Jumping Post Hole Digger

TomK · May 24, 2004

While using my PHD on my 3054XS, I don't seem to have much control when lifting the auger out of the hole. No matter how gentle I try to pull up on the TPH control leaver to lift the PHD out of the hole, the PHD jumps up out of the hole violently. The first time I tried it, the PHD guide handle almost took my head off. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Can anybody help me with my technique?

GerardC · May 24, 2004

Try lowering the RPM's. Doing so, you should notice a difference. G

Bob_Skurka · May 24, 2004

Are you running the PHD at 540 rpm PTO speed?

Most people recommend running the PHD at a MUCH lower speed.

Chechnya · May 24, 2004

On my Kubotas theres a pto control knob that slows or speeds up the pto lift. Does your tractor have one?

KiotiJohn · May 25, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( On my Kubotas theres a pto control knob that slows or speeds up the pto lift. Does your tractor have one?)</font>
Generally, those controls are only for the drop speed, not the lift speed. Most likely, the poster is using too fast an RPM, but should be able to feather the lever so as to pull up slowly. Lower RPM on removal should help. John

5030 · May 25, 2004

I agree with the other replies.

When I use my PHD, I IDLE the engine with the PTO engaged. Between the reduction ratio of the PTO itself and the gearbox on the PHD, more than enough torque is generated to adequately bore a hole. Besides, if you snag a root, you can hear the engine try to stall and can probably stop the unit before you break a shear bolt.

With the engine idiling, the hydraulics are much less sensitive to lever movement and much easier to control.

When the engine RPM up, the hydraulics are much harder to modulate.

With the PTO RPM up, when you withdraw the auger from the hole, the PHD will dance around like a pickle in a pipe so-to-speak. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

TomK · May 25, 2004

I've been using the PHD with engine at the 540 PTO setting on the tach, I think about 2500 RPM. I will try it a idle. That makes more sense for slowing things down. I never tried putting a pickle in a pipe though /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

mathey · May 25, 2004

I just put in about 100 post holes with my CK20...very rarely did I ever need to go much above idle...slow and steady gets it every time!

GerardC · May 25, 2004

I run mine just above idle. Another post (thread) had a lot of guys running between 1,500 and 1,800 RPM. Also, it depends on what your ground is like, i.e., rocks, clay etc. The auger will also tend to wobble when it gets loaded to one side. That happened to me when I hit some wet clay that stuck to it. G