Posthole Digger Posthole Digger Preference

[jimainiac]

I'm researching posthole diggers, going to need one this Spring for a pole barn project, then for fence posts. Looks like all the major brands make several models, from light duty to heavy duty. Our tractors are 24 and 38 HP, plan on getting 9" and 12" bits. My instinct is to not get the lightest duty model, for longevity. Also, some bits are "single flite" and some are "double flite". There is a "semi-double", too. Would there be an advantage of one style over the other?
Just wondering about peoples' preference in brands, wonder if there is a consensus out there, or to just go for availability and price.
I've searched previous posts, but haven't been able figure it out yet.

 

[Glowplug]

I am interested in this as well. Of course, my tractor is 68hp so I may be obligated to get a heavy-duty model. I have been looking closely at the Woods PHD. I have absolutely no clue how much these things cost though. If I were you I'd consider sending Timber a PM. He is a big advocate of PHDs and pretty knowledgeable on the topic. I think he has a Landpride. I think there is something to be said for better quality more expensive brands though.

 

[papafoxtrot]

I want to toss my hat into this discussion too. But I was wondering about hydraulic PHD's. I have the power beyond kit installed on my 3520 and thought that a hydro unit might be the way to go. Anybody have one & and some feedback to supply?

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I was wondering about hydraulic PHD's.

You'd need to check your output flow in both GPM and PSI through your power beyond (not the hydraulic pump's output but throught the restricted output of the power beyond). Then you'd need to see if you have enough flow to run a hydraulic PHD.

 

[tlbuser]

Hydraulic flow for PHD's runs from 5 gpm up depending on which motor they used. Hydraulic has reverse capability. As with any cutting tool, the better the bit, the better the hole.

But, hydraulic diggers are pricier and the better bits get expensive quick too.

Posted for price comp. only eBay: belltec Skid Steer Post Hole Digger (item 190079442029 end time Feb-10-07 16:12:56 PST)

Which type of drive is important too. chain or gear then round, square (mostly older stuff) or hex output shaft

 

[Glowplug]

Does anyone have a Woods PHD? Or is anyone familiar with the price? I was wondering about what the price of one runs. I have no idea. I am specifically interested in the Woods PHD95.

 

[Renob]

Most builders around here use an 18" bit when drilling holes for pole buildings.

It gives some wiggle room when setting poles level and square. Layout must be very pecise when using 6x6's in 9 or12 inch holes.

 

[EddieWalker]

I have a 12 inch auger and would never want anything smaller. I think you're just wasting money on a 9 inch and will never use it. Lineing up posts is very dificult and when you drill holes, they rarely go straight down where you want them. A root or rock will turn the bit every time. In fact, plan on using a set of clamshells to adjust your holes after they are dug just to get them straight.

The gear boxes on most post hole diggers are pretty bullet proof. Keep them full of oil and you shouldn't have a problem. I have a Lienbach Line and it's on teh cheaper end of things. It's held up to allot of abuse and busted shear pins without any problems.

The biggest thing to look at is the auger. The cutting teath should be romovable and allow you to replace them when they are dull. Mine didn't have this and it didn't take long for mine to dull out and stop cutting. You'll see all sorts of posts on people who say they need more down preasure with there augers. What they really need is a sharp auger that cuts through the dirt, not more preasure on a dull bit.

Look at Pengo and Lowe for the best types of bits and tips.

Hydraulic would be better, but the cost is about ten times as much as a gear driven 3pt one.

Eddie

 

[jimainiac]

I agree that the hydraulic units are probably the best, but for occasional use I couldn't justify the expense. I have come up with a list of the reputable name brands, any of which would probably do fine. Woods, Landpride, and Bushog are good companies from what I've seen, but there are a bunch of others out there, too. I really like the fact that Bush Hog makes their owners' manuals available online.
Some years ago, a friend came and drilled holes for a pole barn for me with a 12" auger and I used 6X6 PT posts. It worked fine. I don't mind cleaning up the edges if necessary with my clamshell digger. I use that all the time to replace broken fence posts. If I had a lot of rail fence to install, I think a 9" bit would be fine.
Any thoughts on single flite versus double flite auger bits? I assume that double flite is better, all things being equal...

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Hi guys, I will put in what info I can, hope that it might help some. My Land Pride PD35 was $1495 back in Dec 04. 6, 9, 12, 24 inch Pengo bits, $1326. Sorry, no separate prices. I also added an 18" Pengo bit for $350 and a 14" bit extension for $100.

All of this stuff is top notch, and I am sure that it will last a lifetime. One of the things to look for in the heavy duty models is that they are a lower gear ratio, and a little easier to control. Some types of ground are so hard that it won't matter how sharp the teeth are, the bit will not dig. So either you get the ground wet and wait to dig, or you go and buy a down pressure kit for $540 after you have gotten tired of waiting for the water to soak in, hole after hole after hole. I'm sure by now, you know how I know this.

My feeling on these is that it makes a huge difference on what type of ground you have. No rocks or very hard ground, you can get away with a light or medium duty post hole digger. The better quality units are much more $$$.

Good luck with your decisions.