Hooking up Post Hole Digger to PTO

[Treedoc]

Every time I go to hook up the post hole digger to the PTO on my Kubota, it takes many cuss words and questioning of my sanity.

It's the final step of connecting the drive shaft to the PTO spindle on the tractor that's the real PITA.

Would appreciate any sage advice on tips to make this task any easier.

Also, any ideas on a cradle or stand to support the post hole digger when it's disconnected would be a real bonus!

Thanks in advance!

 

[oosik]

I don't have a post hole digger. I DO have a Wallenstein chipper. AND there are those times. I suspend the PTO shaft from the top link arm with a bungee cord. One less thing to handle when attempting that final connection.

Those who say - "it gets easier with time" - - must not get older, with time.

 

[RjCorazza]

Some people drill the auger into the ground for storage. When I had my PTO post hole digger, I would disassemble the components for storage and install one piece at a time. I forget the installation order, but it was more manageable in pieces.

There are examples of stands that operators have made over the years here on TBN and YouTube.

 

[hosspuller]

The key requirement is supporting the weight of the PHD. My PHD is hung from a hook welded to a salvaged frame.
Using one hand, I connect the PHD arch to the draft links. Then using the 3 point control, I lift the arch till the PHD top link meets the tractor. The PTO shaft is connected after this.
Then the tractor lifts the PHD off the hook ... At no time am I lifting more than a few pounds. The tractor end of the PTO shaft is tied to the PHD to keep it out of the dirt.

 

[jeff9366]

I have tried to connect an implement to the tractor PTO for the first time.

I could not get the attachment to slide onto the PTO. I think it is a subtle alignment issue between the female splines of the implement and the male splines of the tractor PTO.


New PTO powered implements, connecting to new tractor PTO splines are always difficult. Once implement and tractor PTO parts are somewhat worn in, mating becomes easier.

Clean mating parts, lubrication and technique are the keys.

Most here like Eureka Fluid Film as PTO lube. I prefer wax chain lube in an aerosol can.

Grease is too thick.

WD-40 burns off. Shaft goes on "OK" cold but can be difficult to disconnect when hot. WD-40 leaves a sticky fish-oil residue which accumulates.



Connect the implement to the tractor via two Lower Link pins and one Top Link pin. Lift implement hydraulically until implement PTO shaft and tractor PTO spines are perfectly level, one with the other.

Turn tractor engine off, disengage PTO so tractor PTO splines can be turned by hand.

Turn male splines by hand until they align with female shaft indents. Slide shaft onto tractor splines. Retract whatever type of detent you have, button or collar, then push the implement shaft the final two inches onto the tractor PTO stub.

If the PTO shaft and tractor splines are NOT perfectly level it is almost impossible to shove implement shaft on to tractor PTO splines.

I am 74 years old. I can mount implement and connect the PTO on my heavier tractor without too much difficulty in five minutes


Hi folks...took a bit of time and fussing but wanted to update you. PTO connection problem was resolved by leveling the implement to the PTO.

Last edited: Apr 23, 2022

 

[5030]

I hang my post hole digger on a low tree limb.

 

[Omega Woods]

I hang my post hole digger on a low tree limb.

Me, too. When I want to install it, I hoist it with my mini excavator. Highly recommended!

 

[crazyjake8493]

What's causing the trouble with the PTO driveshaft? As the final point of connection, everything else should be supported already, you're just lifting the driveshaft and connecting to the PTO.

As for support, most of the newer models have legs that hold the rear section up as a tripod with the auger and two legs, making it easier to remove the PHD from the tractor without wanting to flop over. Mine was a used, older model and didn't have that so I welded mounts on the gear box guard and added my own legs. I also added a control rod for positioning the auger while traveling or prior to lowering.

I've also seen guys drill a hole and leave the auger in that, strap it to a tree, or suspend from a beam in the garage.

 

[Treedoc]

I have tried to connect an implement to the tractor PTO for the first time.

I could not get the attachment to slide onto the PTO. I think it is a subtle alignment issue between the female splines of the implement and the male splines of the tractor PTO.


New PTO powered implements, connecting to new tractor PTO splines are always difficult. Once implement and tractor PTO parts are somewhat worn in, mating becomes easier.

Clean mating parts, lubrication and technique are the keys.

Most here like Eureka Fluid Film as PTO lube. I prefer wax chain lube in an aerosol can.

Grease is too thick.

WD-40 burns off. Shaft goes on "OK" cold but can be difficult to disconnect when hot. WD-40 leaves a sticky fish-oil residue which accumulates.



Connect the implement to the tractor via two Lower Link pins and one Top Link pin. Lift implement hydraulically until implement PTO shaft and tractor PTO spines are perfectly level, one with the other.

Turn tractor engine off, disengage PTO so tractor PTO splines can be turned by hand.

Turn male splines by hand until they align with female shaft indents. Slide shaft onto tractor splines. Retract whatever type of detent you have, button or collar, then push the implement shaft the final two inches onto the tractor PTO stub.

If the PTO shaft and tractor splines are NOT perfectly level it is almost impossible to shove implement shaft on to tractor PTO splines.

I am 74 years old. I can mount implement and connect the PTO on my heavier tractor without too much difficulty in five minutes


Hi folks...took a bit of time and fussing but wanted to update you. PTO connection problem was resolved by leveling the implement to the PTO.

Last edited: Apr 23, 2022

Thanks Jeff! I wonder if Eureka Fluid Film or wax chain lube would help. The shaft is very hard to slide in and out, which I believe is contributing to the difficulty of connecting and disconnecting from the PTO. Maybe disassemble the shaft, clean, and lubricate with the Eureka Fluid Film or wax chain lube before reassembly would do the trick?