Posthole Digger Post hole digger capacities

jeffgreef · Jul 21, 2009

Thanks for the great advice on my other post.

How are post hole diggers rated in terms of size, capability, durability?

Muhammad's tractor buying guide tells us that any size tractor will handle a post hole digger, but there must be limitations on auger diameter based on horsepower and soil type.

Also, there must be cheaper, light units and heavy, larger units. Does size of shear pin/bolt tell you capacity/capability? Size of gearbox? Size of axles/universals? How do tell when the used unit you are looking at is worn out? Is rebuilding a funky one practical?

I will need to bore 12 inch and 6 inch holes, 3-4 feet deep in loamy but somewhat rocky soil. I plan to get a 20-24 hp tractor with 3 point hitch, and post hole digger attached on the 3 pt, rather than hydro.

Thanks

JG

MtnViewRanch · Jul 21, 2009

Manufacturers will have a few different sizes. Usually have numbers or something to indicate sizing. Look at Land Pride as an example.Land Pride Post*Hole Diggers

As far as rebuilding them, all depends on what is wrong. U joints, yes,replace. Gear box, would depend on just what was wrong and if parts were available.

Bigger units usually have a lower gear ratio than the medium and smaller sized units. Shear bolts could be a way of seeing how tough a unit is I suppose. I know that some use a grade 2, 3/8" bolt, others may use 2 bolts instead of just one. Mine for example is a Land Pride PD35, Biggest PTO unit Land Pride makes. It uses 2 grade 5, 1/2" bolts for shear. It will turn a 24" auger. I think that some of the smaller units are only good for 12" augers.

Anyway, I hope that some of this helps, be sure to look at the LP website, you can learn a lot from it.

cowboy357 · Jul 21, 2009

I bought an almost new leinbach 7300 (I believe was the model #) post hole digger , came with 3 bits , 4-9-& 12 inch . I gave 500 bucks for it off of craigslist . Put down all my posts , 150 or so & sold it for the same price i bought it for last week. Worked like a charm & in my case cheaper then renting.

But I have no rocks, But it zipped right through tree roots with very little trouble. I cant say its the right one for You, but it worked great for me. Best of luck however you decide to go . Bob

mkeith54 · Jul 21, 2009

Have you looked into the Danuser brand diggers? they are on-line, make a great product, and most importantly I can't tear one up... And that is saying something.