Posthole Digger Post Hole Digger Tilt

[Lykele]

First let me say that I am what you would refer to as a "Gentlemen Farmer". We have horses, wood fencing, outdoor sand arena, wood barn and 14 acres. So I do use my John Deere 3520 many times to help, but nothing to the extent many of you are using your tractor.

Question - When my post hole digger begins entering the ground it will always tilt left or right. Needless the say the hole has the same angle. The only way to correct this problem is to tie a rope to the boom and someone pulls the boom to counteract the tilt. And shes getting tired of doing that!

It's my opinion that it is tilting because of a half inch "play" where the boom attaches to the A-frame. The attached photo might explain what I am looking at. I am tempted to put some washers in that space to force the boom to maintain a straighter angle. But, then again, maybe this spacing is necessary. I really don't know.

Would anyone be good enough to offer some suggestions.

Thanks. Jim

 

[MtnViewRanch]

You can adjust that left and right tilt out of it by adjusting the lift arm on the right side of your 3pt hitch. And that adjustment is even easier if you have a hydraulic tilt cylinder.

 

[sandman2234]

I am NOT AN EXPERT, not even close, but I did stay at a motel one time, so maybe you can take this with a grain of salt.
I noticed when I was trying to put in the few fence posts with a digger, that my tendency was to want to try and use the weight of the attachment to help force the cutter into the ground, which caused the durn thing to drill holes any way it wanted. If I just set it on the ground and let it dig it's way into the ground, it seemed to do a much better job of staying straight. Give it a try and see if that helps.
David from jax

 

[Altex]

Brian is right, one of the Lift Arms should be adjustable. For Example, if you're on a sideways slope you can compensate to make a straight hole.

But if there's too much play, I would also try to put some washers in there like you said. No matter if you're drilling at an angle or straight it needs to be consistant without too much play. Then, you can figure out how to change the ange.

What's the make and model of your PHD? Some come with an optional Downforce Hydraulic Attachment Kit. The extra spacing in there might compensate for this kit. And, maybe they didn't provide washers or bushings in case you don't have the kit.

 

[Altex]

Here's a good video for operating a PHD. At 1:45 (min/Sec) into the video, he describes/shows the side link to make up for an angle.

Leinbach Post Hole Digger Demo

 

[Lykele]

Well I appreciate the input.

The post hole digger is one from TSC, but does the job for me. I understand what you are saying about the adjustment of side link. Only problem is I can never tell if it is going to tilt left or right until it hits the ground. Almost as if the torque of digging into the ground shifts that 1/2" spacing one way or the other.

Since I don't have other post hole diggers to compare to can you tell me does your connection have a space of a 1/2"? I'm surprised the connection between the boom and A-frame doesn't fit like a glove. Why the extra "slop"

Thanks.

Jim

 

[Thumper & Buttercup]

The company Everything Attachments on e-bay has a video, they show you putting down the auger and just starting the hole and then move the tractor to straighten up the angle of the auger to the ground, then go for it.


Sorry I reread your post and see it's a left to right thing you have going.

 

[kennyd]

Try the washers, equal number on both sides-It's a cheap and easy thing to try and will do no harm...

 

[irwin]

Try the washers, equal number on both sides-It's a cheap and easy thing to try and will do no harm...

I'm with Kenny, a few washers are a cheap test. .. also, I suspect that's too much play there anyway.

 

[Johndeere3720]

I've always used skidsteer augers and never had a problem. washers are a great, cheap way to fix the problem.