3 point post hole digger

Chuck (CA) · Nov 17, 2009

Been striking out on CraigsList for a 3 point auger and I received a 10% off coupon at my TSC.
They have 2 to choose from Field Force; 450.00 and a heavy duty one for 700.00
This is for occasional use, my upcoming project is approx. 30 holes for a fence using 4x4's.
The ground is relatively loamy with the occasional buried river rock that seems to be wherever I need a hole.
I guess what I'm asking is the heavy duty one worth the extra money?
My two tractors are a Massey TO-35 and a New Holland with 30 hp.
Also, is a 9" bit the best choice?

keh · Nov 17, 2009

Got a digger last year, a Bush Hog. The big difference with it and cheaper brands is the points on the end of the digger. The B H has replaceable teeth and a forged screw point that are seperately replaceable. The cheaper ones have a welded point assembly which is more expensive to replace than the teeth on the Bush Hog, $35 to $12 as I recall. The gear box and frame are not much different.

So, with that in mind I would look more carefully at the TSC diggers. If the gear box and frame are much lighter on the cheap one, I would go for the more expensive one, remembring that the replacement points probably will catch up with you down the road. Rocks probably will damage the TSC points more. I have hit rocks with mine and had to stop and dig out the rocks with a digging bar. The points are still ok, however. I have maybe dug 30 holes.

KEH

BCnT · Nov 17, 2009

i just bought a new 9" auger from TSC for a digger i got at auction...it has replaceable points and blades and was 1/3 cost of name brand augers...i've already set about 400 cedar posts in sand/clay/gravel mix...hardly any wear at all...i got about $300 in whole shootin match including a new gearbox i stole off ebay in the middle of the nite lol.

L P Gas only · Nov 17, 2009

This is where you and I differ. If you only have 30 holes to dig, HIRE THE NEIGHBOR! He will be more than happy to do it for $3 or $5 a hole. You spend $700 and then have to find a place to store it for the rest of your life so it can get sold at your estate sale for $150? Come on man! Make someone WITH that problem happy to use it for you.
Gary

tg in VA · Nov 17, 2009

30 holes, I'd dig em by hand. Get what I call a chunker (a steel pole about 6 ft long with a tamper on one end and a 2" blade on the other). Use it to dig the hole and a hand posthole digger to remove the dirt. You can probably do 10 holes an hour and save your money.

I've got an auger sitting in the woods, bought it years ago for $200. When I asked the guy why he was selling it, he said because hew got tired of loaning it. That if he ever needed an auger again, he would borrow one. He had the right idea.

hayray · Nov 18, 2009

I dont see a problem with the cheaper auger, I beleive they all have replacable points. I have the most expensive largest capacity auger driver that Ford made and I still have have plenty of problems digging holes. Still no down pressure, teeth get dull fast, augers bend easy, get stuck, etc, - digging a whole lotta wholes, go to Home Depot and rent their self propelled digger with reverse and down pressure, it will blow away a three point model. The 9inch auger would be the largest you would want to go, this allows you to position the 4x4 around in the hole to be in line and going and larger means back filling a whole bunch. I have a 12 inch auger I am using now for making corner braces using telephone poles, and I make my own teeth out of old farriers rasp, works just as good and put a better edge on it.

Leroy · Nov 18, 2009

Way easier said than done, where do you even find a neighbor with one?

Fred Hart · Nov 18, 2009

chuck,
just get the cheaper one, it will do what you need and will last a life time.

also you will be surprised at how many new friends you will have once they learn you have a post hole digger.

we just drill a hole in ground and sink auger in the ground, that way it stands up,

hooking up a PHD by yourself is a job, if its sunk in the ground no problem hooking it up.

be safe,

Illinois Farmall · Nov 18, 2009

I bought the Field Force digger with the 12" and 9" augers last year and have only one regret.....that I didn"t buy them sooner. This year alone I"ve used it for over 40 holes and have saved myself numerous manhours alone in digging holes. I only wish they had a 15" auger for he telephone poles I used. I have yet to replace any of the points or teeth. When I"m not using mine I tie it off to a post in the machine shed and run a cable and lock thru it. I hook it up all the time by myself with no difficulty at all.

Chuck (CA) · Nov 18, 2009

Well, as usual, you guys are the best. Guess I'll get the cheaper PHD and for now, just the 9" drill.

Thanks for all your advice.

Chuck

3 point post hole digger

Chuck (CA)

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keh

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BCnT

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L P Gas only

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tg in VA

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hayray

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Leroy

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Fred Hart

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Illinois Farmall

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Chuck (CA)

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