Posthole Digger "Upgrade Kit" for Used Danuser F8 Post Hole Digger

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\"Upgrade Kit\" for Used Danuser F8 Post Hole Digger

Well, I've bought my first implement for my tractor, a used Danuser F8 Post Hole Digger. What attracted me to this used PHD was that it was being sold with a 24" auger that I will be using for tree planting. It also has a 12" auger that will set posts for a walkway across a marshy area to the lake. I called Danuser and they will be sending me a manual since one didn't come with the unit. They also recommended that I buy an "Upgrade kit" for $200. This kit contains a new pinion gear, new seals, a new PTO shaft, and guards for the pinion and auger shafts near the gear housing.

Although I'm a pretty safety conscious guy, I really don't see any advantage to getting this kit. If I work with the knowledge that the PTO shaft is not shielded, and never hang one of my kids off the PHD to try and get it started digging, is there any need for this upgrade? With the 24" auger, the whole unit weighs ~420 lbs, so I expect that will be enough downforce to get holes started. Are there any other factors that my ignorance is preventing me from considering?

 

[Egon]

Re: \"Upgrade Kit\" for Used Danuser F8 Post Hole Di

Do put some sort of shield over the pto shaft.

Egon

 

[Darren]

Re: \"Upgrade Kit\" for Used Danuser F8 Post Hole Di

I've got one of those and Danuser told me the same thing. Didn't buy the setup to add a guard but I did buy the downforce kit. With a larger diameter auger sometimes it won't just dig in and go when you're working in heavy soil.