John Deere Post Hole Digger Update

[ddivinia]

I bought a John Deere PHD 300 - which I guess is a "John Deere" one a number of years ago. I have punched a lot of holes int he ground. Well, I discovered they have a hydraulic down force kit option for it. I got one and it rocks. No more having to climb on top of it, jump and down, pour water in the hole, etc. This sucker gets after digging holes now.

Anybody looking at the PHD300 should consider the hydraulic down force kit. My dealer knew nothing about it, but I had them order me the kit. It is night and day difference in regards to punch holes thru roots, and other nasty stuff.

D.

 

[beenthere]

Sounds great. How about a pic of it? Thanks, we like pics.

 

[ddivinia]

I'll post a pic this evening.

D.

 

[ddivinia]

Here is a pic on my 4520 cab.

 

[beenthere]

Thanks for the pic.
Sure looks like, since the top arm isn't being used, that the hydraulic top arm could be used for that application.
Now, just so it doesn't get the auger stuck in the ground more often.. as it is hard to get back out with no reverse on the PTO.

 

[ddivinia]

Thanks for the pic.
Sure looks like, since the top arm isn't being used, that the hydraulic top arm could be used for that application.
Now, just so it doesn't get the auger stuck in the ground more often.. as it is hard to get back out with no reverse on the PTO.

I am not sure I follow you on the top arm being used part.

I have stuck my auger int he ground a handful of times. I had to change up my ay of digging the holes and listen for the turbo on the engine. When it does get stuck I get my other tractor and use the FEL to pull it out.

D.

 

[beenthere]

I meant the hyd. top arm could possibly replace that hyd. cylinder shown, given the brackets would be made to fit. Replaces the need to buy another hyd. cylinder for the down pressure attachment.
i.e since the top arm apparently is removed, that it be used in the application.

 

[ddivinia]

I meant the hyd. top arm could possibly replace that hyd. cylinder shown, given the brackets would be made to fit. Replaces the need to buy another hyd. cylinder for the down pressure attachment.
i.e since the top arm apparently is removed, that it be used in the application.

Are you saying in a top n tilt configuration?

The front bracket actually pivots against the frame of the post hole digger and that is where the pressure point is.

I suspect a top in tilt might do the trick also.

D.

 

[ddivinia]

I was working on fence today and I have to say that the hydraulic down force kit is a winner. I had some holes that did not want to dig until I kicked in the hydraulic ram. Then it took off. I had to keep the pressure on it to keep it digger. 4 of them were right up against a fence. It would have been very difficult to punch those holes without this addition.

It is high on my list of excellent tools,
D.

 

[jenkinsph]

Darin,

Could you post the part number for the kit? I have a Deere 31B which looks identical to yours, I want one of those suckers too.