post hole digger in rocky ground

FamilyFarm · May 23, 2006

I am in the process of purchasing a larger tractor and part of my future fun list includes post holes. The ground here in the Missouri Ozarks is often mostly rock. My BX22 backhoe will break through it and dig, but what a chore compared to the ground we had in southern Arkansas where I lived and used the BX for 3 years.
Will a PHD digger manage the rocks ok? Will I need a special auger? Any help is greatly appreciated!!
Terry

FamilyFarm · May 23, 2006

I am in the process of purchasing a larger tractor and part of my future fun list includes post holes. The ground here in the Missouri Ozarks is often mostly rock. My BX22 backhoe will break through it and dig, but what a chore compared to the ground we had in southern Arkansas where I lived and used the BX for 3 years.
Will a PHD digger manage the rocks ok? Will I need a special auger? Any help is greatly appreciated!!
Terry

QRTRHRS · May 23, 2006

Your standard run of the mill 3pt auger that only has it's own weight for down pressure will not work well. It will simply bounce on the rocks. I have seen threads here about a company name Belltec. They make an auger that may do a better job.

My preference is a pounded post. Posts set in holes require intensive tamping and are never as solid as a pounded post. You would be surprised to see how well a post can be pounded in hard ground. Perhaps your ground is simply too hard or maybe you might have to wait until a wet period to do the work. IMHO, it would be worth investigating.

QRTRHRS · May 23, 2006

Your standard run of the mill 3pt auger that only has it's own weight for down pressure will not work well. It will simply bounce on the rocks. I have seen threads here about a company name Belltec. They make an auger that may do a better job.

My preference is a pounded post. Posts set in holes require intensive tamping and are never as solid as a pounded post. You would be surprised to see how well a post can be pounded in hard ground. Perhaps your ground is simply too hard or maybe you might have to wait until a wet period to do the work. IMHO, it would be worth investigating.

JerryG · May 23, 2006

I may have the same type of stuff that is passed off for soil as you do. You need an auger with good sharp teeth and weight or a down pressure kit. It almost has to be done when the soil has a high level of mositure in it also.

JerryG · May 23, 2006

I may have the same type of stuff that is passed off for soil as you do. You need an auger with good sharp teeth and weight or a down pressure kit. It almost has to be done when the soil has a high level of mositure in it also.

FamilyFarm · May 23, 2006

If you are in Northwest Arkansas, I'm sure the ground in similar. We lived in Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers over a period of about 14 years. We are now about 30 miles northwest of Branson after spending a few years in hot, muggy south Arkansas taking care of family with health problems.
For the rocky ground, will it be best to have a PHD with radial pin clutch or shear bolt? Any idea how much a down pressure kit adds to the cost? What does the kit consist of? Is it something hydraulically operated - requiring a remote? Will I need some type of special, more durable auger/teeth, or just make sure it is sharp? Sorry for so many questions, but I have not used a PHD before. If I get one added to a new tractor deal, I want to get what I really need. If it is going to be too expensive, maybe I should check into rental units, or hire out the job to someone else.
Terry

FamilyFarm · May 23, 2006

If you are in Northwest Arkansas, I'm sure the ground in similar. We lived in Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers over a period of about 14 years. We are now about 30 miles northwest of Branson after spending a few years in hot, muggy south Arkansas taking care of family with health problems.
For the rocky ground, will it be best to have a PHD with radial pin clutch or shear bolt? Any idea how much a down pressure kit adds to the cost? What does the kit consist of? Is it something hydraulically operated - requiring a remote? Will I need some type of special, more durable auger/teeth, or just make sure it is sharp? Sorry for so many questions, but I have not used a PHD before. If I get one added to a new tractor deal, I want to get what I really need. If it is going to be too expensive, maybe I should check into rental units, or hire out the job to someone else.
Terry

JerryG · May 23, 2006

The last I heard about the price for a kit was around $500. I don't know how accurate that number was. A down pressure system could be home made for a lot less. They are operated by hydraulics. A remote on the tractor would be needed. I have a shear pin unit, but have no problem with the pins breaking. For a rotary cutter, I would not be without a slip clutch, but for auger it is different IMO. As far as the teeth go, there are several different styles that are said to work well. I have what is called a bear claw tooth set, but don't really think that it is anything special.

JerryG · May 23, 2006

The last I heard about the price for a kit was around $500. I don't know how accurate that number was. A down pressure system could be home made for a lot less. They are operated by hydraulics. A remote on the tractor would be needed. I have a shear pin unit, but have no problem with the pins breaking. For a rotary cutter, I would not be without a slip clutch, but for auger it is different IMO. As far as the teeth go, there are several different styles that are said to work well. I have what is called a bear claw tooth set, but don't really think that it is anything special.