Post Hole Digger

[aggc]

I am considering buying a post hole digger for my 33 horsepower tractor. Its not going to get a lot of use, maybe a few times a year. The soil in which it will be digging is Georgia clay, without many rocks.

I have heard the tractor-operated post hole diggers are often more trouble than they are worth and that a two man manual hand-held digger will often do much better. Is this true? Ive heard that the tractor operated ones have a tendancy to bounce around a lot. Has anyone had any experiences with this?

 

[jk96]

I have heard the tractor-operated post hole diggers are often more trouble than they are worth and that a two man manual hand-held digger will often do much better. Is this true?

Oh boy, I can tell you about two man post hole diggers. What a PITA. I run a commercial fireworks display company, so we put alot of 10" and 12" tubes in the ground. After several years of tackling the two man augers, I finally bought my 33 hp case with a phd and 12" auger. Not even a comparison. I just run my pto speed just barely above idle and it runs extremely smooth. No more two man augers for me. Its a woods phd.

 

[drssg]

I bought a basic PHD from Tractor Supply, and I've been happy with it. I have never EVER wished I was using a hand held model, especially since I rarely have a second man around to help out. (I don't think the wife would be interested in that exercise. )

I haven't seen the "bounce" that you mention, and I'm not sure what that means. Is it from hitting rocks? Our soil is also clay-based, with few rocks, so it hasn't been an issue.

 

[Sully2]

Two man augers just flat "SUCK"! If it's bouncing..Id say either the speed is too fast..or the "feed" is too fast ( to much "bite"). Run is relatively SLOW...bore a short distance and then pull it up to clear the dirt..and then go at it some more.

I can borrow one anytime I need one so I havent bothered to purchase one...and the only problem I had was clearing the ground with my B3030....it was REAL CLOSE and the dirt piled up around the hole kept hanging me up when Id pull it out to move to the next one.

 

[BB_TX]

I bought one from TSC with a 12" auger. Works great in my blackland soil, no rocks, no bouncing. I have not used it too many times. Only to plant several 40 gallon trees and bury a dog. In both cased, I dug 4 holes touching in a square shape and dug out the middle with a shovel.

 

[KeithInSpace]

I have heard the tractor-operated post hole diggers are often more trouble than they are worth and that a two man manual hand-held digger will often do much better.

I mean this with all manner of seriousness and respect: There is NO WAY you have operated a two-man PHD and can put this statement in black and white. I've recently seen a thing where California is trying to outlaw spanking your children...they'd save many more lives, egos, bruises, etc. if they outlawed two-man PHD's instead!!! That since those same children may unwittingly find themselves as the "second man" that doesn't have control over the throttle.

Any amount of "bounce" a 3PH PHD may exhibit from an over-eager operator (or a big rock, piece of tree, whatever) is something that can be alleviated with practice and perhaps a smaller bit. 1,000,000,000,000% safer.

No amount of practice will relieve a two-man PHD from sucking a big egg.

Think of the children.

 

[Timber]

My PHD was the 1st and most important Implement I bought and own. I have dug post holes every way you possibly can and there is no Question the Tractor mounted PHD is the best, 2nd only to a front hydraulic skid steer mount. My 1 piece of advice is don't buy a cheap one. Mine has 2 replaceable cutters and a replaceable tip. It is good for a lot more then fencing. At any rate this is the exact PHD for your tractor in a Land pride but it is a grand out of your pocket

 

[mjarrels]

I favor my HD Danuser (big bucks) but if you are just going to poke a few holes a year, just buy a cheap one.

mark

 

[Timber]

I would rent or borrow 1 rather than buy a cheap one. It is a drill regardless if it is for drilling in the earth or a piece of steal, When it is dull that about what it is worth if you can't sharpen it

 

[john_bud]

I would rent or borrow 1 rather than buy a cheap one. It is a drill regardless if it is for drilling in the earth or a piece of steal, When it is dull that about what it is worth if you can't sharpen it

I got the off brand "star" PHD with a 9" and 12" auger. Both augers have replaceable tips and replaceable cutting edges. For the number of holes, cheap is the deal.


And I have used both 2 man and tractor augers. Both are dangerous. BUT, the tractor mounted ones are MORE seriously dangerous. A PHD is the most dangerous attachment you can put on the back of a tractor. Think of it as a giant PTO shaft with no safety shields. 30hp of rotating drill bit doesn't care what it wraps up, nor can it be stopped before serious often lethal damage is done. They often rip peoples arms off, legs off and otherwise mangle you into red pulp. While the 2 man units can bite, they are rarely lethal. Too little power, rotating mass and easy to let go of the throttle.


Just be careful!

jb