Not fun using a PHD with my TC40DA

lhfarm · Sep 21, 2005

I used my PHD with the new tractor for the first time this past weekend. It was not a good experience. I found it hard to control the PHD with the PTO. I tried using the technique I've always used with geared tractors in our clay soil, laced with sandstone. The basic technique has been to raise and lower the PHD to get a "bite" when the auger stops digging. For safety, I've always stopped the PTO as I raised the PHD and restarted as I lowered the auger.

I felt like I needed a third hand - one to operate the 3PT, one on the throttle to slow the PTO and another for the PTO lever. I miss the foot control of the PTO and actually felt a little unsafe using the PHD. It may be that I will just need to go much slower or change my technique.

I've just turned 60 hours and this is the first "issue" I've had. I wouldn't go back to gears and love everything else about this tractor. But I don't like the PTO setup.

Dargo · Sep 21, 2005

I guess I'm confused because I don't know your tractor. On my 'bota, (hydro) I have a clutch to control the PTO just like on a geared tractor, plus the PTO lever can be feathered and I can spin the auger just like with the clutch. This way I have 2 different choices as to how to control the turning of the auger. Yours doesn't work that way?

My only issue is that I bent my 12" auger. If I spin it very fast at all, it shakes the dog crap out of me. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

lhfarm · Sep 21, 2005

The PTO control lever is on the left fender. The throttle and 3PT are on the right side. There isn't a separate clutch for the PTO, just the lever and engaging/disengaging needs to be done at low speed. Else the PTO break will snap shear pins. So, I have to first lower the speed (right hand), disengage the PTO (left hand) - and I can't do both at the same time without taking my eyes off the rear of the tractor. I have a health respect for a spinning auger! Then back to raising the PHD.

Not sure it would be a problem if my soil allowed me to simply place the auger on the ground and dig to full depth. If I had lots of holes to dig, I think I would look for FEL mounted unit so I had down pressure.

It may be I just don't have enough experience yet. I am hoping someone will tell me I'm going about it the wrong way.

BadDog · Sep 21, 2005

Sounds to me like you're doing things right...

1) plant tip of the PHD where you want the hole
2) back up a wee bit to align the PHD correctly to dig a straight hole
3) keep RPM at min
4) engage PTO
5) increase RPM to a max of 540 at PTO and wait for the thing to finish digging. Control depth with 3PH control.
6) lift PHD
7) reduce RPM
8) disengage PTO

If this isn't working for you, my bet is your PHD auger bit and blades need replacing. They wear out fast if you have to go through stones.

When new, they should be rectangular in shape, with a bevel on the cutting edge. When completely worn, they are reduce to small triangles of metal... and they don't cut anything.

The auger bit is likely also worn down to a nub. Blades and bits are inexpensive and easy to replace.

If your process and your hardware isn't the problem, then the only other place to look is the ground. Maybe you're just trying to drill into something that doesn't want to be drilled, in which case you need to look into a power assist for your PHD... either a manual lever to apply down pressure, or a hyraulic cylinder if your PHD is set up for one. You can also wait for rain or water the area where you want the holes; the ground is usually easier to dig when it's wet.

I've dug well over 500 holes on my property and gone through quite a few blades. I only replace one at a time when they wear; it's usually the lowest one that wears out first. I'm careful to torque the blade bolts to spec, if I don't, the blades will twist and rotate on the bolt. I've yet to replace my auger bit.

lhfarm · Sep 21, 2005

( If this isn't working for you, my bet is your PHD auger bit and blades need replacing. They wear out fast if you have to go through stones. )
I have had the PHD for a number of years, purchased it used and have never looked at the blades. That is easy enough to do. Thanks for the advice!

DocHeb · Sep 21, 2005

( 5) increase RPM to a max of 540 at PTO and wait for the thing to finish digging. Control depth with 3PH control.)

With the clay that I have to dig in, I never have the engine RPM much higher than 1500 RPM - certainly not to 540 PTO RPM speed. If I did so, that auger would screw itself into the ground within seconds. Once the auger starts to "bite", I quickly lift the three point hitch; this fractures out the clay, spits it off the auger and then go down for another "bite". There are times I wish I had three hands, or at least have the PTO and 3PH controls on the same side of the tractor so I could turn to one direction.