Posthole Digger Post Hole Diggers

[602466]

I have two questions for you guys:

1. I was using the PHD for the first time last week and was very disappointed. I was not able to dig any deeper than 5 inches down. Yes, it was North Carolina red hard clay but I expected better results. Is there an art to using the PHD?

2. I broke the PTO shaft where it connects to the gear drive. My fault, just at a bad angle and it (metal) snapped. Are all PTO shafts the same and are they interchangeable? Do I need to go to the manufacturer?

I have some fence post to put in this month. Do I just sell this thing and rent one for the job? I got it for $250.00 and is supposed to be a heavy duty one!

Thanks,

Wally

 

[pitt_md]

I think you should check the cutting blades and replace them if there dull. something has to be wrong. Why do you think you can rent one that will drill and yours will not?

 

[602466]

I was thinking of renting a two man auger (drill) to get the job done.

Thanks for the reply!

Wally

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

I'd take a digging bar to the started hole to see if there was a rock - you may just need to move ofer a foot or so and try again. (once you replace the PTO shaft)
Also - are you sure you broke the shaft and not just the shear pin?

 

[602466]

No rocks. I was actually practicing and getting used to the thing. I tried four different holes in different places with no luck. We have very hard clay soil here. It just did not have enough down force to drill deeper. I don't want to help on the down force, you know accidents happen!

No, its the metal housing that connects the PTO to the gear box side.

Thanks for the help.

Wally

 

[602466]

I was moving the tractor forward and back trying to get different angles to drill when I broke the PTO Shaft. I moved forward too much and snapped the housing on the PTO shaft. As I said my fault!

Wally

 

[Diamondpilot]

How old is the auger? It may just be worn out. Also, is it spinning the right way? Never seen one spin the other way but maybe you got a special auger made for some special use.

Chris

 

[602466]

Thanks for your help!

Wally

 

[Freds]

Simple things, but you do have the 3ph set to drop quickly, right? PHD's don't have a lot of weight ya know. I've switched to light implements and not even have them move when I tried to lower them. And I saw someone fasten weight to the boom on here I think. Tying a block or two to the arch in the boom seems relatively safe, provided they can't interfere with the auger at all. I also read something about wetting clay ground with water.

 

[MarkV]

Simple things, but you do have the 3ph set to drop quickly, right? PHD's don't have a lot of weight ya know. I've switched to light implements and not even have them move when I tried to lower them. And I saw someone fasten weight to the boom on here I think. Tying a block or two to the arch in the boom seems relatively safe, provided they can't interfere with the auger at all. I also read something about wetting clay ground with water.

Freds are you aware that you can adjust the drop rate on your 3pt arms with the knob below the front of the seat? Both of mine will drop like a rock without any implement on them.

MarkV

 

[MarkV]

I'd bet the auger bit is dull. Most have a replaceable piece that starts the hole and is what dulls out first. Once the main blades of the bit get started they pull themselves into the hole, sometimes to fast so don't go too deep without pulling the bit to clear itself.

You may well be able to get a new end for your PTO shaft. I think Tractor Supply carries them. You also do not need the same shaft as the manufacture provided, again, Tractor Supply or a good farm store/dealer.

MarkV

 

[20 20]

1st you won't dig any better with a 2 man manual then you will with a tractor mounted.
Not to sound stupid but are you sure your 3pt is dropping far enough. If a PHD is working right it should{especially in clay} pull itself into the ground. I have very hard clay were I'm at and have a hard time stopping the PHD from screwing itself straight into the ground.
Sounds to me like the 3pt isn't dropping or the tip is bad {or missing??}

 

[Freds]

Freds are you aware that you can adjust the drop rate on your 3pt arms with the knob below the front of the seat? Both of mine will drop like a rock without any implement on them.

MarkV

Why yes I am.... That's why I was wondering if he had his set to drop quickly with a light attachment.
I do not like mine to drop like a rock. I like mine set to drop quickly with the attachment that's on the tractor without slamming it to the ground. I keep the knob screwed in a little more for a brush hog than I would a back blade.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Check out Agri Supply in Garner. They should have the parts you need for the PTO as well as new cutting edges for your auger.
Agri Supply - Search Results for auger

Red dirt digs easy unless it is very dry. Are you not getting any of this rain? Sharp cutting edges make all of the difference. Keep your RPM fairly low to allow the auger to cut into the soil.

 

[SouthernConservative]

Take a grinder and sharpen the auger bit before each use - helps "bite" into the hole - also put the brake on once you are ready to dig, keeps the tractor from 'walking' forward or backward.