post hole digger rpms

[ugabulldog]

I am about to use a 3 pt post hole digger attachment for the first time, category 1. What rpms should I run at, 540, lower, varies by dirt hardness?

 

[bcp]

Most people seem to use a fast idle. You don't want to screw it into the ground, or get it 10 turns into roots or rocks before you can stop it.

And don't have anyone hang onto it for more weight if it isn't digging very well.

Here's a video, with more to look at on the right side of the page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTZag-ynrJU

Bruce

 

[MtnViewRanch]

What size tractor? I have yet to use anything above an idle. But then my 65pto HP doesn't bog down either. One of these days I need to use my 32hp tractor and see what it takes with it. :scratchchin:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I am about to use a 3 pt post hole digger attachment for the first time, category 1. What rpms should I run at, 540, lower, varies by dirt hardness?

Also, when you dig, down 12", raise 6", down 12", raise 6" as needed. This prevents you from getting stuck. Go slow and actually lower the auger into the ground slowly using the 3pt control lever. Don't just have the auger setting on the ground and put the 3pt lever to full down. That is how you get into trouble.

 

[TomSeller]

As mentioned above, too fast can dig the auger into a big problem if it catches a rock or root. Without the ability to reverse spin the auger as on a hydraulic unit, a stuck bit is a PITA. A deep stuck bit is even more of a PITA. You can dig just fine at about 1 rev/sec. This gives you time to react.

 

[powerscol]

I learned the hard way:shocked: Go at high idle, or where you have the power to dig, and keep you hand on the 3 pt lift lever and foot on the clutch. I got tied into a cottonwood root and before I knew what had happened the tractor was hind end down and front in the air (I was running full 540). What was a real bugger is with lowering the 3pt I still did not get the front end down. Took a big pipe wrench with a long cheater and a neighbor to back the auger out (too bad most tractors don't have a reverse on the PTO). Next time I will go hydraulic that can be reversed but for now I go just above idle . I would rather stall the tractor then go through that again :laughing:

Nope this helps

 

[ugabulldog]

45 hp tractor

 

[MtnViewRanch]

45 hp tractor

Go as described and you should be fine.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

As slow as possible. I find if the tractor stalls I'm probably glad it did. Even at very slow speed it only takes a few seconds to dig a hole. The time digging is minuscule compared to the time lining up the tractor and positioning the digger. If I get stuck or break a shear pin I'm there a whole lot longer.

 

[gwstang]

Slowly! You will get the hang of it very quickly...at least after the first time you have to use a large pipe wrench and a long cheater bar to back that sucker out...it wore me out.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Slowly! You will get the hang of it very quickly...at least after the first time you have to use a large pipe wrench and a long cheater bar to back that sucker out...it wore me out.

If you happen to get a stuck auger(most folks who have a PHD will at some time), rather than trying to turn the auger with a large pipe wrench and a cheater bar, just turn the PTO shaft to reverse the auger. It takes a lot more turning but it is fairly easy to turn with just a pipe wrench or strap wrench. Many times it only takes a round or two to reverse it enough for the tractor to pull it out unless you auger it in to the hilt.

 

[s219]

If you have clay soil there in GA that is anything like ours here in VA, take **VERY** small bites to start. Like maybe 2-3-4" until you get the hang of it. You'll get a feel for it pretty quick. Just mentally prepare yourself for the fact that if the auger gets a good bite into the clay, it's going to head downward like it's on a nonstop mission to h-e-double-L. Saw that happen to a neighbor and it wasn't pretty.

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree with SLOW IDLE if it stalls it is easy to restart the engine. Digging in too deep is the problem.

I sold my three point auger and bought a hydraulic model for the backhoe eliminated my post hole digging issues.

 

[Buggs67]

Most people seem to use a fast idle.
Here's a video, with more to look at on the right side of the page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTZag-ynrJU

Bruce

In that video he seems to just let it dig in. And that soil was easy drilling.

I would do as others here said; down a little then up and back down.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I have been running post hole diggers for many years and I just watch closely. If the auger starts screwing in instead of digging I just lift it a little and then back down. Only had one screw in and that was because I was not paying attention. Ed

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I have been running post hole diggers for many years and I just watch closely. If the auger starts screwing in instead of digging I just lift it a little and then back down. Only had one screw in and that was because I was not paying attention. Ed

Ah, the secret is out, you need to pay attention. Technique is just as important, but ultimately if you don't pay attention, you're going to end up in trouble at some point. :duh:

 

[TomSeller]

I always feel compelled to post about the dangers of post hole diggers, nearly always happening when someone is holding the gearbox or pulling down on it. Usually by getting caught up in the auger itself or PTO shaft. The first guy probably wished he wore his ballroom trousers that day. Serious stuff here.

Jury awards man $4 million to recoup for genital skin-removing accident while on-the-job | AL.com

NIOSH FACE Program: Iowa Case Report 05IA075| CDC/NIOSH

WORKER LOSES BOTH ARMS IN POST-HOLE DIGGER ACCIDENT | Deseret News

 

[C4Ranch]

As others have said, go slow. I have auto throttle advance and control the rpm with my foot peddle.

You will want to speed it up to clean the hole out. Sounds like u have a decent size tractor... 3pt lift force is key to avoid being screwed in... My little b7500 was touch and go.. My current tractor I don't worry too much about it but don't let it go too deep without pulling up..

 

[C4Ranch]

Also, if your 3pt has position control that's a lot easier to control it. Just inch it down and if it starts to grab too much the 3pt corrects by applying lift...

 

[Buggs67]

I've never used a 3pth PHD but my brother and I used a two man hand held one to dig post holes for his deck footings. That was a workout but easier and faster than by hand.