BX24 PHD

The Gardener · May 14, 2007

Is there a clear consensus as to which PHD is prefered for the BX24?

And, is the PHD a PTO driven device or a hydraulic driven device?

I believe the hydraulic approach allows for going in reverse whereas the PTO approach does not. Our NH soil is very rocky and root bound. I think I would definitely need a reverse option to escape a bad scenario under ground.

Many Thanks!
The Gardener

hazmat · May 14, 2007

you can get a hydraulic PHD, but you'll need to open your wallet wide... figure ~$3K and up vs. $500 - $1,500 for a PTO version. On the BX, you'll need to run a PTO hydraulic pump to provide enough flow. The auger can be mounted to the three point or bolted to your front bucket (more plumbing required) though the downforce may be worth the hassle.

Search for PHD or post hole digger and you'll find lots of threads.

The Gardener · May 14, 2007

Ouch! $3K or more is a hefty price tag especially since we're about to pull the trigger on a BX24 and/or a Kubota riding lawn mower: one before the other.

I worry that the PTO design could get hung up under ground given our soil conditions. I do like the bucket mounted design in that is offers more downward power and possibly more reach into tighter spaces.

I'll have to explore this more carefully.

Many Thanks!!!

hazmat · May 14, 2007

If you're getting the backhoe, just use that on the holes you aren't able to dig with the PHD. Of course, that might be all the holes in NH.

ChuckinNH · May 14, 2007

hazmat said:
If you're getting the backhoe, just use that on the holes you aren't able to dig with the PHD. Of course, that might be all the holes in NH.

You are sure right about that!!!

timalabim · May 15, 2007

If you're looking for mowing, why not put a mmm on the 24 and kill two birds with one stone. My 54" standard MMM on the 24 does a much better job than my old wheel horse dedicated ride on mower. Excellent handling as well.

vrman · May 18, 2007

timalabim said:
If you're looking for mowing, why not put a mmm on the 24 and kill two birds with one stone. My 54" standard MMM on the 24 does a much better job than my old wheel horse dedicated ride on mower. Excellent handling as well.

I have to agree. When I bought my BX23, I also picked up a ZG20 mower. After using both last summer, the BX & 60" MMM combo did a much better job than the dedicated zero turn. I upgraded to the ZD326 this year, and it cuts like the BX.

I hear you asking, so why do you have a seperate dedicated lawn mower if you like the BX cut? Convience mostly. I usually keep the FEL and an attachment on the back of the BX. Plus, if I want to get the lawn done super fast, I have someone use the ZD while I use the BX. We can get 5 acres cut within a few hours then.

dfkrug · May 18, 2007

The Gardener said:
Ouch! $3K or more is a hefty price tag especially since we're about to pull the trigger on a BX24 and/or a Kubota riding lawn mower: one before the other.

I worry that the PTO design could get hung up under ground given our soil conditions. I do like the bucket mounted design in that is offers more downward power and possibly more reach into tighter spaces.

I'll have to explore this more carefully.

Many Thanks!!!

You are right to be concerned about rocks and roots. I have the
Worksaver 714H, which I run off my backhoe, and it is "only" about
$1650 + the cost of an auger. It works great. I comes with
brackets to mount it to the side of a loader bkt, too. A version is
available for the 3-pt using the same hydraulic motor. The BX24
is rated at 6.3GPM total flow and that may be a little on the low side
but my tractor has no problem operating the PHD at 1/2-2/3
throttle and it has 8.2GPM available. If the BX24 has enough
flow for the BT601 b/h, it should work with the 714H.

The other issue to think about is if you get a PTO PHD, your tractor
may not be tall enough to use it, unless you get a special short
auger.

bindian · May 20, 2007

My Danuser 8300-2 hydraulic PHD cost right at $1400. A 9 & 12 inch auger with a 14 inch extension ran the price up to around $1800. I hang it on my BH in lieu of my bucket. I cut the lines to the bucket actuator and installed quick disconnects. The PHD hangs from a knuckle swivel and the bucket curl lever operates forward and reverse.

I also modified the included knuckle swivel to fit the pin for my bucket for $115

for a piece of 2 inch round stock and machine shop labor.
hugs, Brandi

The Gardener · May 20, 2007

I cut the lines to the bucket actuator and installed quick disconnects. The PHD hangs from a knuckle swivel and the bucket curl lever operates forward and reverse. :cool: I also modified the included knuckle swivel to fit the pin for my bucket for $115

for a piece of 2 inch round stock and machine shop labor.

Very cool! and Very impressive!

Any chance you could post some images? I suspect a lot more folks besides me would be very interested in this type of modification.

Many Thanks!
The Gardener