Posthole Digger tractor supply post hole digger?

[MikePA]

Before you buy an auger, make sure the bolt holes on the auger will match up to the holes in output shaft and not just that they're both 2" in diameter. I have a Leinbach 7200 which is similar to the TSC digger, since TSC augers fit it, and the Danuser augers were made such that I could have only used one bolt to attach the auger.

 

[gerard]

I have a tsc unit with 9 inch auger. The cutting tips are just two beveled pieces of flat stock with a center tip that is like a large screw. Works fine in soil, will pull up rocks up to grapefruit size, anything bigger than that forget it. The flighting isn't too heavy duty either. I can get about 20 holes done and then have to hardface the cutting tips and re grind them again. For the conditions you desscribed I don't think you'll be happy with the stock auger and, as previously mentioned, it's the auger that's the most important part. Spring for a heavy duty auger and slip clutch (or buy the shear bolts by the dozen). Some of those danuser have carbide rock tips that will hold up a lot better in limestone. The TSC stock is just steel far as I could tell based on how quick they wore down.

 

[Rick Jay]

I don't have a lot of experience with my post hole digger (probably 20 holes or so in rock laden clay), but I would recommend the heavier duty unit.

It's true that the bit does most of the work, but all the torque applied to that bit is transmitted through the gearbox, and when the bit hits a rock and before the shear bolt snaps, that force is applied through the gear teeth.

With the number of holes you've got to drill, I'd recommend the heavy duty unit. If you don't need it in a couple of years, I bet you could sell it and recoupe much of your cost.

By the way, I've got a Woods 1160. I had originally ordered the lighter duty 1130, but when I checked the specs. and the difference in price, I felt the 1160 was a much better deal. (The 1130 was only good up to 12" bits. I think the 1160 can handle up to 24" bits. When you see the 1130 and 1160 side by side, the 1160 is visibly more massive.)

Hey...it's only money. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Good Luck,

~Rick

 

[Inspector507]

I have a PHD from TSC, I think it is a SpeeCo from Specialty Products. I got the 9" and 12" augers with it. One Saturday I drilled 3 dozen holes that included "orange" sized rocks. I had no problem at all except the flighting on the auger got a little mis-shaped by a rock. Thankfully I didn't need any extra bolts for the auger, I didn't read ALL the posts BEFORE I dug all the holes. The shear bolt was a little bent, but didn't break.
I'm happy with it so far.

Jerry

 

[alco141]

i bopught a similar model from central tractor (made by worksaver), i have cut over 400 holes with it in vwery rocky soil. have snapped a few shear pins and have replaced the cutting edges a couple of times. works great for planting trees, rose bushes, fences, pole buildings, decks. i have the 12 inch auger. i would not be too afraid of the tractor supply model as i am sure it will meet your needs. if it works in this glacial till with grapefruit sized rocks, just pops them out of the holes. be carefull you dont get hit by them i have seen them fly about 25 feet.

alex