Posthole Digger Post hole digger - Hyd vs 3pt pto

[Mark4510]

I was talking to a dealer about a PHD for the 3 point and mentioned I was concerned about not being able to use it in the summer when our clay dries out. I mentioned that one person I knew who had down pressure on his PHD only was getting about 500lbs of pressure which did not seem to make a difference. As a result, the dealer suggested I get this type that bolts to the bucket. http://www.gearmore.com/Dan8200.pdf

My questions for the experts are:
1. Any threads on this subject(I could not find any)?
2. Do I need to be concerned about bucket strength such as bending the side?
3. Any excess torque on the loader arms?
4. It seems similar to the type that WroughtnHarv uses on his skidsteer but are the appropriate for a CUT?
5. General thoughts?

The price without running the Hyd lines to the front seems to be about $300-500 more than the 3pt pto type so if it works well it seems like a reasonable solution for our hard soil.

Thanks in advance for the help.
Mark

 

[keeney]

I would go with one that mounts on the bucket mount, not the bucket itself. Assuming you have a removable bucket.

The pro of hydraulics is: Reversing is easy and feathering the valve may allow better control in some situations.

The cons I can see using hydraulics:

Your hydraulic cooling capacity may be an issue during prolonged, full-power digging.

Efficiency losses in hydraulics may mean less net power to the auger vs. a mechanical drive-train. This may be an issue on smaller HP machine.

- Rick

 

[Mark4510]

Thanks Rick.
I do have a removable bucket so that is an option. I checked into it and, if I understand this correctly, the part to mount it to the loader bracket is an additional $300 which seems a bit steep to me.

Good input on the cooling and the HP. Do you think 39 hp is underpowered for this type of digger?

 

[hazmat]

your tractor is 39HP but your hydraulics don't put out that much. It is a function of PSI & GPM.


HP = pressure*GPM/1714

~2000*10/1714 = 11HP? (use your tractor specs)

Other hydraulic calcs here hydraulic formulas

 

[Mark4510]

Hazmat,
That is helpful. I will go back over the spec sheet for the PHD and my tractor to see what my options are.

It seems like this might be a good option as long as it does not tear up the loader arms with too much torque.

Thanks.....
Mark

 

[gabby]

Hey Mark,

Hard, dry digging eats up your auger point and blades in no time. Planning ahead to dig when you have moisture will save you money and lots of headaches regardless of what type digger you use. If the ground is moist and your point and blades are in good shape you won't even need down pressure most of the time.

Torque on the loader arms won't be a problem because augers don't generate a lot of torque.

Gabby