Posthole Digger Post Hole Digger Warning

[some zilch]

Owning a tractor is inherently dangerous; we all know that. Once I got mine I looked at all the implements and wanted them all. After reading this website, I decided that
A) I won't use a post hole digger that much.
B) It's too dangerous

Received a call from a guy a week ago wanting some holes drilled- I explained to him the danger if that implement on a tractor outweighed me wanting one; he understood.
I do appreciate all the advise on this site...

wow, you cant be scared of everything. common sense seems to be lacking sometimes. i would hardly consider a post hole digger dangerous, especially if used correctly, and when compared to soemthing like a flail mower or rotary cutter. stay on the tractor when using it, its not going to jump and get you

 

[skidsteer.ca]

[QUOTE

If I ever need a PHD, I'd spend the extra bucks for a hydraulic-drive PHD that attaches to the FEL bucket. It's in front instead of behind for easier operation and you get downforce from the FEL hydraulics. Sure, you'd pay $2K for that hydraulic PHD rig versus $500 for a 3pt PHD, but that's cheaper than a visit to the ER or worse.[/QUOTE]

I agree. works 10 times better, has down pressure, and reverse if you stick the auger, no broken shear pins, recoup 1/2 the difference if you sell it someday. If your tractor has a QA you could even rent a skidsteer one if you have 8 gpm or more.
Ken

 

[theboman]

ATV. 1997 bought a new 4 wheeler. You could get $50 in free stuff or $100 Savings Bond for taking the ATV Safety Course. I took the course and got the bond in the safe.
The instructor lived on the next to a sub division and hand 1 acre or so and gave the riding lessons. He points at the neighbors back yard and says right there a man go killed on his ATV. He backed it off the pickup, missed a ramp and flipped it and broke his neck. It sure got my attention.

 

[Knight]

It comes down to thinking out the dangers along the way.
Don't take chances.
Another problem with post hole diggers are when using the PHD to replace a post. If you tangle existing barb wire into the auger, you can cause danger in a larger radius around you.
I have heard of a man pulled into the auger by the barb wire.
Just stop and think, work smart not fast.

 

[Scotty370]

No one has mentioned what the holes are for! I can understand, if you running a fenceline with a 6"-8" auger, that would be prime PHD material. This thread really gives me the opportunity to ask something: I'm thinking of building a pole barn/garage. 24x36(?). The build will be on the site of an old barn. Lots and lots of rocks 'fist' sized to 9-10" on the surface. God only knows whats below! What's the chances of getting solid posts set 40-48" deep with a 13" backhoe bucket, if you dig, pour a base pad, stand and brace the posts, and backfill slowly tamping with ,say, a 4x4? Or am I just asking for trouble by disturbing all that original ground? OK! Hijack over! Standing on the Lift-Arms with a PHD spinning? I think not! ~Scotty

 

[MMagis]

What's the chances of getting solid posts set 40-48" deep with a 13" backhoe bucket, if you dig, pour a base pad, stand and brace the posts, and backfill slowly tamping with ,say, a 4x4?

I'm only guessing, but I'd say not good. In theory it could be done, but I have my doubts as to how well they'd be packed in. If you're going that deep, I don't think you really need a concrete base, just my opinion. If you know of any contractors in the area, talk to one of them. They dig plenty of holes, and I can about promise they aren't digging them with a backhoe.

 

[cmharcou]

I have a Kubota and a 3 point post hole digger we use all the time. I sit on the tractor and run the post hole digger and my dad stands behind it and runs the post hole digger. I always watch hands and feet and everything to make sure everyone is out of the way before I turn on the pto. I then keep my hand on the pto the whole time. Its a 2 man job period.

 

[AndyMA]

A PHD isn稚 all that dangerous, certainly no more so than a rotary cutter or anything else with spinning blades. But, if you get off the tractor while it痴 running bad things can happen. I really can稚 envision a situation in that I would get off the tractor with the PHD spinning. I really feel for the family, the son in particular.

Sorry that is an absolutely incorrect statement. It is widely known and taught in Industrial Engineering classes that one of the most deadly devices is any kind of rotating device that grabs a piece of clothing and pulls you in so fast that you don't have a clue what hit you. Rotating devices seem so much safer than cutting or shearing devices so that people tend to let there guard down. Most devices with spinning blades have them under shields or covers.

Andy

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I have a Kubota and a 3 point post hole digger we use all the time. I sit on the tractor and run the post hole digger and my dad stands behind it and runs the post hole digger. I always watch hands and feet and everything to make sure everyone is out of the way before I turn on the pto. I then keep my hand on the pto the whole time. Its a 2 man job period.

I'm sorry, but I don't understand how it is that you and your Dad are operating your 3pt pto PHD. How does your Dad stand behind the PHD and operate it? What is it that he is doing to be able to run it? Please explain, I think that I'm missing something here.

 

[MMagis]

Sorry that is an absolutely incorrect statement. It is widely known and taught in Industrial Engineering classes that one of the most deadly devices is any kind of rotating device that grabs a piece of clothing and pulls you in so fast that you don't have a clue what hit you. Rotating devices seem so much safer than cutting or shearing devices so that people tend to let there guard down. Most devices with spinning blades have them under shields or covers.

Andy

Just because people are more careless around certain pieces of equipment doesn't make them more dangerous. I operate a PHD by myself, never leaving the seat with the PTO running. There's just not much that can go wrong. The most dangerous thing about a PHD is hooking the darn thing up.