Posthole Digger PHD ?

[Strummer]

There are three model Danuser models that work on a three point hitch. The "Cadillac" model is the F-8. Their web site calls it the "Cadillac" of PHD. The gears and bearings are very large. This model is rated to spin a 30" auger. The Tractor Supply Company model that costs $500 can handle a 12" auger. The forces on a 30" auger are massive compared to a 12" auger. Some of the other manufacturers like Landpride and Bush Hog manufacture PHDs that are rated to 24". The Danuser F8 costs $3500 new. You have to ask yourself what do you really want to do with the post hole digger. I have taken apart a Danuser F8 and the size of the internal components will shock you. Asking what the Danuser will do compared to others is like asking why does the rear end in your 1 ton pickup cost more than the rear end in you old Chevrolet Vega? They both move the vehicle.

That makes sense and answers my question. Thank you .

 

[5030]

For all the holes I bore, my TSC special is peachy and it's 20+ years old, hangs in a tree when not in use and cost me about 2 bills back then. Just used it the other day, greased the U joints, oiled up the coupler, swept off the wasp nests and hooked it up and bored a couple holes for broken fence posts. The day I spend 1200 bucks on a PHD is the day I commit myself to the nut house.

 

[ctgoldwing]

. . . Asking what the Danuser will do compared to others is like asking why does the rear end in your 1 ton pickup cost more than the rear end in you old Chevrolet Vega? They both move the vehicle.

If you are only driving to the grocery store once a week that Vega is going to be more than adequate. I've seen a Danuser drilling a nice hole. Yes, its a very well made tool. For my use, beyond overkill. With my last tractor, an L3400HST, I had a no name, beat up phd that I found on Craigslist. It worked fine for me - drilling over 100 6" holes in the rocky woods here. It sure wasn't pretty and it definitely wasn't a Danuser but it worked.
For my new to me L3800HST I just found a Land Pride PD15 in really good condition. It will be the last phd I buy.

If I needed a really rugged phd and used it constantly then I would probably spring for the big D.

 

[Strummer]

After looking at the PHD now I’m not sure who made it . Had it along time and only name I see is Omni . It’s work fine for what I need. Had drilled 100’s of holes from 9 to 12’ . Was looking for an auger when I noticed the big price gap . If I ever buy another one it will run of my loader and not my 3pt .

 

[Fallon]

After looking at the PHD now I’m not sure who made it . Had it along time and only name I see is Omni . It’s work fine for what I need. Had drilled 100’s of holes from 9 to 12’ . Was looking for an auger when I noticed the big price gap . If I ever buy another one it will run of my loader and not my 3pt .

Ya, I'm sure the Danhuser 3pt is one of the best 3pt PHDs out there. But at that price point you should seriously look as a loader mounted hydraulic one. Downpressure & reverse are nice, along with not blowing out your back hitching it up.

I have the small Danhuser hydraulic one now. 15hp or so tops with my hydraulic flow. So under the 25hp I had on my old 3pt one on a smaller machine. I can feel the less power. But I dig as fast with it due to the other advantages. Its also MUCH nicer to operate.

Omni is a gearbox OEM I believe. Not that there is much else to a PHD. Just a gearbox, frame, PTO shaft & auger. The gearbox is by far the most expensive complex & precision part.

 

[rasorbackq]

Just $$ it out Canadian

DU6000 (G20/40) - $2999.00
DU6800 (J20/80) - $3499.00
DU9050 (F8) - $5299.00
without an auger.
It might be a Cadillac because its priced as one.

 

[Strummer]

Ya, I'm sure the Danhuser 3pt is one of the best 3pt PHDs out there. But at that price point you should seriously look as a loader mounted hydraulic one. Downpressure & reverse are nice, along with not blowing out your back hitching it up.

I have the small Danhuser hydraulic one now. 15hp or so tops with my hydraulic flow. So under the 25hp I had on my old 3pt one on a smaller machine. I can feel the less power. But I dig as fast with it due to the other advantages. Its also MUCH nicer to operate.

Omni is a gearbox OEM I believe. Not that there is much else to a PHD. Just a gearbox, frame, PTO shaft & auger. The gearbox is by far the most expensive complex & precision part.

If for some reason I do buy another on it will be a hydraulic one for my fel

 

[MossyDell]

I'm looking at augers and Danuser is the only one I've come across that offers auger bits for different types of soils. That makes sense to me. Does it?

My tractor is a 25.5 hp Kubota B2601, so compact. Our soil here is tight clay full of shale. I mean all sizes of shale, which is from compressed clay, and then there are shale shelfs. Now nothing I can use will go through a shelf of rock. But I need something to deal with small, medium, and big rocks. Realistically I guess it would wallow them out. Trying to dig footings here, you are not going to have a nice straight trench.

My past experience was with an old PHD and a 33 hp JD970. It did great but our soil was not rocky. I also had a post pounder that worked well.

Here are the choices for Danuser's 20/40 PHD from their web site:

Plain Edge​

For digging in dirt, clay, sod, and other light-duty conditions.

Features:
Available in 40”, 52”, and 72” lengths for PTO diggers, and Models 8300, 8800, and 8900 hydraulic drives.
(click to see available auger bits)

Serrated Edge​

For digging in compact soils, light tree roots, and dry soil.

Features:
Available in 40”, 52”, and 72” lengths for PTO diggers, and Models 8300, 8800, and 8900 hydraulic drives.
(click to see available auger bits)

Hole Digger Head​

For digging in clay, caliche, shale, mixed limestone, frozen ground, and light rock. The most aggressive design offered.

Features:
Available in 40”, 52”, and 72” lengths for PTO diggers, and Models 8300, 8800, and 8900 hydraulic drives.
(click to see available auger bits)

Stepped (plain and serrated edges)​

Stepped tree planting auger for bulb type trees.

Features:
Available in 33” and 40” lengths for PTO diggers, and Models 8300, 8800, and 8900 hydraulic drives.

 

[Fuddy1952]

I've been happy with my Danuser and have the serrated edge. You could call Danuser and ask what's best for you.