Post Hole Digger

[Altex]

Hey "Jtette", I've got the Brush Hog 2102 also. I like it, but depending on what type of soil you're diggin in (hard dirt/clay), you might want to get the optional "Down Force Hydraulic" attachment (additional 550 lbs.). The force of most PHD's are usually only the weight of the boom + auger and that may not be enough for your needs.

Also, The type of Auger, # of cutting spirals and steepness/angle of the pitch, will make a difference with harder dirt.

Check out this post I started. Alot of good info to consider from others in there:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/137615-brush-hog-post-hole-digger.html

 

[tractorman99]

Leinbach L-8000


YouTube - How to Use a Three Point Hitch Post Hole Digger

 

[munchie]

Good advise to consider shear bolts...especially if you plan to drill in rocky soil like mine, I have a 12 incher that has broken 4 bolts in some holes Sandy soil is a different consideration...and not a shear bolt problem at all.

 

[chh]

I have a Leinbach. Cheapy unit that works ok I guess. Paid about $500 bucks for it new with a 6", 9" and 12" augers. Truthfully any unit without downpressure is not going to work very well in the rocks and hard clay around here. Just bought a Shaver HD-8 post driver and it seems like a much better bet for hard ground, I have but in about 30 6" posts in corners so far and it is working like a champ. If I hadn't bought the Shaver I was going to buy a Rhino PHD with a mount to bolt onto my FEL bucket. The FEL mount I thought would have improved visiblity and would have given more than adequate downpressure.

 

[Sniggle]

I have a speedco (TCS brand) and have just completed 130 holes, banged against rock, pushed through hard clay. I have used both a 6 inch auger and a 12 inch auger with god success. This brand has 1 shear between the gear knuckle and the PTO and 2 shear bolts that hold the auger onto the gear knuckle. I have had a few of single shear bolts snap when I got jammed up in rock.

The TSC brand is several hundred less than other brands, and unless you intend to drill hundreds of holes, I would think saving a few bucks would not be a bad idea.

 

[pitt_md]

A lot of people here will only buy the absolute best with the idea that you only need to buy it once. This is generally sound advice with implements that get a lot of use. PHD's for the average rancher/farmer do not get used all that much. A well built fence will last a long time only needing minor repair with a new post here and there. If you are planning on using your PHD all day long for years then buy a heavy duty unit. If not I do not see the need to spend twice as much money for an implement that spends most of its life sotred in a shed someplace.

 

[Altex]

"pitt md" I agree with ya. What you want is something that is "Cost Effective", so compare prices with quality.

When I posted some questions about my Brush Hog 2102 PHD, someone suggested this:
BELLTEC Industries :: TM48 Post Hole Digger
At around $5,000.00 it cost more than half of the price of my tractor!

If you have hard dirt/clay I would really consider having the capability of adding the hydraulic downforce attachment (which you cannot add on some models, so check) or just buy it upfront.

 

[Ken45101]

Just bought a Shaver HD-8 post driver and it seems like a much better bet for hard ground, I have but in about 30 6" posts in corners so far and it is working like a champ.

How does it do when it hits rocks? Are you using pointed posts or normal square ended ones?

I've been thinking about getting one. I'd like to fence and cross fence 15-25 acres. I'm tired of the auger hitting rocks and busting shear pins and having to bust rocks out with a bar (I'm getting too old for that!) Besides, I like the idea of not having to backfill and pound that in too!

Are the drivers as good as they sound?

If I'm lucky, the soil here is just clay. If I'm unlucky, it's rocks. I have one post in that took me 4 hours with the spud bar

Thanks,
Ken

 

[whistlepig]

Although all post hole diggers seem pretty much the same I have had a couple of very bad ones compared to the Bush Hog 2102 I have now. I consider the 2102 a bit expensive for a post hole digger. It is better than the cheaper models that I have had in these ways:

The augers don't "walk" when starting a hole.
It doesn't "wallow" while digging the hole. Holes are round and straight.
It has the optional "Parking Stand". No "Sumo Wrestling" to hook it up.
It's a more solid and stable digger.

For those that dig only a few holes a year it's overpriced. But I had over 100 holes to dig and a very short time to dig them. The extra money I paid for it was money well spent. A lot less wear and tear on me. There is more to buying the best than something that will last forever. Ease of use may very well come with it.

 

[Ken45101]

It has the optional "Parking Stand". No "Sumo Wrestling" to hook it up.

Oh! And here I thought I was doing something wrong all this time!

It really is that bad, it's not just me?

Ken