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Implement Alley Discussion Forum

post hole digger and hardpan

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Jason, NW Ontar

08-21-2005 18:54:52




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We brought the toy home, and in some places it digs so effortlessly. In other places it just spins without digging any further. No rocks. At the bottom of the hole is hardpan or really dry clay-base. It's been fairly dry for several weeks around here - would a 5 gallon pail of water help soften things, or do we have to wait for rain? Or other advice?
thanks




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Dave NE IA

08-23-2005 20:20:23




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 Re: post hole digger and hardpan in reply to Jason, NW Ontario, 08-21-2005 18:54:52  
They make different points, the more like a arrow with teeth the better. I have used a long pry bar wedged in above the gear box and another person prying down. Usually this is only needed for the farm fleet brands as they are much lighter than the expensive ones. Thislong bar process has never failed, but a friend of mine got caught in the auger because he used his body weight and no bar. He still has a sholder, but pretty much useless. Things happen real fast. Dave NE IA

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dorset farmer

08-23-2005 05:33:54




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 Re: post hole digger and hardpan in reply to Jason, NW Ontario, 08-21-2005 18:54:52  
Having the same problem you describe, I traded by Ford digger in on a Landpride with a hydraulic down pressure kit, and it helps immensely. Another approach may be to buy a 4 inch auger to drill a pilot hole before using a bigger auger. Mike



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Our Farmer

08-22-2005 05:37:00




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 Re: post hole digger and hardpan in reply to Jason, NW Ontario, 08-21-2005 18:54:52  
What kind of shape are the teeth in? When the outside teeth wear, digging efficiency drops dramatically. I always hardface the teeth on my auger, and they still wear relatively quick in clay/shale.



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Hayfarmer

08-21-2005 19:37:49




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 Re: post hole digger and hardpan in reply to Jason, NW Ontario, 08-21-2005 18:54:52  
I have spots where I run into a hard pan. We have used a long bar through the top of the post hold digger with a person putting pressure on the outer end to put pressure on the point. The other thing I have done is to lift the diger out and use a pointed br to break through the hard pan. Ususally the layer is not real thick and once you penetrate it the digger will continue down.



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broker farmer

08-22-2005 07:42:23




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 Re: post hole digger and hardpan in reply to Hayfarmer, 08-21-2005 19:37:49  
Using a bar to put pressure on the digger does work occasionlly. I've done that, put water in the hole, stood on the back of the digger, cussed, stomped around..... ...got PO'ed and walked away. Came back 2 months later (after decent rains)..... no problems. Using bars for pressure, standing on the digger..... ...all very stupid. When I absolutely HAVE to dig a post hole, I use a backhoe.



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Coloken

08-21-2005 19:37:21




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 Re: post hole digger and hardpan in reply to Jason, NW Ontario, 08-21-2005 18:54:52  
Dumping water into the hole will do no good. It just slushes around. Now if you could start the hole, put the water in it and let it soak a day or so.....
When I tried this when a kid, I came back the next day and the water was only down about an inch from evaporation.



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JMS/MN

08-22-2005 06:59:32




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 Re: post hole digger and hardpan in reply to Coloken, 08-21-2005 19:37:21  
Need to use 'Heavy' water, developed by the Manhattan project in WW2 for the A bomb. It pushes down into the soil better.



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buickanddeere

08-22-2005 08:07:49




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 Re: post hole digger and hardpan in reply to JMS/MN, 08-22-2005 06:59:32  
Want some? We breath it"s vapours when in the reactor building. Sharpen all cuttinedges with a grinder. Pointed teeth on an angle penetrate better, then they pry the lumps up.



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Bill in TN

08-22-2005 16:01:38




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 Re: post hole digger and hardpan in reply to buickanddeere, 08-22-2005 08:07:49  
There is a time and a place and a season for everything. Post holes go in much easier in the wet spring around here.....I honestly don't know how you get a hole in this time of year..... ..I usually start in late Feb, or early March and end it by mid May.....JMHO



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