Earth auger... 3pt or Backhoe mount?

[Doofy]

Any thoughts or experience with either/or? I have used a 3pt auger but the backhoe unit looks like a better idea and possibly a cheaper option. A man needs a post hole digger!

Looking at a 8-12" auger capable of about 4' deep.

 

[ehinson]

I have an boom/auger I use quite often, I think off hand it's a 6".

I have buried it to the gearbox before by accident and it was a booger to get out " was thinking a reversible pto would have been nice ".

I use it often, a backhoe would be nice to have on occasion.

I been using the bucket instead!

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I prefer a loader mounted one if there is a third option!

 

[TomSeller]

I have my hydraulic auger on my FEL. Works great. Frees up my backhoe for dropping my concrete fence posts (500 lbs) in the hole. TBN member Bindian has a auger on the backhoe, it works well there too. I have the setup with the auger off to one side so I can see it beside the hood.

 

[Doofy]

The more I read and hear the more confused I become. Implements and attachments are endless. If anyone has thought of a better way to get the job done...an implement was designed and built. Forefathers were Awesome!

 

[Doofy]

It is hard to balance 'Wants' with 'Needs'. I want every implement and attachment known to man but I only need a select few. With a Cadillac taste on a Chevy budget, I need to make frugal but wise decisions.

The 3pt PTO driven auger is the logical choice because they are cheap and get the job done. Do I even need an auger? I am just wanting to build a small pole barn for the tractor and implements. I could dig the holes rather than drill the holes for the poles. Conundrums Suck!

 

[Piston]

If you don't see a lot of use for it, I would certainly skip the hydraulic auger.
Just go with a used 3 point off Craigslist (I see them all the time) and use it for your pole barn (because yes, you NEED an implement ) and when you are all done, go put it in the weeds for a couple years until you need it again.

IF, you were going to go hydraulic, I recommend putting it on the backhoe if possible. Seems like it would be a very slick setup.

I do not like the FEL mount. It doesn't have as good Vis, it's a pain in the rear to hook up, and you lose the use of your bucket or grapple. At least the 3 point or backhoe mount would enable you to do something (anything) with your FEL.

In addition, a lot of 3rd function valves for the FEL are run with 1/4" hose. If this is what you have, it's not big enough to get full flow to the auger motor.
Then you need ridiculously long and cumbersome hoses.

I don't see what all the fuss is with the FEL mount. Yes, you get down pressure, but they make those for 3 pt mounts as well. They just aren't as "great" as you'd think by what you read online, in my opinion.

I think JD even has down pressure on the 3 pt hitch. I can't believe more companies don't do that!

 

[Doofy]

Thanks, Piston.

I'm thinking, I feel the exact same way. The 3pt auger may not be as elegant or as fancy as others but it can get the job done at a fraction of the cost.

 

[TomSeller]

IF, you were going to go hydraulic, I recommend putting it on the backhoe if possible. Seems like it would be a very slick setup.

I do not like the FEL mount. It doesn't have as good Vis, it's a pain in the rear to hook up, and you lose the use of your bucket or grapple. At least the 3 point or backhoe mount would enable you to do something (anything) with your FEL.

In addition, a lot of 3rd function valves for the FEL are run with 1/4" hose. If this is what you have, it's not big enough to get full flow to the auger motor.
Then you need ridiculously long and cumbersome hoses.

I have an auger on my FEL and none of the above is true with my setup. It is a simple SSQA attachment and offset for visibility. Down pressure and the ability to reverse the bit are huge.

Having said that I use mine a lot. If you are drilling a few holes, go ahead and get a used 3 pt if it is available to you.

 

[Doofy]

Besides the price differences between style and function my vision and agility sucks. I've been messing around with backup cameras and think I can make a 3pt auger more user friendly. Having a cab on a tractor can be a pain at times.