post hole digger

[mitch in ks]

anyone know where i can find plans for building a post hole digger?

 

[Rushvill]

There is one here under Farm Machines.
Vintage Farm Plans Metal Shop
I also thought there was one on this site, but I can't see it now.
Untitled Document
I got lucky and bought an old Ford unit with a 9" and 12" auger for $90 at an auction.

Mark

 

[EddieWalker]

I realy gotta wonder how you can build one cheaper than you can buy it? Especially if you get a used one.

If you decide to do it, I'd sure love to follow along what it takes and what it costs to build one.

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[shaley]

Like Eddie says, but Surplus Center has the gear boxes for $199.
Somebody else had some lighter duty boxes for about $150 but I can't find the site.

 

[R W]

Built one in early 90s.
Used a Ford Mainline Diff for the gearbox, wrecked header PTO shaft
& safety clutch, purchased the auger(12"), 3X2 RHS frame,
3PL mounted.
It worked OK and as far as I know is still in use. It was made for
around a half the price of a good used one at the time.

R W

 

[mjncad]

Are you looking to build a post hole digger for the fun of creating one? Or do you plan on digging a few holes with one?

If you are looking to dig a few holes, then I suggest you rent a machine or find someone to do it for you. I had a 3-point Bush Hog unit and I had plans to dig a bunch of holes that never materialized. I dug about a dozen holes with the thing and got so fed up with connecting and disconnecting it that I was happy the dealer took it in trade as a down payment on a lawn tractor. Did I lose money on it? Yep; but those things are like wrestling a 200-pound octopus...even with parking stands and the like. Also, if you have clay soil, or roots or rocks where the auger might get stuck in, a PTO digger only turns one way, which doesn't help you at all to get unstuck.

Now if you are looking to dig lots of holes or make money at it, you might check into Belltec diggers or the hydraulic units you bolt to your bucket. At least those you can reverse if you get caught on something. I hear Belltec's are pricey; but good units.

BELLTEC Industries, Inc. Belton, Tx :: Drill holes fast where others fail

 

[weldingisfun]

Now if you are looking to dig lots of holes or make money at it, you might check into Belltec diggers or the hydraulic units you bolt to your bucket. At least those you can reverse if you get caught on something. I hear Belltec's are pricey; but good units.
BELLTEC Industries, Inc. Belton, Tx :: Drill holes fast where others fail

Not too pricey if this is part of your business, Take a look:CM Trailers available at Kempner Equipment, Inc.. Your home for Utility Equipment Trailers, Gooseneck Dump Trailers, flatbed utility trailers, heavy duty gooseneck trailers, Auto Transport Trailers, livestock trailers, horse trailers, hydraulic dump trailers, heavy equipment utility trailers, Hay trailers, cargo trailers and all of your utility trailer needs. Used Trailers available. We also stock farm implements and accessories.

 

[mjncad]

Hi Welding:

Thanks for the link. If I were in the business of drilling holes, then I would agree completely with you on the ROI of the Bell-Tec; but since I don't make a buck drilling holes, the Bell-tec is out of my price range.