Posthole Digger Post Hole Augers - Breaking Shear Bolts

[foggy1111]

I have not considered being hit by a shear bolt from a ph digger....but I can see it happening. I really like the cautions posted. :thumbsup: (yes....sometimes they get a little "much"....but they need saying).

I think these warnings make most folks allot better operators....as we can't think of everything......or remember it all either. :laughing:

 

[pitt_md]

I don't have the 12" auger but i do have a 9" and a 18". It sounds like your ground is about what I have too. I do break shear bolts from time to time with the 9" but when I do I can tell it is hitting a rock that it can not dig out.
I have probably put in 300 + posts so far and in that time I have used maybe a dozen shear bolts. The 18" auger needs to be operated with some TLC or you go no where. Lots of up and down to clear the bit.

 

[R W]

Would not use adigger that is not fitted with a proper safety clutch, a shear pin is a good back up if the clutch fails to release.
Always ran the tractor just above idle when digging, increased revs to clean the auger when lifting if necessary.

 

[RedDog]

I would break them from time to time, and it was usually 1 of 2 things. 1 hitting a good size rock, or 2 the cutting edge on my auger was wore. Most of the time it was number 2 for me.

I would take the bolt on cutting edge off my auger and sharpen it, and or replace with new cutting edge.