Work Site Pro PA30 Post Hole Digger

[two_bit_score]

Anyone use/own one of these? Use it on the front end loader of a JD 110 TLB?
I'm looking at getting one for my 110 TLB and defnately want to be able to use it on the front end. The JD website shows it as usable for the 110 however, the video shows it on the BH.

I'd actually like to be able to use it both ways but I think I'd prefer to use it on the FEL.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[jenkinsph]

I am supposed to pick up my quick coupler up this week for the hoe mounting so I haven't been able to try it out yet. But about a month ago I started out doing the research and found that the fel auxillary hydraulics at 12 gpm were below the ratings for the PA30. The hoe auxillary hydraulics are 16 gpm which is enough to get about 50 to 55 rpm. I have used rental Bobcat SSQA setups on the front and they turned rather slow, made the holes I needed but barely fast enough to sling the dirt off the augers.

While using the SSQA models I quickly found out that having the front mount unit meant I needed a spotter as I couldn't see thru the tractor.

In a week or so I should be able to post some pics, drill some holes and offer more of an opinion.

 

[two_bit_score]

I'm really looking forward to your update. I was hoping, however, that the PA30 would work really well on the FEL. Oh well.

 

[AKfish]

I am supposed to pick up my quick coupler up this week for the hoe mounting so I haven't been able to try it out yet. But about a month ago I started out doing the research and found that the fel auxillary hydraulics at 12 gpm were below the ratings for the PA30. The hoe auxillary hydraulics are 16 gpm which is enough to get about 50 to 55 rpm. I have used rental Bobcat SSQA setups on the front and they turned rather slow, made the holes I needed but barely fast enough to sling the dirt off the augers.

Very interesting... This past summer I built a new pole-barn and looked into the Bobcat augers to rent. I needed a 24" (minimum) bit size with a 2' extension. Local dealers (JD) wanted $135/day. Bagged that idea...!

Used the hoe and just dug the holes a tweeny, weeny bit BIGGER! As things turned out - using the backhoe was a way better option anyway, 'cause then we could crawl down in the hole to position and level, etc. the column footing's. Which would have been nearly impossible with the drilled hole.

Of course, from what you've just said Steve - using the SSQA unit would have been a real exercise in wasted time AND money!

Next time, I'll ask here; before I jump out there with my checkbook in hand!

AKfish

PS - please post some pics. Like to see the mount and how it hooks up to the hoe.

 

[two_bit_score]

>>PS - please post some pics. Like to see the mount and how it hooks up to the hoe.<<


Absolutely would like to see the pics.

 

[jenkinsph]

Talked to the dealer Monday and am still waiting for the quick coupler parts.

 

[two_bit_score]

Thanks for the update. Sorry to hear about your delay. I know you are ready to drill and we want the pics and report.

 

[two_bit_score]

I know jenkinsph has had snow and other delays. Just thought I'd resurrect this again to see if anyone else could offer any experiences with the PA 30 on a 110 TLB.

 

[jenkinsph]

I have drilled a few holes and the PA30 works fine. Just waiting impatiently for the ground to dry up enough to make good holes. Have the unit mounted and WAITING.

Had all the steel delivered this week so I can work on building a coupler interface for Curly Dave today.

Here are some pics of the head unit mounted.

 

[CurlyDave]

That is a good-looking setup. CurlyDave is is waiting with anticipation.

 

[Jeepin4fun]

The PD15 should be within spec to use on the front end of a 110tlb. We used one on a 4120 and it worked fine.

 

[AKfish]

Thanks, Steve. Sweet lookin' implement!

Looks like you converted the hoe over to QA... Gonna be in the market for some QA buckets, too?

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

AKfish,
Bought the 12", and will convert the 18" existing bucket Tuesday. I will be looking for a deal on a 24" if it comes up though.

 

[ME83]

I have always though this would be a real back saver. What does the PA30 cost? I already have the backhoe QA and hydraulics.

 

[two_bit_score]

Thanks, jenkinsph for those pics. Glad to hear you got it and it works great. Thanks to everyone who posted with info.

It's prety wet and muddy at my place but I'll be needing that PHD pretty soon though.

I think I was qouted $2200 for the PA30. It's been a while so I'll have to look and see if it's changed any since then.

 

[two_bit_score]

The PD15 should be within spec to use on the front end of a 110tlb. We used one on a 4120 and it worked fine.

I had originally thought the front would be best but now I'm not so sure.

Seems like you could manuever around easier with a front mount but seeing the ground and getting it in the right spot without a spotter might be difficult.
I should have a spotter most of the time but not always.

Anyone else have any recommendations on PA15 vs PA30 and front vs rear mount?

 

[jenkinsph]

I think it is a matter of how large an auger you need to use, if I were considering 12" or smaller the PA15 is ideal. For large holes the PA30 can handle up to 36" bits. I build alot of heavy wrought iron gates and these require a large footing to secure them in place, that is why I decided on the larger unit.


As for whether the unit should be fel mounted or backhoe mounted depends on the equipment features. With and excavator or 110 you can drive from one position easily and reposition for each hole, this works well. If your backhoe necessitates that you climb down back and forth from the front seat to the rear seat that could be an issue. If you have a spotter then the fel mount can work well too. It was also mentioned that you could offset the drive unit to one side on a fel mount so you could see the hole, but the problem with this is you are twisting and stressing the loader frame, not good.


When I considered the options I had the backhoe mounting with the 110 seems to make the most sense to me. Using the backhoe mounting also provides more reach which I have found to be very important.

 

[two_bit_score]

Steve, that all makes perfect sense. I doubt I'll be usng anything biger than 12" bits but always like to have the capacity to go bigger. Good point about the reach, too.

I have some hard clay on my place in East Texas and some hard ground wth lots of rock on theplace in Central Texas so thats why I was looking at the PA30 over the 15.

 

[CurlyDave]

If a guy wanted to front mount a PA15, a 2'-3' forward extension on a SS QA plate would put the auger out where it could be seen from the seat...

I still think that mounting it on the BH is much more versatile.

 

[two_bit_score]

If a guy wanted to front mount a PA15, a 2'-3' forward extension on a SS QA plate would put the auger out where it could be seen from the seat...

I still think that mounting it on the BH is much more versatile.

I'm tending to agree with you and Steve. Thanks for weighing in on this.
The idea I had was that manuvering around with the PHD on the front would be easier and better but it's not looking that way so much now.