Northern Hydraulic Post Hole Auger

[AndyMA]

Anybody know anything about this Post Hole Auger available from Northern Tool. They have 2 models available and seem to be quite a bit less than we typically see for hydraulic drive units.

Belltec Hydraulic Planetary Auger Drive — 10-20 GPM, Model# NC200 | Auger Powerheads, Bits + Extensions | Northern Tool + Equipment


Andy

 

[bota7800]

That does seem to be a good price. By the time you add the mount and auger of your choice and hoses and shipping you are probably still well under $2000. I am not including required remotes.

A lot of small tractors could not drive that unit without a PTO hydraulic pump though because 10 - 20 gpm exceeds available (it certainly does for me)

I got my hPHD barely used for $1200 but if I had it to do over I would get a higher capacity unit and drive it with a PTO pump.

If you buy it report back.

 

[wedge40]

What is the advantage of hydraulic PHD over 3pt PHD? I'm guessing the hydraulic has more torque.

Wedge

 

[MikePA]

What is the advantage of hydraulic PHD over 3pt PHD? I'm guessing the hydraulic has more torque.

Usually (always?) you can spin them in both directions.

 

[AndyMA]

Usually (always?) you can spin them in both directions.

With the express purpose of backing it out when it gets stuck. which it almost always does.

Andy

 

[AndyMA]

.

A lot of small tractors could not drive that unit without a PTO hydraulic pump though because 10 - 20 gpm exceeds available (it certainly does for me)

.

They also have an almost identical unit with lower gpm requirements.

Andy

 

[bota7800]

1 Reverse direction.

2. Downpressure from the loader. With a 3pt model you have to add a downpressure kit to do it. On the other hand, a downpressure kit and 3pt PHD may be less expensive (I don't know) and you might not need the downpressure kit. You could always add it later.

3. Visability I don't have to turn your head around in the seat to operate the PHD so it is more comfortable.

 

[bota7800]

They also have an almost identical unit with lower gpm requirements.

Andy

OK I just looked at that one. It goes from 6 - 15 gpm. My tractor has 6.something available so I am at the low end of the range. That is exactly the situation I am in with my Rhino unit. I don't have any extra power. That is why I would get a PTO pump if I could. With a 15 gpm upper end, though, the unit has available if you did end up needing a pump.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

One of the dis advantages of a post hole digger mounted on the front end loader that I see is after you have dug your hole and you need to use the loader to set a pole in the hole. You have the phd hanging there in the way.
Another thing, a lot of people think of a hydraulic phd always being mounted on the side of a loader bucket or on a skid steer quick attach. there are 3ph hydraulic post hole units also. Myself, the only way that I would have a front mount auger would be if that was all that I was doing, digging holes, no installation of poles.

 

[AndyMA]

One of the dis advantages of a post hole digger mounted on the front end loader that I see is after you have dug your hole and you need to use the loader to set a pole in the hole. You have the phd hanging there in the way.
Another thing, a lot of people think of a hydraulic phd always being mounted on the side of a loader bucket or on a skid steer quick attach. there are 3ph hydraulic post hole units also. Myself, the only way that I would have a front mount auger would be if that was all that I was doing, digging holes, no installation of poles.

I have had a Deere heavy duty post hole digger that I paid about $1500 for years. I have only used it a couple of hours since here in New England the soils are so rocky it's virtually useless. That's why I'm considering a hydraulic unit with downpresure.

Andy