Posthole Digger PTO-driven post hole auger suggestions
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jedjoe
Silver Member
I'll need to pay attention to whether any suggested brand and model can fit the TC30, which is the smallest (frame and wheel-wise) of our three tractors. My neighbor would be bummed if his auger tip was draggin' on the ground! In case I didn't say it, we have a New Holland TC30, and JD 4300, and a NH TC35. HP ratings (in the above order), 30, 32, and 35 hp.
There's a little trick to avoid dragging the tip on the ground.
Wrap a chain or ratchet strap around the auger and tie it up tight to the frame, then lower the 3ph.
The auger lays just about horizontal when you do this right, it even works for driving up onto a trailer.
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jedjoe
Silver Member
What do you guys think of the "down pressure" kits for some of these PHDs? The only time I've used one of these machines, it feels like the auger was almost pulled into the hole by it's action. Is the down pressure even necessary under most conditions? And can I assume that the tractor really needs a third function remote for that feature? I've already got one for my ATI grapple, but I'm not sure my pals have the TFR installed....
That's still a good size tractor??? It's not a Sub-CUT, which the 7200-Jr is for... I'll say that my PHD doesn't clear the ground by much...
I think if it doesn't pull itself in the down pressure won't help much.
The last time I said that someone else said they had some hard clay soil or something that NEEDED down pressure.
I'm in New England; where it ain't sand its rocks, so augers either go down real quick or don't go down.
I drilled a line of post holes for a guy one time in a trashy dirt yard.
Every time the auger stopped it was because it had landed on a piece (fragment) of glass, marble, tile, or other decorative stone. It had been the back yard of a tile and marble shop, so although the surface dirt was loose and trashy there were small hard spots.
I think the Speeco drill with the guide rod could be used with the guide rod turned around to come out at the back - but guys would hang on it to add down pressure.
OK until your belt (or zipper) gets caught )-;
I am NOT suggesting this as a way of adding a couple of hundred pounds of down force, I am advising AGAINST it.
eepete
Platinum Member
As far as getting the PHD on and off, a frame or dolly helps. I did mine with two mount points so that I can back the PHD up to the tractor and just have to move the end an inch or less. Concrete floor helps. This would be the "over 50" design style of dolly :laughing:. Build out of scrap wood, that's why you see different types and sizes of wood. It's easy enough to put on and take off that I'd use it even for one hole. Like many attachments, you should be required to perform the chore by hand before you use an attachment so you can really appreciate the tool.
I'm using the Speeco PHD from TSC. I use it on my JD4520, so I can't speak as to any height issues- it fits. I also put that white electrical tape at the 1 foot and 2 foot depths, it's coming off so I'll paint those marks on this winter. It was half the cost of the Deere, but that's not important. What makes that work for me are two points:
1) I only wanted to have a 6" and 9" auger for 4x4 and 6x6 posts.
2) This area/my property has clay that is relatively easy to dig in, big rocks are more that 3 feet down, don't need down pressure.
Yes, the Speeco isn't as well made as the Deere, Woods, and Linebauch. I'm just lucky in that my requirements and soil types let me get by with it.
I grew up in New England, and would not try to get by with this up there in most places.
Pete
I'm using the Speeco PHD from TSC. I use it on my JD4520, so I can't speak as to any height issues- it fits. I also put that white electrical tape at the 1 foot and 2 foot depths, it's coming off so I'll paint those marks on this winter. It was half the cost of the Deere, but that's not important. What makes that work for me are two points:
1) I only wanted to have a 6" and 9" auger for 4x4 and 6x6 posts.
2) This area/my property has clay that is relatively easy to dig in, big rocks are more that 3 feet down, don't need down pressure.
Yes, the Speeco isn't as well made as the Deere, Woods, and Linebauch. I'm just lucky in that my requirements and soil types let me get by with it.
I grew up in New England, and would not try to get by with this up there in most places.
Pete
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jedjoe
Silver Member
That's a great tip for avoiding the "dragging auger". And I'm glad to hear that the TC30 isn't really in the sub-compact group.
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jedjoe
Silver Member
Here is a pic of the "two blues" the TC-30 and the TC-35. Although the camera angle makes the 30 look a bit larger than it really is in relationship to the 35, it is still a shorter tractor with a smaller frame. That's why I'm paying so much attention to not accidentally buying a PHD that would be "too tall" for the 30.
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jedjoe
Silver Member
Yah, I'm thinking I won't need the down pressure kit, and for the other two tractors, I don't think they'd want to have to add an extra hydraulic remote.
