hyraulics vs PTO

[ch47dpilot]

Not sure if this would be better in hydraulics or build it yourself so I'm putting it in both. I was looking at the Toro Dingo (Toro | Compact Utility Loaders, Dingo Compact Utility Vehicles ) and noticed that they run up to a 36" auger with only a 24HP Diesel. Most of the PTO augers that my 34HP Kubota can handle only go up to 18". Is there that much of a difference between hydo run augers and PTO ones. I'd think if I turn down my auger to 54RMP like the dingo I'd be able to use their 36" auger. I know I'd have to beef up the mounting system for my auger but if I add a second gear box to get the 540 to 54 RPM would it work? Not that I'm drilling a lot of 36" holes but looks like a great way to dig holes to plant trees/shrubs

 

[BHD]

I think it is about how one uses the power, not if it is hydraulic or PTO, even tho there is some advantages of one over the other at times,

the one also is a totally hydraulic machine with a large pump, and most tractors pumps are more of a secondary system to the PTO and the drive line, and on most tractors one can not get the full engine power via hydraulics, only PTO, or wheels,

your second gear box may work if you do not over stress the 90 degree box, not clear if you plan on using it on the front or down side of the 90 degree box,

I have considered using a old combine final wheel drive as a reduction box,

also the way the auger is designed and the cutting points on it may make some differences, (kinda like using a drill bit and a hole saw, in wood or steel)

 

[Taylortractornut]

Most phds have a 4 to 1 planetary gear box or chain box. I have a friend that mounted a Brown Lipe auxhilary gear box to the output shaft on his PHD for his tractor. It worked but was bulky so he added it inline with his PHD shaft. He can even reverse the bit. When I worked for a construction company we had to modifiy a large 3 point PHD to drive and remove erath auger soil anchors. We put a hydraulic motor on the gear box and mounted a valve on the tractor and put a Prince PTO pump and resevoir on the tractors pto. We ran some 30 and 36 inch augers on the final landscaping of that job with it.