I'd like to pick up a used post hole digger by next spring. I really don't want to go new since I likely will not use it too much. I'm sure if I'm patient I can find a good deal on a used one in good shape (although I'm not really sure what they go for new). I was hoping for some insight on what I should look for on my journey. Are there particular brands I should focus on or avoid? How about sizing? It will be for a Kubota L3400 (29hp @ pto).
Posthole Digger Used post hole diggers
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weldingisfun
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Look for auctions, go on Ebay or Craigslist, and look in the American Classifieds. If you can't find one in those places, you aren't trying.
Used, you should be able find one in the $200-300 range, that is with an auger too.
Good luck.
Used, you should be able find one in the $200-300 range, that is with an auger too.
Good luck.
deereguy
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I went to an auction last week and they had an older John Deere 3pt boom type with a 12" auger that brought $250 or in that range, I wasn't in the market so I didn't pay close attention. It seemed weathered but in decent shape.
Sorry about the confusion. I don't have a problem with where to find a used one, but rather in what I should be looking for in a used one. Are there certain areas of the phd that wear out faster that I should pay particular attention too? How will I know what phds will fit my size tractro? Things along those lines.
Farmwithjunk
Super Member
Danhauser model F8.... Then there's all the rest. Expect to pay (AT LEAST) $750 for a used F8. Anything cheaper is a plus. They're the gold standard of PTO driven post augers.
Check for condition of U-joints. (grease, play, ect) Also check for slop in gear box.
Check for condition of U-joints. (grease, play, ect) Also check for slop in gear box.
RickB
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Make sure the auger isn't tapered. A worn out 9" auger may only be 7" just above the cutting bits.
Your first mistake is not knowing what new PHD's cost. Get a range of prices of new units so you know what a used one should be worth. Not knowing what comparable quality new equipment costs leads directly to overpaying for used stuff.
flgeorge
New member
I have been looking for a used PHD for some time. What I did was read lots of posts on this site and wrote down the brand names of those PHD others were using. I then researched these for a price new and if it would fit a cat 1 tractor. Last week I found one on Craigslist, a Howse PHD45. I called the guy and he said he had only used it to dig six holes and had no use for it anymore. He was asking $350. They list for about $615. When I saw it it looked new, the black paint was still on most of the auger. It may not be a top of the line model but I believe it will serve me well since the soil here is sandy with light clay. Since these are heavy you should consider building a stand for any unit you buy. I found on this site that looks simple, three treated 4x4's. The PHD will hang on the top horizontal post, lift PHD, remove post and off you go, back up lift PHD replace post, lower PHD and you are all set. When I have questions this is the place I look first.
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mffarmall
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Worked for a tool rental place years ago. The most important part on an aug is the tips. They need to be replaced often. If you are going to buy one. Then try it at the guys place first. If you have a good feel about it then get it. Usually with used stuff it's the beat up ones that are the best. The user knows how to work it. Just do like what the other guys said and check the fluids in it. And the most important thing is to stay out of the way of it when it's digging. Said to be the most dangerious tool used.
greg_g
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I just bought a Work Force from TSC - my first PHD - so am an admitted novice. But the replaceable spiral tip on mine looks a helluva lot stouter than the replaceable cutting edges. I'm wondering if that rental place had a different kind of auger than I just bought?
//greg//
mffarmall
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The tips needed to be replaced every other use for legal items. They also needed to put new chains on every time the saws went out. I treated them like drill bits. If it takes longer then you think it should then replace things and see. If it seems good then keep on going. It's only a hole in the ground. I think that the softer metals keep their sharpness better but for a shorter time. The harder ones get dull but last longer. It might have to do with the ground. We have blow sand. Used to be a sea when my mother in law was young.
It is. A flapping pant cuff will get you spun into the auger so fast you won't even know it just ripped off your leg at the hip. Same with arms and heads. If it don't kill you out right, it will maim you for life. It's just a huge PTO shaft with no guard and no remorse!
jb
