3-Point Hitch PTO Speed

[lennyzx11]

Got my new to me John Deere PHD 300 out today again for some honest holes.
Still working on the spinning the dirt out technique as I haven't quite got that part.
Per here, I put it touching the ground, then engage the PTO at idle. Slowly ramp up about a third throttle.
Also researched here for storing it. Biggest PITA to connect implement I have so going to build a stand or hang it from a rafter. Currently leaning against a tree which is infinitely better than trying to hook it up from a laying on its side storage position like try number one!
It's the cat's meow for planting also! Won plus points with chief gardener (wife).

 

[Texasmark]

I always run my auger at very low speeds while digging the hole. Once the hole is to the desired depth, I'll kick the RPMs up a little to clean out the hole and toss the loose material off the auger as I raise it.. Running it fast is how folk end up "corkscrewing" the auger into the ground to the point the three point cannot lift it out. You want it to make the hole somewhat slowly so it has a chance to break up the material as it rotates, and for the rotation to lift the material out naturally.

Going slowly, you can make your holes much faster than if going at high speed, you corkscrew one hole. The time it takes to disconnect the auger, move the tractor, manually rotate the bit out of the ground, get it all hooked back up and continue on will kill progress.

+1 on that especially if you are a new operator. Case in point, recently helped a new neighbor dig some post holes. Neighbor is new to tractors. I told him how and why but in his inexperience he didn't follow my instructions and augered one all the way in. I go to the house and get my 36" pipe wrench and cheater pipe and explain how he can get it out. He does a fine job now. But he had a learning curve to get over and he did. The rest is history.