Post hole auger on lawn tractor

[Reverend Blair]

Not a lot of rocks around here, hemiguy. I found that out when I was building my fire pit. The ice age ripped us off, and I had to haul rocks from 50 miles away.

The clay can be brutal though. Like I said before, you get stuck and need a Jack-All to get out. That's with reverse.

 

[mkeith54]

I'm didn't read this whole thread yet so I'm not sure this has been pointed out. That is any compact,sub-compact, or heavy duty L&G tractor PTO driven auger is NOT reversible. IE, if you are drilling deep in very rocky soil there is very good a possibly it could get stuck. I live in upstate NY where the glaciers have left us many, many rocks of all shapes and sizes(and sometimes mixed with clay). I have built a half dozen decks and rented the towable, hydro driven , (and reversible) auger each time. If I did not have reverse, I would have been up a creek without a paddle several times. The other issue with PTO driven, 3 point hitch ones is they have lift but not down pressure so you have a manual lever and your muscles for that. Again, from experience, down pressure would be a big help in compacted clay.

I assume the mini skid attachments are hydro driven (and have reverse) like full size skid steers. That sounds like your best bet as others have said for what you need. I know they are very pricy (over $20K ??)and around here rent for about $200 a day. I guess I would rent one first to make sure it works like you expect and gets the job done and most important helps you make money. Just my two cents.

Not to be augmentative, but, with some early tractors if you jacked up one wheel, put the tranny in reverse the pto would run backwards. My Grandfathers Ferguson TO-30 worked that way along with other tractors of the era. I made a $100 getting a auger out for a guy that didn't believe me. Easiest money I ever made.

 

[Scooby074]

Dingos are quite good. So are the Ditch which's. But these are "pro" class machines with prices to match. Have a look at the DW XT1600, its quite a machine! like a cut, skid steer and excavator in one. I imagine the price would be up there Like 70k http://www.ditchwitch.com/compact-utility/excavator-tool-carrier/XT1600
Some video??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyTFmbiaj70

THe DW zahn's are pretty cool too, ANd they run on wheels which may be less damging that tracks.http://www.ditchwitch.com/compact-utility/zahn/r230-4-wheel-drive

Steiners are available in Canada (their website is pretty crappy and doesnt show canadian dealers correctly), but locally VanOostrums sells them. Maybe try emailing the company directly.

Again, they are pro class machines and arent cheap new. However, used prices, while expensive are more reasonable.
VanOostrum Farm Equipment Search their used listings for prices to give you some idea, if your interested.

http://www.steinerturf.com/products/tractors/430_max/attachments.php?attachment=31

 

[jimmyj]

Where are you Rev? There are Steiner dealers around where I live in Ontario. Easy to find.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Might consider one of these-
NorthStar Earth Auger 9 HP | Auger Powerheads, Bits + Extensions | Northern Tool + Equipment

I've seen smaller ones that hopefully cost less and are more manueverable.

I think Harbor freight has one for less $$. You might check with importers up in the Great White North.