110 TLB Hydraulic PHD

GreatWhitehunter · Nov 30, 2015

I know this has been discussed in the past but I'm hoping to revive the subject.
I'm in need of a PHD for some fencing and really would prefer a hydraulic unit. I plan on fabbing a mount and hanging it off the hoe.
I believe the aux ports on the hoe are rated to 16 gpm theoretical. I found a used McMillan unit that requires 15 gpm min. To those of you that have this type of setup, will I be disappointed going this route? Other than being able to reverse rotation, what other benefits will the hydro vs pto option deliver?
Any pics or video's that might sway my decision would be greatly appreciated.

Matt

jenkinsph · Nov 30, 2015

Matt,
I have a PA30 with a bucket quick coupler on my 110. It has worked well for me installing large gates with deep posts and digging for foundation piers for decks. Having the ability to apply down pressure in rocky ground is a real benefit. I had a Deere 31B pto phd prior to getting the hydraulic model, the new planetary hydraulic unit is way easier to position in a clear line of sight for the operator. When you combine a 110 with creep to reposition and the hoe mounted phd it is a great combination imo.

MORRISONSTEEL · Dec 1, 2015

I have seen guys happy with a pa30 performance on 110's and unhappy with performance. The minimum flow per the tech manual is 10 gpm for testing purposes, but in either instances it was still a usable unit. Good luck.

GreatWhitehunter · Dec 1, 2015

I understand the flow issue and even the manufactures list the gpm requirement as theoretical. I believe the 110 has 16 gpm to the rear and 12 to the front.
I'm specifically looking at Mcmillan as there's several near by forsale. Paladin now owns Mcmillan and their customer service has been great with getting me specs and build dates on the units I've been interested. I don't think a pa30 is in my future unless one turns up locally. For the frequency of use I'm not going new in this attachment. Does anyone have any quick attach mount pics they'd like to share? Looking for ideas to fab a mount.

Matt

MORRISONSTEEL · Dec 1, 2015

the pa30 is built by McMillan so if looking at planetary version probably looking at the same thing (or very close to it). It's too bad that they don't make the chain drive version any longer it was pretty darned reasonable in price and other than replacing the occasional chain link worked very good.

jenkinsph · Dec 1, 2015

Here are some pics of a mount I built for Curly Dave a few years ago. I may have the patterns for the side plate if you want them. The last two pictures are of the factory mount,

GreatWhitehunter · Dec 2, 2015

MORRISONSTEEL said:
the pa30 is built by McMillan so if looking at planetary version probably looking at the same thing (or very close to it). It's too bad that they don't make the chain drive version any longer it was pretty darned reasonable in price and other than replacing the occasional chain link worked very good.

There's still chain drive units available but from my reading I was sorta under the impression that planetary was the way to go.

jenkinsph said:
Here are some pics of a mount I built for Curly Dave a few years ago. I may have the patterns for the side plate if you want them. The last two pictures are of the factory mount,

Steve this really helps me visualize the mount! Did you torch cut the QC parts? I've got a steel fab shop 1/2 mile from me. I was going to drop off my root rake with them for the templet and have them fab me up two of the blanks like you made. One I would use for the auger and I was going to have the other setup for a lifting eye. I located another McMillan auger but it's an older model, I ran the serial with Mac and they indicate it's an 89-90. Parts are still available but I'm not sure it's worth the risk as the seller has no means to demo it and it's likely a 8 hr drive to get it.

Matt

Matt

jenkinsph · Dec 2, 2015

Matt,
I used my Victor torch to cut out the parts. I would add I considered the chain drive but felt the planetary drive was a better design for high torque applications. I have had mine for about 5 years now with no problems. The last picture is complete with the cradle mounting.

jenkinsph · Dec 3, 2015

Matt,
I don't see where you would need two mounting brackets, if you pull one pin you can disconnect from the phd and insert a hook in its place,.

GreatWhitehunter · Dec 4, 2015

jenkinsph said:
Matt,
I don't see where you would need two mounting brackets, if you pull one pin you can disconnect from the phd and insert a hook in its place,.

Thanks and a great point I guess it really depends on the cost of the plates. I think I may actually end up with a PA 30 after all. It seems there are a lot of them fairly priced. There a local guy that had a McMillan unit but he has 5 bits and I really don't need more than the one. He also cant seem to get the model number so I can check the flow specs.

Steve, can you actually rest the gear box on the cradle with a bit on it? Any pics of the whole set up on the 110?

Matt

jenkinsph · Dec 4, 2015

You can use the cradle with the bit in place no problem. I have two bits a 6" and a 12" and these are good for about 42" to 48" max depth. When loading on a trailer just make sure the bits are held up high with the dipper stick raised.

My backhoe is on a job right now but I can take more pictures when I get it home.

GreatWhitehunter · Dec 5, 2015

jenkinsph said:
You can use the cradle with the bit in place no problem. I have two bits a 6" and a 12" and these are good for about 42" to 48" max depth. When loading on a trailer just make sure the bits are held up high with the dipper stick raised.

My backhoe is on a job right now but I can take more pictures when I get it home.

Will the PA 30 on the 110 run a 36" bit?

Matt

jenkinsph · Dec 5, 2015

GreatWhitehunter said:
Will the PA 30 on the 110 run a 36" bit?

Matt

I think so but haven't tried it. Looking at the chart for the PA30 the max pressure is about the same as the 110 max operating pressure. Here is a link to the specifications for these phd's both the PA15 and PA30.
John Deere

The flow rate will effect how fast the auger turns but the pressure to turn the bit at the rated torque is there. The 110 is rated at 3000 psi and the PA30 is rated for 3100 psi. Turning a 36" bit at 50+ rpm should be good enough but I would expect that a large rock will max it out and make it go into relief.

GreatWhitehunter · Dec 5, 2015

What the largest bit you've used? In New England rocks o plenty, I doubt I'll run a bit that large but would like the ability.
The Mcmillan forsale locally has a rock bit that the seller swears is god send but I'm not so sure.

Matt

jenkinsph · Dec 5, 2015

I suspect the 36" bit is for planting shrubs and trees, it is not a full length bit. I have used a 12" bit so far and it drills down in rocky soil in seconds. I have had a few holes with large rocks that take up to a minute to get to full depth. If the auger is sitting on a large flat rock the point may not go down at all. On a couple of occasions setting large gate posts that HAD to be where x marks the spot I dug the boulder out with the hoe and set a sono tube to fill with concrete. Most of the time the phd works great.

disney · Dec 8, 2015

Here is a chain drive unit. May not be as nice and new as a planetary gear type, but very little to go wrong. Something I view as a plus when buying used...
you can see the other use designed into the mount.

GreatWhitehunter · Dec 8, 2015

Very cool Disney, I really like the frost tooth!

Matt

GreatWhitehunter · Mar 12, 2016

Well after a little patience I found a PA30 an hr away. I decided to order the QC hoe mount new from Deere as the fab shop quoted my pretty close to Deere. Now I just need to find an auger, the unit had a 24" with it but I opted against it and the seller dropped the price accordingly. Thinking a 9" or 12" maybe the right choice. Can't wait to see if the hydraulic units are all they're cracked up to be.