Finally used the PHD and what a tool. I dug 19 holes in apx. 90 mins. Granted I had some help from the neighbors. The testosterone was at very high levels in my yard today. I think they were as excited as I was. The 12" auger didn't phase the old bx-22 at all. I probably broke 4 shear bolts total, and three were more my fault than anything. (Too much too fast). All in all the tractor supply/speeco PHD gets an "A".
Posthole Digger Post Hole Digger - BX-22
- Thread starter JoeBX22
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wisconsinguy
Silver Member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2003
- Messages
- 115
- Tractor
- JD 2210
hi Joe
Looks like the hard part of the deck is done. Since TSC had the Speeco PHD on sale last week I picked one up for my 2210, haven't used it much but fits the 2210 fine too. For 300 bucks it seems like a pretty well made PHD, I'm sure some of the more expensive ones are probable a lot heavier duty, but for the small tractors it seems like a pretty good deal. It will probably be a few more weeks before I start on the deck and get to give it a good try, but I did drill a couple holes just to try it and was surprised that at idle it just sunk em right in, thought it would talk a bit more power then that,
later
Phil
Looks like the hard part of the deck is done. Since TSC had the Speeco PHD on sale last week I picked one up for my 2210, haven't used it much but fits the 2210 fine too. For 300 bucks it seems like a pretty well made PHD, I'm sure some of the more expensive ones are probable a lot heavier duty, but for the small tractors it seems like a pretty good deal. It will probably be a few more weeks before I start on the deck and get to give it a good try, but I did drill a couple holes just to try it and was surprised that at idle it just sunk em right in, thought it would talk a bit more power then that,
later
Phil
Henro
Elite Member
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- Jul 4, 2003
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- 4,982
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- Few miles north of Pgh, PA
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- Kubota B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini EX
Joe,
Used a post hole digger myself for the first time this summer. Like you [I assume... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ] I was simply grinnin' ear to ear knowing how hard it would have been to do that work by hand... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
When I looked at that picture of the guys by the auger...I could not help but hope they were not that close when it was in operation!
Lot of torque there at the pto shaft and more at the auger...as you know...
Glad to see you are getting good use out of the bx. Tractors are wonderful tools, arn't they? Don't know how I did without one for so long...
Used a post hole digger myself for the first time this summer. Like you [I assume... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ] I was simply grinnin' ear to ear knowing how hard it would have been to do that work by hand... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
When I looked at that picture of the guys by the auger...I could not help but hope they were not that close when it was in operation!
Lot of torque there at the pto shaft and more at the auger...as you know...
Glad to see you are getting good use out of the bx. Tractors are wonderful tools, arn't they? Don't know how I did without one for so long...
kubotasaurus
Member
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2003
- Messages
- 47
I have the same Post Hole Digger on my BX2200. I shortened the auger instead of drilling another hole in the boom though. It was easier with the tools I have. I may add another hole in the boom in future though if I consider buying another auger.
I have put in over 300 holes so far with mine. Have had no problems with the digger - I have not even seen any perceptible change in the level of oil in the gearbox. Seems to be well made.
Just a couple of complaints. One is that it needs some more weight. I often end up having to jump off the tractor so I can bust up some hard clay with the digging bar before it will get going again. Sometimes it's enough to just lean out the back of the BX and lean on the boom pole while holding on to the ROPS (I'll get a lecture for that).
The other complaint is that I go through auger teeth quick. These are the bolt on teeth on the end of each flite of the auger. I had to grind off the bolts on the first set they were so worn down. I am on my fourth set of teeth right now - they don't seem to be hard steel. I am considering making my own out of old mower blades. The new ones are $13 a pop and took forever to find at my TSC (they were with the 3 point hitch parts and not with the augers).
I have been through a couple dozen shear bolts also - but that just tells you how hard and rocky my land is. Oh yes - and I have had to use my 18" pipe wrench a few times to back out the auger when the shear bolt has busted at the bottom of a hole. Usually because the auger has caught on a rock in the side of the hole and screwed itself down hard so it can't be lifted straight out - only unscrewed. The BX will pull a wheelie when you try to just lift the auger out when it's stuck. Watch out for that - it'll give you a surprise when it first happens.
I haven't broken the BX or the post hole digger yet though despite all the abuse. So I guess I can't really complain. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I have put in over 300 holes so far with mine. Have had no problems with the digger - I have not even seen any perceptible change in the level of oil in the gearbox. Seems to be well made.
Just a couple of complaints. One is that it needs some more weight. I often end up having to jump off the tractor so I can bust up some hard clay with the digging bar before it will get going again. Sometimes it's enough to just lean out the back of the BX and lean on the boom pole while holding on to the ROPS (I'll get a lecture for that).
The other complaint is that I go through auger teeth quick. These are the bolt on teeth on the end of each flite of the auger. I had to grind off the bolts on the first set they were so worn down. I am on my fourth set of teeth right now - they don't seem to be hard steel. I am considering making my own out of old mower blades. The new ones are $13 a pop and took forever to find at my TSC (they were with the 3 point hitch parts and not with the augers).
I have been through a couple dozen shear bolts also - but that just tells you how hard and rocky my land is. Oh yes - and I have had to use my 18" pipe wrench a few times to back out the auger when the shear bolt has busted at the bottom of a hole. Usually because the auger has caught on a rock in the side of the hole and screwed itself down hard so it can't be lifted straight out - only unscrewed. The BX will pull a wheelie when you try to just lift the auger out when it's stuck. Watch out for that - it'll give you a surprise when it first happens.
I haven't broken the BX or the post hole digger yet though despite all the abuse. So I guess I can't really complain. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Phil,
I was also surprised at how low I could run the rpms and not have it bog down. Like you said a heavier unit would probably run without as much shake but I'm quite pleased. I lifted the unit up a bit and goosed the rpm at the same time and it really cleared the hole out nicely. Beats the old manual post hole digger or two man style for sure. There were a couple of 6-8 inch rocks that would have threw anyone for a loop when the PHD hits them. Good luck with the deck. I'll post some pics of the progress ie..piers, beams,joists etc...
Joe
I was also surprised at how low I could run the rpms and not have it bog down. Like you said a heavier unit would probably run without as much shake but I'm quite pleased. I lifted the unit up a bit and goosed the rpm at the same time and it really cleared the hole out nicely. Beats the old manual post hole digger or two man style for sure. There were a couple of 6-8 inch rocks that would have threw anyone for a loop when the PHD hits them. Good luck with the deck. I'll post some pics of the progress ie..piers, beams,joists etc...
Joe
K-Saurus,
That's a lot of holes. Sounds like the unit itself and the tractor are doing you justice.
I noticed the lighter weight as well. Although I have heavy clay, the auger ate right in without hesitation. Now the bit itself is brand new. That may change as you say with wear on the teeth.
Good kuck with the rest of your project. I'll keep you posted on the deck with some pictures. Take care.
Joe
That's a lot of holes. Sounds like the unit itself and the tractor are doing you justice.
I noticed the lighter weight as well. Although I have heavy clay, the auger ate right in without hesitation. Now the bit itself is brand new. That may change as you say with wear on the teeth.
Good kuck with the rest of your project. I'll keep you posted on the deck with some pictures. Take care.
Joe
dmartin88
Gold Member
Thanks to you and others for sharing their experience. I'm looking to puchase what I believe is the same PHD from my local Tractor Supply, regular price is $349 without an auger.
Was the hole you drilled in the boom a requirement to use the PHD on the BX22? Just trying to understand-- it would probably be more clear to me if already had the PHD but just wanting to understand a bit more so I can be ready to go and know what needs to be changed? A picture would be great if you had one?
I'm looking at a 9" auger to start, will mainly be digging a lot of shallow holes for plants we're going to put in once we get the pond completed (if we get the pond completed).
Thanks again, glad to hear the unit is working out.
Was the hole you drilled in the boom a requirement to use the PHD on the BX22? Just trying to understand-- it would probably be more clear to me if already had the PHD but just wanting to understand a bit more so I can be ready to go and know what needs to be changed? A picture would be great if you had one?
I'm looking at a 9" auger to start, will mainly be digging a lot of shallow holes for plants we're going to put in once we get the pond completed (if we get the pond completed).
Thanks again, glad to hear the unit is working out.
Henro
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2003
- Messages
- 4,982
- Location
- Few miles north of Pgh, PA
- Tractor
- Kubota B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini EX
I second dmartin88's request for a photo!
Now that I have a bx2200, and a post hole digger that I use with the larger tractor, I would like to see how you got yours to work with the BX...
Hope it's possible and not too much trouble... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Now that I have a bx2200, and a post hole digger that I use with the larger tractor, I would like to see how you got yours to work with the BX...
Hope it's possible and not too much trouble... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
