Post hole digger / auger question

[coolbrze]

A friend of mine has an auger / post hole digger for his 35hp tractor. Can I run it on my 60 Hp tractor or will that damage the auger since I'm assuming they're rated for different HPs?

 

[Professor Marvel]

pretty sure they mean AT LEAST x HP when they note HP to make sure the tractor can handle it

 

[Tractorable]

Worst that can happen is you break a shear pin, or get it stuck in the ground. Bring a big pipe wrench with a long extension in case you need to reverse it out.

 

[coolbrze]

Thanks fellas from the Old Dominion!

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Just remember, you don't need a lot of horse power for digging holes...I run mine (12" auger) just above idle and it does great. BobG in VA

 

[MH8675309]

BobG is absolutely right. Keep your machine throttled down and go slow into the hole. I always start the hole with a hand post hole digger to keep the auger from wandering and to keep the holes reasonably in a straight line. After a few holes youll figure out what you should and shouldnt do.

 

[kspring61]

Just remember, you don't need a lot of horse power for digging holes...I run mine (12" auger) just above idle and it does great. BobG in VA

Yep, Bob is exactly right, slow and steady is the best method for digging holes with a PHD

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm not a fan of running my auger at idle. There isn't as much power in the hydraulics to lift it out and clean the hole. I'm at 1,200 to 1,500 when I drill my holes, and sometimes I will step on the gas pedal to get even more RPMS for additional hydraulic power when needed.

 

[gsganzer]

Here's what I use to clean out my holes after I auger them. It doesn't seem to matter what RPM I run, the auger never completely clears the hole of all the loose stuff. I gave up on those crappy clamshell diggers years ago.

Boston Digger

 

[3Lfarms]

Great! Another tool I have to buy.