Using Post Hole Attachment

[Alex_Mendoza]

Hello Gentlemen:
Well, I got the wife to help me move some dirt for HER horses on our 3 acres after 5 hours of of using the wheel barrow and shovel, I suggested getting a tractor and a few implements to help with HER horse facilities, took less than 5 seconds and I was on my way the the Deere store /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif, bought a 4115 HST with a box scrapper and FEL, she wanted some fence for HER horses and suggested a Post hole digger implement, 5 seconds later I was on my way to the store /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif for a Land Pride 15 series PHD.
I have not used a post hole digger before, does anyone have any suggestions for a nice straight hole in the ground, I will be using a 12 inch auger to do about 900 ft. worth of fence.
I thank you!! in avance for any suggestions, I am out of town on a business trip and have not even attached the PHD to my tractor yet, as soon as I get back home I will start the project for HER horses!
Thanks Again for your suggestions!

Alex

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Ok first, I am guessing you are new to all this stuff based on your posting, so just a word of warning.

The Post Hole Digger is one of the most dangerous implements you can use. When I use them I make sure NOBODY is anywhere near the back of the tractor. I know people who have been wrapped around them an almost had limbs removed. Don't get me wrong, I love my PHD it is a fun tool, but make sure the wife, kids, horses, neighbors, etc are all standing well away before you engage the PTO.

Second, I am not clear why you are using a 12" auger. Unless you are using really big posts, you will have a lot of dirt to shovel back into those holes. I think a 9" auger might suit you better for setting posts, but it depends on the size of the posts.

As for drilling a nice straight hole, I would suggest you practice. It is not that hard, but do some test holes. The goal is to start it out right, and that means vertically. If the auger bit is the slightest bit off of vertical you will drill a hole that is angled. Some people will also have their tractor in neutral so it can move slightly as the bit drops, I live on hills so I don't do that.

 

[AndyMA]

Bob's advice is good. A 12" auger is probably too large for a small tractor anyway. Also I don't know what kind of soil you have but large rock and roots can make life very interesting. When ever I drill, I pray fo no large rocks. Also if you get the auger hung up on either a large rock (and it may not have to be that large if it rolls in and prevents you from withdrawing he auger) or wound around a good size root you'll be glad you ate your Wheates by the time you use a pipe wrench to back it out of the ground.. No actually sometimes if you can keep it spinning you can actually eventually work it out.

Good luck. And as Bob said keep your clothes and body parts away from any rotating parts. You won't believe how fast and hard you get sucked in.

Andy

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Andy makes a really good point about the 12" auger being a lot for a small tractor with roots/rocks. I've used a 12" on a 24hp NH, it has about 19pto hp and in dry clay it works well, but it does do a good job of shaking the tractor. I've got a 30hp that handles the 12" bit a lot better. I don't know the hp of a 4115, but depending on your soil type, roots, rocks, and moisture content, the tractor may bog down.

 

[tc18ny]

I use a 12'' on my TC18 with hardly any problems. Does your 3ph have down pressure? Makes it easier if it does. I've never had a problem getting the auge out of the hole when stuck on something. If it gets caught up, simply put some lift pressure on it and slowly engage the auger. Should pop right out. As far as plum holes... just takes practice. As you go deeper, your auger angle changes, so you will need to back up a little. Heck, I've never even brocken the sheer pin on the thing. The new one is still in it. Good luck.

 

[beenthere]

I would agree on going to a smaller diameter bit.

A trick I use is to dig a small, shallow hole where I want the post to be, before trying to hit that spot with just engaging and dropping the auger. If sod, then I just remove the sod where the hole is desired, and drop the auger in that spot. It helps to keep the auger from wanting to wander around the spot trying to get a good hold.

The other trick is to not drop the auger too fast. Depending on soil type, the auger can get a bite and screw itself into the ground fast. Then (without reverse) becomes a problem getting it out. One can use a pipe wrench or a bar to turn the PTO shaft in reverse, but avoiding the problem by going slowly is the best solution. You don't have down pressure so it will be the sharpness of the bit and the weight of the auger and gear box that will help you get the hole dug.

You will soon learn the trick of moving the tractor back to keep the post hole going straight (or ahead if necessary).

Enjoy the trip (but with a 9" that will fit your 4110 better).

 

[Alex_Mendoza]

Thank You so much for taking the time to reply! The posts for the fence are 5x5 so a 9 inch auger would only leave about 1 inch on either side of the diagonal post hence the 12 inch auger.
Thank you again for taking the time to reply

 

[Bird]

Alex, I agree with the other guys, and cannot over-emphasize the danger involved in using a PHD the first few times, so I'll add a few comments. Lower the point of the auger to the ground before engaging the PTO, then engage the PTO with your engine speed at idle. Once it's firmly against the ground and turning, you may (or may not) want to increase the RPMs a bit. Then lower it slowly with the 3-point hitch as it digs; too much too fast and as the other guys said, it'll screw itself into the ground. Also as it digs into the ground, you'll probably need to occasionally raise it up while turning to clear dirt out, but don't come completely out of the hole with it turning, especially if it's turning very fast because it will "flop" around in any and all directions. They're a great tool and I know you're going to like it; just remember that it'll bite you if aren't very careful.

 

[kevincook]

Just one other suggestion. Call the DigSafe people or whatever they are called in your area before you drill any holes. If there happens to be any utilities running through your property they can be very expensive to fix. If you get permission first and then hit something you are safe.

Good Luck,
Kevin

 

[EastTexFrank]

Just to head off on another tack, it only took a total of 10 seconds to convince your wife to get a tractor, box blade, FEL and PHD!!!! Don't complain about HER horses anymore. Hold on to that woman - she's a keeper. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Welcome to the board.