Post hole digger CAT 1,2,0

[markb74]

Hi all,

I have a question regarding the spacing on the 'u' or yoke legs part of the post hole digger. I have a JD2210 and was looking to use a 3 point post hole digger. I was able to borrow a Farm Star PHD, the standard mustard yellow color (unable to find a model number - it's either a PHD500 or PHD720). It is virtually identical to the one TSC carries now for $449.

I'm well versed in the standard implements versus subcut - I'm not looking for advice on lift height, etc. (subsut issues). Apparently, this PHD will fit a CAT 2, CAT 1, and some CAT 0 tractors. Per the manual, " If your tractor lift arm spacing is 32" place the pull pins on the outside of the yoke legs as shown in the diagram. If your tractor lift arm spacing is 26" or less, then place the pull pins on the inner side of the yoke legs".

It seems like placing the pins on the inside, which you would do for my JD2210, puts the spacing at about 20" (CAT 0). My question is... Is it OK for my CAT I lift arms to be only about 20" apart? Secondly, instead of the arms basically pulling in from the outside on a a 26" regular CAT 1 implement, is it OK to have the lift arms push out from the inside of the yoke arms?

I cannot post a pic right now, but it would be easier to explain my concerns.

Thank you all so much for your help. I seldom post, but I seldom miss a day checking out this website - I love it!

Mark

 

[mlauk]

Sounds like you have a smaller "U" and it's a different model number than you think it is. If the pins are mounted on the outside and it measures around 26 inches then it would be right for your Cat I. Since the tubing on the "U" is usually 2 3/8 inch, switching the pins to the inside would give you around 20 inch spread. Same goes for the bigger "U" at 32 inches on the outside, flipping them to the inside would give you around 26 inches.

The spacing on the "U" for my post hole digger is set up for a Cat I with the pins on the outside at around 26 inches.

Also, it doesn't hurt to mount the pins on the inside for the correct spacing.

 

[BayouMan]

IMHO, it is perfectly fine to mount the pins to the inside of the yoke. 20"s will still leave plenty of room for your pto shaft with no interference. Go for it and punch some holes in the ground.

Mike

 

[markb74]

Thanks guys for the replies, I really appreciate the advice. I went home and punched one hole pretty easy; the real work comes Saturday, weather permitting, when I plan to put in about 40 holes for a privacy/split rail fence. We just don't get along well with the new neighbor - she doesn't have a clue how to properly keep her dogs off my property, and with 2 young children, we can't take chances. A visit from the animal control officer apparently had little persuasion.

I did have a thought - since my 3 point arms are on the inside of the yoke, why not turn the turnbuckles so they push out, instead of pulling in. I did this so the arms are pressing now against the yoke from the inside out. It really seemed to take the sway out, and the PHD worked really well in my practice hole.

This whole neighbor thing has consumed our thoughts and aggravations for about the last nine months. I'm really looking forward to this fence. I hope it takes our quality of life to where it was before they bought the place. Part of this process was to buy a 3 point PHD - BUT, short of strong arming the wife into spending $700 or so, I was going to rent a one or two man auger. No one seems to rent a 3 point PHD. Anyhow, I finally found someone with a PHD - in the same place he screwed it into the ground under a tree about 7 years ago. I consider it a great rehad project that actually worked out; the tractor end of the PTO shaft was also buried in dirt. Seemed like everything was froze up - alot of elbow grease, real grease, and gear lube later, I feel like I have a solid (but somewhat dull) PHD. Now I've just borrowed this thing, but it was one of those 'keep it, if I want to use it, I'll ask you for it back'. Who knows.

Thanks guys again for the forum; as I said, this neighbor situation consumes my thoughts if I let it. This PHD rehab is somewhat theraputic as it puts me closer settling my frustrations.

Mark

 

[mlauk]

Sounds good, anything you can do to get the sway out will help you dig a better hole. Also, it doesn't hurt to hit the cutter teeth with a grinder if they are getting dull.

 

[damitray]

We've had this trouble before badly. Please check with your township, but ours said that if we put a fence on the property line, the neighbor had to pay half the cost of it. To me, this seems best for you. I hope a fence helps you. Neighbors can be awful.

 

[ToddW]

Sounds good, anything you can do to get the sway out will help you dig a better hole. Also, it doesn't hurt to hit the cutter teeth with a grinder if they are getting dull.

If it is like the one Tractor Supply sells (which is the one I bought a few years ago) the teeth are replaceable and Tractor Supply does sell them.