Recent content by Lunchbag

Thanks! In 2021 I did about 50 posts using a rented auger, then setting and tamping the posts over many weeks. The result looked good, but it took awhile and was fatiguing. All the tamping, tamping, tamping was tough and left my hands ringing. After 3-4 posts I was done for the day. In 2022...

On springs and things: The second biggest frustration with the HD-8 has been the springs. The driver incorporates two long extension springs which, together with gravity, accelerate the ram downward to strike the post. You can imagine how I felt when the first spring broke while driving the...

I was able to drive most of them in straight this weekend. The difference was probably the wet conditions we have had recently. The ones that went in the easiest were also the straightest. The manual says, "Posts will drive into the ground much straighter using shorter strokes." I agree with...

The most frustrating part about using the HD-8 has been getting the posts to go in straight. First, it takes a little time to get the tractor in exactly the right spot with the post driver vertical in both axes, and because I'm working alone that means getting on and off the tractor a couple of...

Well, I'm sorry for taking so long to report back on what I've learned about operating the Shaver HD-8 on the SA-324. It has been a long learning process, and it has included some frustration along the way. I'll try to make a few useful posts (pun intended) over the next few days to share what...

Cool, I didn't know that.

Before I installed the post driver, I had a dual rear remote valve installed by the Yanmar dealer. The mechanic and I discussed that a power beyond was really the ideal way to power a post driver, but I decided to get the dual remote valve instead, in case I want it for other stuff in the...

Yes, after I finish a couple more posts about setting it up and operating it, I'll try to return to this thread in a few days or weeks after I get more actual use from it. It will take some time to be able to judge it fairly.

Assembly of the HD-8 took a little time and care. I bolted the base plate to the three-pt hitch mount in my garage. I couldn't do much more in the garage, or it would be too tall to drive out the garage door. I recommend thinking about where you're going to store it before you buy, and make...

I did a little research before I bought the post driver. I called Shaver and talked to (Adam?) about the limited category 1 concern. He gave me a measurement to verify on my three point hitch, and this made me feel pretty confident that I would have enough clearance. I also spoke to an...

Well, I took the plunge and bought the HD-8 post driver. I'll post some additional info here for anyone else who may be considering this. The plot spoiler is, it works and I feel pretty good about it so far. I just drove my first three posts yesterday so it is too early for a verdict, but I...

Thanks, I think those are all the right concerns. I see the Shaver HD-8 model requires only 3-4 gpm so it meets that spec. As far as the lift height, I'm not sure. A photo of the HD-8 makes me think it might be designed for low clearance, but I probably need to get the dimensions to see how...

Has anyone used a post driver (three-point mounted) on a SA324 or SA424? If so, which model did you use, and did it work? Thanks, I'm looking to put in many wooden fence posts around 5-6" diameter.

There are some break-in suggestions in the "Operation Manual" on page 8-2. Some of them make sense, but others are not really practical, like operating at low speeds for the first 50 hours, and avoiding heavy operations. I didn't have 50 hours of light work to do. Then the manual states that...

I ordered mine in August but did not get them for 3-4 weeks, as they had to make them. Maybe try John Bentley at johnb@earthandturf.com. He was pretty responsive for me.