Max 28XL HST and Post Hole DIgger question

chvfrk98 · Dec 21, 2013

Looking at ETA compact line of post hole digger. I just want to make sure with the smaller size of this tractor that I will still be able to dig a nearly 4' deep hole? I'm just worried about the lower arm vs other models I was looking at.

Any experience with this here?

jimpen · Dec 24, 2013

Is this the link you are looking at: ETA Brand Post Hole Digger for compact tractors. Made in USA Free Shipping to your home within 1,000 Miles!!

I have only anecdotal stories about post hole diggers so consider everything I say as a load of manure.

First: The season that you are using it and your location makes a large difference. If I was in west Texas in high summer drilling into caliche -- a post hole digger may work. But I would see about a jackhammer instead.

Second: Sometimes you may be better off getting a four inch drill bit and a one inch. If the soil is a bear with a lot of loose rock, you may be better off drilling a bunch of one inch holes and then use a four inch to make the central hole.

Third: Do you really need a post hole? And is the hole too large? If you put a 4x4 post in cement, even treated wood, it will rot. So if you put the 4x4 may break off in two years if it the drainage sucks, and it is constantly wet.

Like I said everything I say comes with an anecdotal a load of manure, but think about it.

chvfrk98 · Dec 25, 2013

This immediate project is a standard privacy fence replacement. It's been over 20 yeArs and everything is shot. I have seen some with galvanized posts but I will probably stick with standard treated lumber. Soil is a clay but clean. Problem is I really want to get to 4ft deep. I also want to do pilings for decks and a shed.

My concern is the geometry of these is it allows you to go that deep? And is it on a single or multiple passes with an extension.

kootch88 · Dec 25, 2013

I used a 4 footer to put a post in for a gate. Made from a cut tel pole. Had to take my quick hitch off and set the arms up high and dig down about 8 inches to get the auger on. Other than that it worked great on my max 22

chvfrk98 · Dec 25, 2013

kootch88 said:
I used a 4 footer to put a post in for a gate. Made from a cut tel pole. Had to take my quick hitch off and set the arms up high and dig down about 8 inches to get the auger on. Other than that it worked great on my max 22

What post hole digger do you have? This compact one looks like it has a little more adjustment for compact spacing. I'm guessing I'll be fine. As long as there's a way to make it work I'll be good

kootch88 · Dec 25, 2013

chvfrk98 said:
What post hole digger do you have? This compact one looks like it has a little more adjustment for compact spacing. I'm guessing I'll be fine. As long as there's a way to make it work I'll be good

. I rented it, no clue what brand.

kootch88 · Dec 25, 2013

chvfrk98 said:
What post hole digger do you have? This compact one looks like it has a little more adjustment for compact spacing. I'm guessing I'll be fine. As long as there's a way to make it work I'll be good

Do you have to go down four feet for a fence?

chvfrk98 · Dec 25, 2013

I want to get past the frontline to meet code here is 3' but I also have some pilings in the future that I would prefer to take 4'. Also the gate post I'd like to take down deeper.