top of the list. The first is getting a couple of truckloads of gravel delivered & trimming the driveway. I am looking for a box blade for that job.

The second and actually more important to me is putting up fencing for my dogs. I want to run the fence into the woods after I clear out the brush / sapplings. I am looking for a phd for that job as there will probably be 50-60 posts to plant. As I'm searching for the phd it dawned on me - what happens when an auger twists around a big root? After all there are some pretty big trees I'll be near - 24-36" diameters.

So what happens? There is no reverse as far as I know. . . How do you get the auger out?

 

[LBrown59]

While waiting for delivery of my tlb I have decided on 2 must do projects that are at the top of the list. The first is getting a couple of truckloads of gravel delivered & trimming the driveway. I am looking for a box blade for that job.

The second and actually more important to me is putting up fencing for my dogs. I want to run the fence into the woods after I clear out the brush / sapplings. I am looking for a phd for that job as there will probably be 50-60 posts to plant. As I'm searching for the phd it dawned on me - what happens when an auger twists around a big root? After all there are some pretty big trees I'll be near - 24-36" diameters.

So what happens? There is no reverse as far as I know. . .* How do you get the auger out?

With a back hoe.

 

[J_J]

Purchase a good hydraulic auger. Will turn whichever way you want.

 

[E/S]

I wouldn't use a auger any bigger than 9".
It will save you a lot of work drilling the hole and backfilling the post.
It will also greatly reduce the root problems you will have with bigger augers.

 

[ctgoldwing]

Thanks for the quick responses guys.

well my plan was to use a 6 inch auger. are you saying that there won't be an issue with an auger that size?

J J this is pretty much a one time deal for me with a phd (that I can think of). I may plant some poles for birdfeeders after but that's about it.

I ordered by bh with a 16 inch bucket. now I may be no expert but that sounds like a bit of overkill for a 4 X 4 post

 

[LBrown59]

With only that many post. Why not just rent a PHD or hire them done.

Thanks for the quick responses guys.

well my plan was to use a 6 inch auger. are you saying that there won't be an issue with an auger that size?

J J this is pretty much a one time deal for me with a phd (that I can think of). I may plant some poles for birdfeeders after but that's about it.

I ordered by bh with a 16 inch bucket. now I may be no expert but that sounds like a bit of overkill for a 4 X 4 post

 

[tree farmer]

I've wound up my PHD in roots several times near large trees. After digging and cutting it out a couple times, my old (and experienced) neighbor came over, unbolted the stuck auger and turned it out backwards with a big pipe wrench. "Work smarter, not harder" were his departing words....Dan.

 

[ctgoldwing]

I've wound up my PHD in roots several times near large trees. After digging and cutting it out a couple times, my old (and experienced) neighbor came over, unbolted the stuck auger and turned it out backwards with a big pipe wrench. "Work smarter, not harder" were his departing words....Dan.

lol!

works for me!

 

[thavil]

I've wound up my PHD in roots several times near large trees. After digging and cutting it out a couple times, my old (and experienced) neighbor came over, unbolted the stuck auger and turned it out backwards with a big pipe wrench. "Work smarter, not harder" were his departing words....Dan.

I second the big pipe wrench trick. Had to do this three times while digging 40 holes up against a tree line. Word of caution when using this method, make sure you body is positioned to not hurt yourself while turning the stuck auger. The stuck auger may be positioned very low to the ground when it gets stuck and I actually popped a rib out of place while turning the auger.

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree with LB on this rent one. I would have to say that the phd is the first item I purchased when getting back into tractors about 1996, it is without a doubt the implement I use the least.


Steve