PHD and TC24D

[Bob_Skurka]

Today was the first day I got to try out a Speeco Post Hold Digger on my TC24D. The PHD had previously only been used on a Kubota B2910 but since that now had a backhoe on it and I needed to a few holes dug for some small trees that we are transplanting I pulled out the TC24 and attached the PHD with a 9" bit. I was very happy with the performance of the small tractor, we have heavy clay soil on the hills and it is not possible to dig by hand when it dries out.

I was impressed with the fact that the tractor didn't shake too badly, the bit dug right in, and the tractor had plenty of power and never bogged down. It performed better than I expected. I have really come to like this little tractor and am constantly impressed by what it is capable of doing. The power to size ratio is great, the manuverability is great, I just wish it was a little heavier on the front end.

 

[OkeeDon]

I've been wondering about a PHD on a ClassI NH. I have trouble with my landscape rake because the 3PH won't raise high enough to use it at an angle. If I adjust the top link so the rake is level, the 3PH will only lift it about 1" off the ground. If I adjust it so it will lift more than that, the rake is tilted, and cannot be turned at an angle without pointing one end at the ground. My fear is that I won't be able to raise a PHD high enough to get the augur clear of the ground. I plan to fix the rake by making extensions for the mount one of these days Real Soon Now, but I'm not sure how to raise the working height of a PHD. Did you have any problems in that regard?

 

[Inspector507]

jwstwear used a PHD with his TC24, maybe he'll chime in here. I used one with my Yanmar and haven't had a chance to use it yet with my TC18.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Depending on how level the ground was where I was digging, the PHD was either just touching the ground or was about an inch above the surface. It had JUST BARELY enough height to clear the surface in most cases.

I had the PHD set into the TOP position on the top of the 3pt, so if I had it in the bottom position, I think the the tip would have been held up off the ground by at least another inch because of the angle at which it is held would be slightly different.

Also, I have a Pat's Easy Change system on the lower arms and they extend the overall length of the lower arms about 4" so that also changes the angle at which the PHD is held by the tractor.

By the way, the Pat's Easy Change made it real easy to install PHD, it took only a couple minutes to install and it was laying on the ground. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[jwstewar]

I used a PHD w/ my 24D. I have know I idea what brand it is as it is borrowed from a friend of my neighbors. I know it is old, rusty, and at one point red. It had a 9" auger on it. When in the lifted position I had a good 6 - 8" of clearance to the ground. When I was digging I could get it down to about 30" or so and then it would kinda stop. I would then lift it out of the hole, back the tractor closer to the hole, tilt the bucket and lift the front end in the air with the loader. I would then position back & forth w/ the bucket. I would then drop the PHD back into the hole and it would then go down to almost 40". Dug 26 holes this way - only 25 poles but I miss drilled one. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Like you said didn't shake the tractor too bad. Guess one of these days I need to return the PHD, but every time I start to it rains. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[OkeeDon]

Using your FEL to gain a few more inches is a cool idea. I'll remember that when I get a PHD.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I think the bits I have are 42" long??? The unit is a Speeco from Tractor Supply, as are the bits and when I let them they went all the way down until the gearbox was in the dirt! I was using it to break up holes for small trees so I didn't need the full depth, but not I might go measure the bits just to see what lenght they are.