Posthole Digger Post Hole digger

bolo · Jan 18, 2005

I am looking for some advice on a 3 pt PHD.
I will be fencing 20-30 acres in the near future. More than likely a combination of 5-6" round posts with no climb and 4"X6" three board.
Does one brand stand out from the others in durability?
I looked at a Bush hog with a clutch for around 750.00. Someone told me I can mess up my PTO if the clutch is not adjusted properly. Is this true?
Do the mid priced shear bolt models stand up okay?
Thanks.
Bolo

johan3400 · Jan 18, 2005

I think it would depend what soil types you are going into. We have great soil with no rock and have a 25 year old Danhuser. Great digger and no upkeep so far. A friend of mine has rocky ground and breaks his shear pins often.BH is good, but what kind of soil do you have? You are not talking about a great amount of digging for an average digger so I think it would work well. I have not had a post hole digger with a clutch on it so can not guide you there.

Jim

MadDog · Jan 18, 2005

We have VERY rocky soil and I recently bought a Danuser G20/40 which seems very well made and does a good job except when it hits a rock that is just too big for it, in which case I have to pry it loose with a 6' pry bar.

lens12 · Jan 19, 2005

I have a 35 year old shear bolt model. The important thing in using it by rocks or tree roots is to run the tractor at idle. When the auger hits an obstruction it will not have enough momentum to break the bolt. It will jump over the obstruction instead. I also rent shear bolt models & have no problems. Buy the cheap one it will work fine.

EastTexFrank · Jan 19, 2005

I've never used a clutch type model so I can't comment but I have a shear bolt type and it's never given a problem. With me, a PHD is one of those tools that I never put a lot of hours on so according to my tool buying philosophy that means that I buy a good one but not necessarily the best or most expensive. I think the shear bolt PHD will fill your needs and save you a few hundred dollars to spend on something else. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

teddydo · Jan 19, 2005

I have an old shear bolt one. Never shered a bolt and dug lots of holes. The auger is what makes em dig good because I have two augers, one is small with a big cutter and it zooms down in the ground. One time it went so fast I couldn't get it back out and had to back it out with a pipe wrench. The bigger auger, 10 inch is slow. And I do it with a 1955 model 600 Ford. Luck to you........teddy

jhbusa · Jan 19, 2005

I have a new Dan User 20 / 40 as well. I've dug about a dozen three foot holes with a rented PHD, but can't remember the name. I dug another 1/'2 dozen with my new Dan User. It is awesome and worth every penny. It never bound up like the rented variety (rocky, hard, NW Arkansas / SW Missouri hills). Never had a problem pulling it out of the ground either (though I think that is more to do with the 3 pt hydraulics). I got carbide tips and a Pendle 9 " auger. It acts like it will dig to China and take the tractor with it. I love mine.

I heard what you heard about the clutch PHD's and was advised by many to go with the shear pin version of a PHD.

Good luck.

bolo · Jan 20, 2005

I appreciate everyones advice. I am definitely going to stay with one of the shear bolt models.
bolo

Holzster · Jan 21, 2005

One thing to add - when you buy it go ahead & buy an extra tooth. If one breaks & yours in the middle of a project, you do not have to stop everything & go to the store. You will never guess how i know this!! (I do use the Sheer bolt).