Posthole Digger Post Hole Digger Speed?

JohnMC · Sep 30, 2004

I will be using a 12" drill and going into sandy gravel type of soil. Probably about 42" deep. I never used a PHD before and have been told to run it slow. Any particular rpm's to use other then idle speed?

Bob_Skurka · Sep 30, 2004

Try it about 1000 - to - 1200 rpm, you can adjust it up or down from there. But I would hesitate to go much slower than 1000 rpm for fear of lugging down the engine to a point where you won't get proper lubrication to the internal engine components.

I usually start mine fairly slow and then adjust it up as conditions allow. I use 9" and 12" bits, most of my soil is heavy clay.

JerryG · Sep 30, 2004

Like Bob said, keep it slow. One thing that you need to watch out for is to feed the auger down slow. You don't want it to screw into the ground. If it does it is a real job to get out.

Henro · Sep 30, 2004

In addition to what Bob and Jerry said, I usually pull mine up a lot, as it is going down, just to make sure it does not screw itself into the ground. Maybe every foot or so.

You can also stop it in the hole, then lift the 3PH so the auger is out of the ground, then release the clutch, and let the auger spin the dirt off, thereby helping to clean out the hole, and reducing the amount of manual cleaning you need to do in each hole.

Post hole diggers sure do make life easier.

One other thought. KEEP EVERYONE AWAY FROM THE AUGER WHEN IT IS TURNING! Post hole diggers can kill or cripple. Don't forget this...they look so innocent when they are working for you...

JohnMC · Sep 30, 2004

Thanks for the advice. I did plan on pulling it up every now & then to clean the auger off. I sure would hate to get it stuck and break it since it belongs to a friend.

Bob_Skurka · Sep 30, 2004

<font color="red"> One other thought. KEEP EVERYONE AWAY FROM THE AUGER WHEN IT IS TURNING! Post hole diggers can kill or cripple. Don't forget this...they look so innocent when they are working for you... </font>

Well said Henro. I only use mine when I am seated on the tractor and NOBODY is within 50' of the tractor in any direction. It may be overly cautious, but PHDs are killers. Very useful. I love it, but be very careful.

Gatorboy · Sep 30, 2004

<font color="blue"> It may be overly cautious, but PHDs are killers. </font>

What exactly should someone be on the lookout for? I don't see too much danger in running a PHD ... but then again I may not be looking in the right place.

Bob_Skurka · Sep 30, 2004

Every year people get wrapped around the auger bits! Some die, some get limbs torn off or mangled.

Freds · Sep 30, 2004

I'm with you Dave. I apply normal caution, like when running a drill motor or anything that can grab loose clothing and pull it and you in. In other words, no loose clothing around moving parts and keep clear until the auger stops moving and the PTO is disengaged. I've cleared loose dirt from around the edge of the hole and checked depth with the bit suspended above the hole and everything in neutral. Is this bad? Is it possible for the PTO to become engaged if something breaks?
I like to think I'm cautious, but I like to be practical, too. 50' clearance? I just make everybody stand back the length of the tractor and PHD, in case it gets stuck and starts spinning the tractor around in circles.
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