Post Hole Digger on a Sub-compact Tractor

[plowhog]

I need to drill 50+ holes for a new deck and fence. If I use a tractor at all, I must use a subcompact due to terrain and lawn being involved.

I'm a little leery since the subcompacts have limited capability. I've heard that lack of downforce can be an issue, causing it to be hard to get the hole started. Fortunately, the soil is good to excellent with few rocks, so digging conditions should be about as good as it gets.

Does anyone have experience with using a PHD on a subcompact? I've seen that Woods and CountyLine offer models ....

 

[jaxs]

Never tried a PHD on a sub-compact but eventhough tractor has more than enough power,I don't think lift will raise auger high enough. I've used Woods on my 801 and MF65 and both barely lift high enough. Driving around with digger raised,the auger hit's the ground at the slightest dip in surface so I must hold alighnment handle to tilt auger backwards.
Regardless of tractor,there's not enough down force on auger. That prompt's people to ride the digger,that's extremely dangerous. Digging a hole with sharpshooter and filling with water an hour earlier will help auger start. If you make the decision to help digger with body weight PLEASE<PLEASE.PLEASE #1. Never under any condition leave operators station while digger is operating. #2. Lay a 6' pipe across digger and inlist two helpers(one at each end of pipe) AND be extremely carful not to let clothing or body parts contact any place on digger. If you need to transport the digger in a truck or trailer,collapse the digger and hold it togeather with ratchet straps before attempting to pick it up off the ground. Once mounted on tractor,if you need to take it off,suspend it from a limb or beam in barn like hanging a horse thief. If you manage getting it off tractor and laid on ground without hurting yourself,$100 say's you will never get it back on tractor without help.
Did I mention diggers are more trouble than they are worth? I've occasionally rented little hand held power diggers rather than messing with the pto digger.

 

[Joe Malovich]

Good, Bad & Ugly: Compact Tractor Post Hole Digger Setup and First Use - YouTube

He has more of a problem with it self feeding and not being able to lift it out. Downforce isn't the issue.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Subcompact post hole digger?
Say no more:

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Here is a video by one of our customers with a 1025R.
Travis

 

[bcp]

I expected large fireworks when he was digging next to the power pole with underground conduit.

Bruce

 

[Chooglin]

I have used one with my GC2310. It had no problem drilling a 40" deep hole. I had 8 holes to drill!

GC2310 post hole digging - YouTube

 

[plowhog]

In the "customer video" above, the auger bit got knocked off center on the first hole drilled, which resulted in drilling outside the desired target. The soil at that hole location looked like sand, or perhaps very fine dirt. That texture is similar but probably a little finer than what I need to drill into. I also have rocks, like in the video, but fortunately not that many.

I know this is an entry level device and there are functional limits due to the small size of the tractor, etc. But is there a trick to reliably drilling holes straight down? Or do you just keep taking new "bites" until you get it?

Twenty four of my holes are for a deck. They need to be fairly precise and straight, in line with the posts and supporting beams. If I have an auger wandering around outside of the "target" it might create problems I don't want to have?

 

[bcp]

I've often thought the old style would be better for more precise work. It's more like a drill press and less like a hand drill on a stick.



Bruce

 

[CincyFlyer]

I've often thought the old style would be better for more precise work. It's more like a drill press and less like a hand drill on a stick.

View attachment 532085 View attachment 532086

Bruce

I'm considering building one of those; when I put in a new privacy fence a couple of years ago, the auger went everywhere (clay and rocks). It would be pretty simple, I have the steel. I would use a hydraulic cylinder for downfeed and lift, and have "feet" that contact the ground so that pulling out the auger bit doesn't rely on the 3-point. First to install "top'n'tilt", which would greatly increase the utility of the "dirt press".