best post hole digger for less than $1000

[mikyt2]

Have JD 3520. Looking for best PHD for under $1000. Thanks

 

[newbury]

Agrisupply if it's local. Digger $360, augers about $150.

 

[LD1]

OR browse used ones on craigslist.

 

[buickanddeere]

No such thing. Once you use a loader mounted hydraulic driven PHD. You won't go back to the pto powered 3pt hitch units.
Down pressure, ability to back out of jams and no shear pins .

 

[LD1]

No doubt a hydraulic one is way better. But one size does not fit all. Nothing wrong with saving some $$$ and putting it towards implements that get used more

 

[TomSeller]

No doubt a hydraulic one is way better. But one size does not fit all. Nothing wrong with saving some $$$ and putting it towards implements that get used more

Good point if you are on a budget. Having said that, once you use a hydraulic FEL mount auger, it makes digging the hole almost inconsequential. When I figure my time I will need to set a post, I don't even factor digging the hole. It is maybe a minute. And like was mentioned, you can back out from under rocks and roots rather than fight with a stuck auger.

 

[LD1]

But if you don't have enough money, a PTO digger is 10x's better than by hand

 

[bcp]

OR browse used ones on craigslist.

I've been trying that, too. Used ones are usually $500-$900, made from old car parts, or 100+ miles away.



Bruce

 

[TomSeller]

But if you don't have enough money, a PTO digger is 10x's better than by hand

Very true. I dread digging holes by hand.

Years ago, I never thought much about it and would put in 1000s of feet of fence using wood posts with nothing but a shovel. Prior to that, my grandpa used to pound them in with a sledgehammer while standing on the hay trailer. But back in those days they had a bunkhouse and crew to do what I do part time by myself and a few tractors.

 

[newbury]

I've been trying that, too. Used ones are usually $500-$900, made from old car parts, or 100+ miles away.



Bruce

I did that for about three years, finally bought one with two augers at Agrisupply.

 

[LD1]

I have often thought about making one out of an old rear end. If done right, probably better than anything the market. You dont see too many PHD's with gearboxes than can handle 200+ HP. (of course not that you would be using one with a 200HP tractor...):laughing:

 

[bcp]

You might be able to use one from an independent rear end or independent 4x4 front end and not have to shorten axle housings.

Bruce

 

[TomSeller]

I just scanned craigslist where I live and there was about ten 3pt post hole diggers, only one of which was over $1000

 

[LD1]

In ohio, we have no shortage of diggers. Most even under $500. Since the OP is from ohio, the picking really is good. This is just the first few I copied.

Post hole digger
3 point hitch post hole digger
3 point post hole digger
Post Hole Digger
3 point post hole digger
3pt post hole digger with auger
Post Hole Digger H/D
Bush Hog Post Hole Digger
Post hole digger

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Our new EA Post hole diggers are well under $1000. They ship free to your home within 1,000 miles of Newton, NC.
The 7500 HD for Category 2 tractors will not UPS, so it ships free to a business or supporting freight terminal within 1,000 miles.
The best size for a 3520 would be the 6900 or the 6900HD(larger gearbox).
I hope this helps.
Travis

 

[TomSeller]

Most people don't wear their post hole diggers out, in fact they often get little use. If you can find one that has been stored under cover, save some money and buy used.

 

[Briana03]

Welcome to TractorByNet!

I moved your thread to the Attachments forum.

 

[lostcreekranch]

IMHO Unless you will use a post hole digger a lot there is little value in buying a high end unit. Look for a lightly worked used one with a gearbox HP rated close to your tractor. In other words you won't need a 100 HP gearbox for a 50 HP (PTO HP) tractor, unless you can get a really good deal. Conversely don't buy one with a gearbox rated for way less than your PTO HP.

My two cents worth.

Rick

 

[TomSeller]

IMHO Unless you will use a post hole digger a lot there is little value in buying a high end unit. Look for a lightly worked used one with a gearbox HP rated close to your tractor. In other words you won't need a 100 HP gearbox for a 50 HP (PTO HP) tractor, unless you can get a really good deal. Conversely don't buy one with a gearbox rated for way less than your PTO HP.

My two cents worth.

Rick

I agree with this. When you need them you need them. So you use the heck out of them when installing a fence. Other than that, they gather dust waiting for a fence post to rot off and fall over. That can be a lot of waiting time.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I made my own PHD for under 1K. I think I was at 850 or so with hoses. Steel was pre-cut and pre drilled, did my own welding (not much needed)