Hey Tony! Just letting you know that your tips and advice on the PTO auger has helped me tremendously! I just bought a new 3 point auger a few weeks ago and have had no previous experience using one. I couldn't wait to try it out so I drilled a few holes for a temporary tarp canopy. I did everything wrong and I almost got it stuck several times. I saw this video and watched it a couple of times then went back and drilled 12 holes for my deck support and I was able to get 12 perfect holes without any damage to me, my equipment or my RV that I am building the deck for. Again thank you so much for what you do!
That was a great instructional video. Lots of people complain about using a post hole digger. I never thought it was that bad and it’s much better than digging by hand. Even after using mine many times I still learned a few things from you. Your explanation of straightening out the auger left to right was very good. Also, I never thought of adjusting the 3 point drop rate to keep from screwing into the ground. I always just pull up occasionally but that is a pain and if you pull up too far you widen the hole front to back because of the change in angle. Screwing into the ground is a nightmare. I have only done it once and with the help of a pipe wrench and a cheater bar I got it out. Once was enough. I hope I never do it again. Thanks again for the great video and tips.
Great information Tony. In Florida we often used to dig the corner post holes and fill them with concrete. Then we would set the posts on a steel saddle. The kept them out of the termite infested Florida soil and kept them from rotting so fast.
This is still cutting like butter. Compared to where i dig here in ny. Nothing but rocks. Pretty much like burying that stone you got there plus giant ones and trying to go through it. Definitely need carbide tips here.
Doing a great job explaining. Only thing I could offer is the word "Level" is for things that are flat. A more accurate word, "Plumb" is the word I think for things that go up and down.
You would be surprised at how many people don't know what the word plumb means. I use words to convey a message vs being perfect. A good example is your post. You used the words up and down to describe what plumb is. In fact, the post does not go up or down. The post is stationary and to make the post plum it must be perfectly vertical. The word "be" indicates a state of non-movement. We could move the post into plumb. Now I'm craving plum jelly.
Yep, first day trying out my new post hold digger, she screwed in. Discovered how to adjust the lift pressure. But just as important, I had the lift pin on the digger set to the bottom hole. Set that way, my little tractor didn’t have enough leverage to lift the digger property. Anyway, great teaching video Tony.
Thank you. I have used a post hole digger a lot over the years and I have done just about everything wrong that can be done. My dad always said, if you are going to be dumb, you got to be tough. Still, I hope some of my experiences help someone else.
Very informative Chief, as many have stated. I try to wait a few hours before commenting as I learn from others experience as well. You covered it better than an other post IMO. I have one w a couple augers from a tractor buy out E of Nashville. Dangerous if you don’t know and respect it. Your safety message is more important than many realize. One of my first if not the first PTSD experiences was a young hired hand tried to clear a jam in a grain auger on our rice/soybean farm. Half the foot gone in mili seconds. Blood, panic, screaming, traumatic on every one. He lived thanks to lots of folks and God. The only thing more dangerous is mining. (well the Infantry has its moments).
Thanks Tony! Been putting in posts all my life, never used an auger. Going to get one for my John Deere 790 soon and wanted to bone up on how to use one. Your video is very informative. Thanks again for posting!
I appreciate your firm and forward delivery of information! Your video set Me straight that they are manageable to operate given limitations but with correct setup, engine speed and technique, I feel more confident about My quest for a Post-Digger. No doubt they are dangerous if used carelessly, I've seen other channels where people are standing 18" away while the operator jerked the auger in and out of the hole at max engine rpm's! If that auger breeches the topside of the hole from a violent lift, the U-joint at the gearbox will turn that spiral bit into a whip! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences, it helps us newbies survive the learning curve during the apprentice phase!
Good info. I have 2 pastures of posts I'm about to have to dig, 260 holes to be exact. But I'm just doing 1 pasture at a time. I've had my 40HP hydrostatic Kioti tractor about 8 months now & it is a beast for it's size! I found a brand new heavy duty auger with 48" long x 9" diameter bit for $600.
Yes, very informative. Found crucial info not seen on other vids. The drop-rate valve tip is so helpful, as well as the advice on leveling and adujsting. Well done. I feel much more confident and excited to drill 19 holes tomorrow for a round pen! Subscribing!
Awesome explanation... Very informative, and a really good job with the highlight lines showing where the auger should be in reference to where it was sitting. You and Tawnya (sorry if misspelled) always do a fantastic job. Have a great day and God Bless.
Heavy clay when dry can be extremely hard as you video has shown. Also when we hit the desired depth of hole, we usually dump a bucket of water in the hole it makes the clay plastic and provides a clean bottom. we are in an area of deep frost and heavy clay so holes are normally 4ft deep. Nice video and some very good tips. Thank you.
That is good information. I guess you guys have to worry a good deal about heaving. On a rare occasion we will have a freeze line down to 12 inches. Most of our freezes only go down 5 or 6 inches and then the weather warms back up.
Great video. I like that you took your time to not edit a bunch of video and only show the bits and pieces. I just got it attached and looking forward to a whole lot of posts in my future without renting that two man auger that is great except for when it is done and needs lifted out of the hole.
i bough a brush hog and the guy threw in a auger set up. he claimed he hated it and was scared of it. My guess is he didnt watch your video and ran it way to fast. great video wish me luck
Found this really helpful, just set up 3pl auger up with a 500mm drill and been having a few dramas with it but this highlighted a few minor points that I think will make life easier for me. We also have clay that's so hard the hand auger just spins on it without cutting
Great tips. I'm looking to get one of these and this is just what I was looking for. This will be so much better than the hand held I am using now! A real arm and back saver!
Very good & thorough explanation for a 3 point Post Hole digger. I just got a Danuser F8 and this info was great to access. Getting it "plumb" was covered very well. (But you did call it "Level" not Plumb. ;-) ) Thanks Tony!
Good informative video tony hope you guys are doing good. Can't wait to see the finished fence. Hope you both are doing well and staying cool with this hot weather lately
The fence is finished but now we're working on the video. We have been getting up at 4:00 a.m. and working till we can't stand it. Looking at the finished fence I think it was worth it.
All great stuff. I have a hack. It also helps address horridly stony soil like I have I got big rocks. It's an easy hack. A bigger auger. Makes centering the hole easier, clears larger rocks easier, and helps compensate for angular error. 'Course ya need a bigger tractor.
I use up to a 12 inch auger with this tractor. It is very important for us to use the 9 inch auger. The bigger the hole, the more of the foam post setter is required. The foam post setter cost $12 per bag requiring 2 bags per hole with a 9 inch auger. We have 120+ posts to put down! A bigger hole will increase the foam cost by 1/3.
Really well done video Tony. You covered most of the tips I’ve accumulated using mine on my JD 1025r. About the only thing I’ve seen to add is how decent sized roots can impact you. I’ve drilled post holes in wooded areas or just cleared areas and when that auger grabs one it’s awfully hard to keep it from drilling in and not wanting to come back out. Especially with weak lift arms like mine. Eventually you start to get a feel for when it’s starting to grab one and you can catch it early enough to rock forward and back a bit and try to get back out before you don’t have a choice but to screw it out. It can be a tough implement to use in some conditions.
Well done video. I hate using manual clamshell diggers enough that I usually auger several inches deeper than required, then filling and tamping with a 2x4 to get the exact depth.
We took a eye and welded it on the back at top and take a polaris ranger wibch hook on to it and put down pressure on it and it will dig everything real fast... We havnt ever had a priblem with it comin back out here in oklahoma
Great tips we just got tractor mounted auger , have been using 2 man Stille auger were getting older and 2 man one is brutal when it hits rocks and your dead right about it screwing into ground ,had it happen
Good video. I understand how these seem to be one of the most hated implements - you're not going to just run out and do it all from the seat of the tractor unless you've got years of experience.
Another tip.. Instead of pulling forward, after your hole is filled up with loose dirt, simply raise the auger, hit the throttle, rev the tractor up high and drop the clutch. This spins off the dirt and it throws it beyond the hole, You can do this several times and end up with with an almost empty hole without moving the tractor away from the hole.
This is a hydrostatic transmission. With electric over hydraulic PTO. It is a little less responsive. Also, I didn't want the dirt around the hole. Just a different style of doing it. Thank you for taking the time to share your way. I always learn so much from comments. God Bless
Glad to hear your public service announcement on 811. It won't always mean you won't hit something you'll wish you hadn't but it will usually save a lot of regret.
Thanks folks. It's a skill alright, even straightforward things are difficult until you have the knowledge. Are there different wear edges you can fit for different conditions?
My auger has hardened steel cutters but you can get carbide cutters. Hardened steel cutters for us last a long time. We have play with virtually. No rock.
I placed a clear hose in u form filled with water and food coloring clamped to the side of the shield next to the gear case , when auger is plum i marked a visible line even with the water level, therefore i can see if its plum from the comfort of my seat and dont have to get off
Believe me brother, you don't want that ground wet specially the clay or roots. That bit will stuck 😢. For cat 1 or cat 2 it's very hard to lift the auger when stuck. Good explanation nice job. I love my farm but I feel that Tractor Supply love it more 😂.
There is a small flat spot on top of my auger's gear box. That is the place I look at to see if it is level. If the top is level, then the auger is plumb.
Very informative and helpful video. As you noted, those post hole diggers can be dangerous if not respected. Also, I was wondering if you have done a video reviewing your deck over trailer? I did a search on your channel and didn't see one right off. I know the trailer has been in several of your videos and was looking for your thoughts (pros/cons) and if you would buy the same trailer again? What limits you have found? (Can you tell that I'm trailer shopping.)
The deck over trailer is awesome for what we do, but I would not buy it again. I would buy a conventional trailer with fold up ramps. The hydraulic lift deck system is heavy thereby making the whole trailer heavy. My trailer is approximately 5800 lb empty. Hindsight says that is lost. Carry capacity on 14,000 lb axles. The ease of loading hydraulically lifting up and down is amazing but we have been close to the weight limit of the trailer a few times. Other than that it pulls wonderfully and I've had zero issue as far as maintenance. We have about 5,000 mi on the trailer so far. Guesstimation.
@@TonysTractorAdventure thank you for the information, I will keep it in mind as we continue our search. 14K is the weight we are looking at, but as you pointed out losing almost 6k to the trailer itself is a little hard to swallow. Hoping to find a tilt-trailer that will meet our needs, just in today's market, in no hurry to buy or should I say in no hurry to pay those prices. Thanks again for the info.
This past Sunday I was trying to dig some holes for a new mailbox. Totally forgot about the limiter valve and screwed that sucker into the ground all the way to the hilt...not by choice. Went through 3 shear pins trying to break it free. Also tried rocking it back and forth to help loosen the surrounding dirt. Ended up breaking out the pipe wrench and cheater bar and all it did was break the pipe wrench. Now I've got a larger steel pipe wrench and time to get busy. **Side note: After all was said and done, I think rocking the tractor back and forth to help break the tension on the auger has cracked the housing surrounding my hydraulics. I now have decent amounts of fluid leaking out of my tractors rear end because of this. Be forewarned!**
New subscriber, glad I found your tips on augers. Looking to buy my first post hole digger and auger... Atwoods near me has a ToolTuffDirect model 650 which appears to be the right size for my Kubota L2800. The manufacturer website says it's compatible with 6", 9", and 12" augers... but they also sell an 18" auger which I would like to get for planting trees (we just build a house on a new homestead and hope to put a lot of fruit trees in over the next year or two) - Since I have no experience with PHD/Augers... it doesn't list the 18" as compatible... is that a solid no-go as it won't be able to handle it? ...or is it a case where if you go slow (these won't be super deep holes just to plant trees) it will work fine? I don't want to make a stupid mistake and tear something up, but that 18" is going to work a lot better for what we need if I can run it.
Another important point is to not use a quick hitch with a post hole digger. It extends it too far to the back and adds instability to the whole rig. So if you have a quick hitch, be sure to remove it before mounting the post hole digger.
I just started using my 3 point PHD and I sheared 5 pins in the first hole, no rocks and fairly soft soil. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong, I tried to go slow and had RPM's at like 250. I didn't really see anything in the video that might describe what I was doing wrong, any pointers? It would run smoothly and I'd press it down very slowly but the very first sign of resistance the pins would sheer. I wouldn't even have time to react, just poof gone. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
You might have this problem resolved by now, but it sounds like the pins are too soft. The shear pin is to protect the gearbox and drive line in case the auger gets into something it can’t handle. Slight pressure in soft dirt should not shear a pin unless you are using too large a diameter auger, like 24” or something like that. Grade 3 bolts (no markings on head) are pretty safe for shear pins since they are not too hard and will shear if necessary. The next step up would be grade 5 bolts (3 marks on head). I’ve drilled a lot of holes with a 3 pt auger in all types of ground and sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it’s near impossible. Soft dirt should be easy.
That is the best post hole digger explanation I’ve ever seen! Thank you for the great video and tips!
Thank you.
Hey Tony! Just letting you know that your tips and advice on the PTO auger has helped me tremendously!
I just bought a new 3 point auger a few weeks ago and have had no previous experience using one. I couldn't wait to try it out so I drilled a few holes for a temporary tarp canopy. I did everything wrong and I almost got it stuck several times. I saw this video and watched it a couple of times then went back and drilled 12 holes for my deck support and I was able to get 12 perfect holes without any damage to me, my equipment or my RV that I am building the deck for.
Again thank you so much for what you do!
Wow! Thank you. That is the best comment ever.
That was a great instructional video. Lots of people complain about using a post hole digger. I never thought it was that bad and it’s much better than digging by hand. Even after using mine many times I still learned a few things from you. Your explanation of straightening out the auger left to right was very good. Also, I never thought of adjusting the 3 point drop rate to keep from screwing into the ground. I always just pull up occasionally but that is a pain and if you pull up too far you widen the hole front to back because of the change in angle. Screwing into the ground is a nightmare. I have only done it once and with the help of a pipe wrench and a cheater bar I got it out. Once was enough. I hope I never do it again. Thanks again for the great video and tips.
It sounds like me and you have walked some of the same roads!
@@TonysTractorAdventure Yes we have. Love your channel.
Thank you.
Great information Tony. In Florida we often used to dig the corner post holes and fill them with concrete. Then we would set the posts on a steel saddle. The kept them out of the termite infested Florida soil and kept them from rotting so fast.
We used Fast2K for all of our posts. It protects them and the buggers don't like it.
Finally someone digging in dry clay. Everyone else cutting like butter in soft soil.
This clay gets hard as concrete in the summer
@@TonysTractorAdventure I have the same stuff, I was worried about the auger not doing the job but this one did good.
I wish I had dry clay. Digging in gravel, boulders and roots. Altho below 2-3' it becomes sand.
This is still cutting like butter. Compared to where i dig here in ny. Nothing but rocks. Pretty much like burying that stone you got there plus giant ones and trying to go through it. Definitely need carbide tips here.
I’m all set to go but thought maybe I should RUclips it. Glad I did. Thank you.
Great tips, I have yet to use my auger that came with my tractor. But will revisit this video the night before I do.
Thank you.
Haven’t dug a hole yet but many to dig. You already saved me time with the hitch drop rate adjustment.
Happy to help. Thank you
Thank you , good man ! Feeling far more confident for tomorrow .
Doing a great job explaining. Only thing I could offer is the word "Level" is for things that are flat. A more accurate word, "Plumb" is the word I think for things that go up and down.
You would be surprised at how many people don't know what the word plumb means. I use words to convey a message vs being perfect. A good example is your post. You used the words up and down to describe what plumb is. In fact, the post does not go up or down. The post is stationary and to make the post plum it must be perfectly vertical. The word "be" indicates a state of non-movement. We could move the post into plumb. Now I'm craving plum jelly.
Yep, first day trying out my new post hold digger, she screwed in. Discovered how to adjust the lift pressure. But just as important, I had the lift pin on the digger set to the bottom hole. Set that way, my little tractor didn’t have enough leverage to lift the digger property. Anyway, great teaching video Tony.
Thank you. I have used a post hole digger a lot over the years and I have done just about everything wrong that can be done. My dad always said, if you are going to be dumb, you got to be tough. Still, I hope some of my experiences help someone else.
You have been a lifesaver today for me on my tym 2515. Been up at the ranch watching all your videos 😂
That is awesome! Thank you
Very informative Chief, as many have stated. I try to wait a few hours before commenting as I learn from others experience as well. You covered it better than an other post IMO. I have one w a couple augers from a tractor buy out E of Nashville. Dangerous if you don’t know and respect it. Your safety message is more important than many realize. One of my first if not the first PTSD experiences was a young hired hand tried to clear a jam in a grain auger on our rice/soybean farm. Half the foot gone in mili seconds. Blood, panic, screaming, traumatic on every one. He lived thanks to lots of folks and God. The only thing more dangerous is mining. (well the Infantry has its moments).
It is one of the most dangerous implements because it looks so docile. People don't realize how easy it is to get hurt.
Thanks Tony! Been putting in posts all my life, never used an auger. Going to get one for my John Deere 790 soon and wanted to bone up on how to use one. Your video is very informative. Thanks again for posting!
I appreciate your firm and forward delivery of information! Your video set Me straight that they are manageable to operate given limitations but with correct setup, engine speed and technique, I feel more confident about My quest for a Post-Digger. No doubt they are dangerous if used carelessly, I've seen other channels where people are standing 18" away while the operator jerked the auger in and out of the hole at max engine rpm's! If that auger breeches the topside of the hole from a violent lift, the U-joint at the gearbox will turn that spiral bit into a whip! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences, it helps us newbies survive the learning curve during the apprentice phase!
Thank you for the kind words. 👍
Thanks for sharing your expertise with us. God Bless! Have a great day.
God bless you and your family. Thank you.
Thanks, great tutorial. Just bought a post hole digger with a 9" diameter auger for my JD 1025.
Congratulations. Good tractor
Good work
Thank you! Cheers!
Good info. I have 2 pastures of posts I'm about to have to dig, 260 holes to be exact. But I'm just doing 1 pasture at a time. I've had my 40HP hydrostatic Kioti tractor about 8 months now & it is a beast for it's size! I found a brand new heavy duty auger with 48" long x 9" diameter bit for $600.
Your tractor will pull that without any problem. It sure beats doing it by hand. 😁
Yes, very informative. Found crucial info not seen on other vids. The drop-rate valve tip is so helpful, as well as the advice on leveling and adujsting. Well done. I feel much more confident and excited to drill 19 holes tomorrow for a round pen! Subscribing!
Thank you. I am happy it helps.
Awesome explanation... Very informative, and a really good job with the highlight lines showing where the auger should be in reference to where it was sitting. You and Tawnya (sorry if misspelled) always do a fantastic job. Have a great day and God Bless.
Thank you so much. Tanja does such good camera work. She is the smart one of the team.👍
I always learn something new while I watch this !!! Thanks
Thank you.
Nobody explains this better than Tony!
Thank you.
Thanks for this video. You did a great job illustrating the way you level the auger
Glad you enjoyed it!
Heavy clay when dry can be extremely hard as you video has shown. Also when we hit the desired depth of hole, we usually dump a bucket of water in the hole it makes the clay plastic and provides a clean bottom. we are in an area of deep frost and heavy clay so holes are normally 4ft deep. Nice video and some very good tips. Thank you.
That is good information. I guess you guys have to worry a good deal about heaving. On a rare occasion we will have a freeze line down to 12 inches. Most of our freezes only go down 5 or 6 inches and then the weather warms back up.
This video is extremely helpful thank you.
Some great tips Tony. Enjoyed this video.
Thank you
Sure beats using the old fashioned kind. Thanks for the tips Tony! 👍 As the saying goes, "Slow and steady wins the race"
I called the handheld post hole diggers medieval torture tools.
Great video - appreciate the tips and information
Glad it was helpful! Thank you.
Great video. I like that you took your time to not edit a bunch of video and only show the bits and pieces. I just got it attached and looking forward to a whole lot of posts in my future without renting that two man auger that is great except for when it is done and needs lifted out of the hole.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for taking the time to make a good comment. Tony
the hint about the 3 pt leak off rate was great. I have mine open for my rear blade to get weight down....need to close it for my post hole digger
I learned it the hard way! 😁
i bough a brush hog and the guy threw in a auger set up. he claimed he hated it and was scared of it. My guess is he didnt watch your video and ran it way to fast. great video wish me luck
Good stuff. I am fixing to dig about a 100 holes. It’s nice to get some pointers ahead of time instead of learning as I go. Thanks for the info!!
You are welcome.
Very informative and helpful tips. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge, it will come in handy for me.
Thank you for letting me know. God Bless
Found this really helpful, just set up 3pl auger up with a 500mm drill and been having a few dramas with it but this highlighted a few minor points that I think will make life easier for me.
We also have clay that's so hard the hand auger just spins on it without cutting
Great tips. I'm looking to get one of these and this is just what I was looking for. This will be so much better than the hand held I am using now! A real arm and back saver!
Thank you. Glad to be of help.
Thanks for the tips, Tony! I'll be doing exactly that same job in a couple of months.
It was hot and hard work, but it feels good to see it finished.
Thanks Tony great video
Glad you enjoyed it
Now I know why my auger gets stuck in the clay. Thanks so much and I am now subscribed…Ron
Thank you, Ron. Glad to hear that.
Very good & thorough explanation for a 3 point Post Hole digger. I just got a Danuser F8 and this info was great to access. Getting it "plumb" was covered very well. (But you did call it "Level" not Plumb. ;-) )
Thanks Tony!
Most people don't know what Plumb means.
Loved the detailed explanation and demonstrating your experience. Please keep posting... Subscriber!!
Thank you. I look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood! 👍
Well done video. Very helpful information. Thanks!
Thank you for saying so.
Man, thank you for this Tony. 💯
You are welcome.
Good informative video tony hope you guys are doing good. Can't wait to see the finished fence. Hope you both are doing well and staying cool with this hot weather lately
The fence is finished but now we're working on the video. We have been getting up at 4:00 a.m. and working till we can't stand it. Looking at the finished fence I think it was worth it.
@@TonysTractorAdventure hard work makes the dreams come true. Keep it up ill be watching your alls videos for a long time
Great video and tutorial well described - thank you
Thank you
Very good Sir. Thank You.
You are welcome
You have no idea how I needed this 🤣
I am glad to help!
That was a great instructional video.
Glad it was helpful!
All great stuff. I have a hack. It also helps address horridly stony soil like I have I got big rocks. It's an easy hack. A bigger auger. Makes centering the hole easier, clears larger rocks easier, and helps compensate for angular error. 'Course ya need a bigger tractor.
I use up to a 12 inch auger with this tractor. It is very important for us to use the 9 inch auger. The bigger the hole, the more of the foam post setter is required. The foam post setter cost $12 per bag requiring 2 bags per hole with a 9 inch auger. We have 120+ posts to put down! A bigger hole will increase the foam cost by 1/3.
I've never used foam. Rockc and dirt and a heavy tamper, or concrete. Sometimes I have to use concrete.
I find concrete rots the posts off quick. I love The Fast2K. It is easy and protects the posts.
Great tips Tony! Thank you!!
Thank you for the comment
Really informative. Thanks Tony. All the best from Australia.
Thank you. I hope t visit the big DownUnder someday.
I have watched several of your videos and they were all good. This is the one that made me hit the subscribe button though. Excellent information.
Really well done video Tony. You covered most of the tips I’ve accumulated using mine on my JD 1025r. About the only thing I’ve seen to add is how decent sized roots can impact you. I’ve drilled post holes in wooded areas or just cleared areas and when that auger grabs one it’s awfully hard to keep it from drilling in and not wanting to come back out. Especially with weak lift arms like mine. Eventually you start to get a feel for when it’s starting to grab one and you can catch it early enough to rock forward and back a bit and try to get back out before you don’t have a choice but to screw it out. It can be a tough implement to use in some conditions.
There are so many variables, I hope it gives the new guy something to start with.
Well done video. I hate using manual clamshell diggers enough that I usually auger several inches deeper than required, then filling and tamping with a 2x4 to get the exact depth.
Agreed! Handheld post hole diggers are medieval torture devices.
Great video! Thanks for sharing
Thank you
That was an excellent tutorial Tony, job well done sir. Hope all is well down there! 🇺🇸🇨🇦🚜👍🍻
We are doing well. Looking forward to finishing the project
We took a eye and welded it on the back at top and take a polaris ranger wibch hook on to it and put down pressure on it and it will dig everything real fast... We havnt ever had a priblem with it comin back out here in oklahoma
Very informative. Thank you!
You're welcome!
Great summary.
Thank you so much
You're a good instructor 👌👌 thanks Buddy,😍😍
Thank you my friend
Great tips we just got tractor mounted auger , have been using 2 man Stille auger were getting older and 2 man one is brutal when it hits rocks and your dead right about it screwing into ground ,had it happen
Thank you. We get better with them as time goes on.
Great video…
Glad you enjoyed it
Good video. I understand how these seem to be one of the most hated implements - you're not going to just run out and do it all from the seat of the tractor unless you've got years of experience.
Experience comes fast.
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it
GREAT video, nice guy :) cheers mate!
Thanks for the visit
Good advice. Thanks mate.
You bet
Great info , thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video
Thanks
I appreciate you. I am happy it helped.
Very good video informative for sure
Another tip.. Instead of pulling forward, after your hole is filled up with loose dirt, simply raise the auger, hit the throttle, rev the tractor up high and drop the clutch. This spins off the dirt and it throws it beyond the hole, You can do this several times and end up with with an almost empty hole without moving the tractor away from the hole.
This is a hydrostatic transmission. With electric over hydraulic PTO. It is a little less responsive. Also, I didn't want the dirt around the hole. Just a different style of doing it. Thank you for taking the time to share your way. I always learn so much from comments. God Bless
@@TonysTractorAdventure Sure, many ways to skin a car as they say..:)
A very good video thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
Glad to hear your public service announcement on 811. It won't always mean you won't hit something you'll wish you hadn't but it will usually save a lot of regret.
Great video, thank you sir
Glad you liked it
Thanks folks. It's a skill alright, even straightforward things are difficult until you have the knowledge.
Are there different wear edges you can fit for different conditions?
My auger has hardened steel cutters but you can get carbide cutters. Hardened steel cutters for us last a long time. We have play with virtually. No rock.
Love your dog !
He is by my feet right now.
I placed a clear hose in u form filled with water and food coloring clamped to the side of the shield next to the gear case , when auger is plum i marked a visible line even with the water level, therefore i can see if its plum from the comfort of my seat and dont have to get off
I just learned to gauge from the seat.
Thanks! I learned a lot!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you brother
Any time
Great video. Vertical = plumb
Thank you
interesting, well done...ty
Glad you enjoyed it
Grats on 100k subs
Thank you so much 😀
Believe me brother, you don't want that ground wet specially the clay or roots. That bit will stuck 😢. For cat 1 or cat 2 it's very hard to lift the auger when stuck. Good explanation nice job. I love my farm but I feel that Tractor Supply love it more 😂.
I have a bx2660 Kubota. Rated Cat1. Is there a post hole digger you recommend? Do u ever use wheelchocks? Enjoyed your video. Thks
If I had to buy another one for the back of my tractor I would probably go with an IronCraft.
I don't see how a wheel chocks would help because you have to roll forward as you go down because the arc lengthens.
found the same thing - if you aren't plumb, you'll be screwed, and once the hole is dug it's much harder to correct.
There is a small flat spot on top of my auger's gear box. That is the place I look at to see if it is level. If the top is level, then the auger is plumb.
Great video. I am just getting into homesteading and have land in Maine. The frost line is 6 feet. Is a tractor auger capable of digging 6' 6"?
Very informative and helpful video. As you noted, those post hole diggers can be dangerous if not respected.
Also, I was wondering if you have done a video reviewing your deck over trailer? I did a search on your channel and didn't see one right off. I know the trailer has been in several of your videos and was looking for your thoughts (pros/cons) and if you would buy the same trailer again? What limits you have found? (Can you tell that I'm trailer shopping.)
The deck over trailer is awesome for what we do, but I would not buy it again. I would buy a conventional trailer with fold up ramps. The hydraulic lift deck system is heavy thereby making the whole trailer heavy. My trailer is approximately 5800 lb empty. Hindsight says that is lost. Carry capacity on 14,000 lb axles. The ease of loading hydraulically lifting up and down is amazing but we have been close to the weight limit of the trailer a few times. Other than that it pulls wonderfully and I've had zero issue as far as maintenance. We have about 5,000 mi on the trailer so far. Guesstimation.
@@TonysTractorAdventure thank you for the information, I will keep it in mind as we continue our search. 14K is the weight we are looking at, but as you pointed out losing almost 6k to the trailer itself is a little hard to swallow. Hoping to find a tilt-trailer that will meet our needs, just in today's market, in no hurry to buy or should I say in no hurry to pay those prices. Thanks again for the info.
This past Sunday I was trying to dig some holes for a new mailbox. Totally forgot about the limiter valve and screwed that sucker into the ground all the way to the hilt...not by choice. Went through 3 shear pins trying to break it free. Also tried rocking it back and forth to help loosen the surrounding dirt. Ended up breaking out the pipe wrench and cheater bar and all it did was break the pipe wrench. Now I've got a larger steel pipe wrench and time to get busy. **Side note: After all was said and done, I think rocking the tractor back and forth to help break the tension on the auger has cracked the housing surrounding my hydraulics. I now have decent amounts of fluid leaking out of my tractors rear end because of this. Be forewarned!**
Your story is a great learning tool for all of us. Thank you for sharing it.
Any suggestions with more downward pressure? Rock bar knob is all the way open and cant go full depth. No rocks or roots in way either.
The cutters being sharp is a big thing. The screw on the tip must be sharp too
Adding water to your hole helps
New subscriber, glad I found your tips on augers. Looking to buy my first post hole digger and auger... Atwoods near me has a ToolTuffDirect model 650 which appears to be the right size for my Kubota L2800. The manufacturer website says it's compatible with 6", 9", and 12" augers... but they also sell an 18" auger which I would like to get for planting trees (we just build a house on a new homestead and hope to put a lot of fruit trees in over the next year or two) - Since I have no experience with PHD/Augers... it doesn't list the 18" as compatible... is that a solid no-go as it won't be able to handle it? ...or is it a case where if you go slow (these won't be super deep holes just to plant trees) it will work fine? I don't want to make a stupid mistake and tear something up, but that 18" is going to work a lot better for what we need if I can run it.
Just go slow! If you let the cutter drop, it will dig in and then there will be problems. You will learn to do it.
@@TonysTractorAdventure thank you for taking time to advise! Slow it is!
I live up in the white mountains where there are a lot of rocks and 52” frost line. Can this auger be extended to support more depth?
I don't think it will work
What are all the large rocks for? (4:45-5:30 shows a good view)
During flash floods it keeps the water from cutting the dirt.
Another important point is to not use a quick hitch with a post hole digger. It extends it too far to the back and adds instability to the whole rig. So if you have a quick hitch, be sure to remove it before mounting the post hole digger.
I just started using my 3 point PHD and I sheared 5 pins in the first hole, no rocks and fairly soft soil. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong, I tried to go slow and had RPM's at like 250. I didn't really see anything in the video that might describe what I was doing wrong, any pointers? It would run smoothly and I'd press it down very slowly but the very first sign of resistance the pins would sheer. I wouldn't even have time to react, just poof gone.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
You might have this problem resolved by now, but it sounds like the pins are too soft. The shear pin is to protect the gearbox and drive line in case the auger gets into something it can’t handle. Slight pressure in soft dirt should not shear a pin unless you are using too large a diameter auger, like 24” or something like that. Grade 3 bolts (no markings on head) are pretty safe for shear pins since they are not too hard and will shear if necessary. The next step up would be grade 5 bolts (3 marks on head). I’ve drilled a lot of holes with a 3 pt auger in all types of ground and sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it’s near impossible. Soft dirt should be easy.
Good video. He should be saying “plumb” not “level”. Plumb is a perpendicular to the ground. Level is horizontal. Thanks.
You are right, but it sure gets a lot of comments.
What happens when you hit a rock too big to go up the auger flights? Is there a shear pin, to protect the gearbox when it gets stuck?
I don't recommend an auger for rock. Maybe something meant for rocks would be better.
I wouldnt use in rock, but we have baseball sized rocks mixed in with our soil. What happens when the auger hits one of them?
Hy Tony
Hello my friend. I hope you are having a great week.
Gizmo!
What auger and hole digger is that?
It is a 9" auger.
@03:50 Just make sure you don't screw the pooch.
😂😂😂😂👍