Using 3pt posthole auger with transmission PTO

dxhorton · Mar 8, 2015

Hi -

I know that a transmission (non-live) PTO can be used to power stationary attachments by placing the transmission in neutral. However, my (very limited) experience with posthole augers is that the tractor often needs to be moved slightly, to accommodate the arc of the auger.

I'm having a hard time envisioning how to do that with a transmission (non-live PTO), without starting and stopping the posthole auger. Is that how it's done, or am I missing a trick? Or, did I just have the 3pt adjusted incorrectly (entirely possible)?

Anyone have any real-world experiences they can share?

Thanks in advance for any hints, recommendations, etc., all are most welcome.

BTW, I do know about using an over-run clutch with bush hogs, etc. - definitely a 'must', from a safety and usability standpoint.

Sportsman762 · Mar 8, 2015

The auger will just dig a slightly oval hole. I have spent more hours than I care to count with a Ford 8n digging fence post holes. I never moved the tractor and the oval hole never was a problem.

varmint · Mar 8, 2015

If you start with the auger angled slightly away from the tractor at its bottom, as it drops, digging the hole, you will wind up with a more or less vertical hole. Not hard to figure out with a few drills.

dxhorton · Mar 8, 2015

Thanks to all for you're input - much appreciated

HarryVanderpool · Mar 8, 2015

When you are drilling and realize that you need to reposition, raise the quadrant lever.
When the auger just begins to raise, depress the clutch with the lever still in the up position. leave it there.
Leave the pto engaged.
Creep forward or back until you are in desired position.
The auger will rotate and lift just slightly, but no big deal.
Once in position, drop out of gear lower lever and resume drilling.
I've drilled a million holes on a Ford 2N this way.