Jubilee Doesn't Like Post Hole Auger

A few months ago I received a lot of help from this forum (see https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=nboard&th=1035425) and was able to get my Golden Jubilee hydraulics in operating condition at least in implement control after removing the unloading valve, replacing it's o-ring, putting on a new baffle plate gasket, and adjusting all linkages. I've since plowed a garden area with a two bottom plow and the hydraulics lift it just fine.

I've now moved on to a fencing project. In what has taken way too much time, I've only got about 10 holes dug, and had to dig the auger out 3 times after it's gotten stuck. What happens is the PTO bogs down and stalls the tractor if the ground is at all wet. When starting back up, I can't get the PTO to turn without stalling and also can't get the hydraulics to lift the auger. After the third time, the hydraulics wouldn't lift the auger even after digging it out and having it completely clear or any dirt. I could force the implement up and the hydraulics will hold it, just not lift it on its own.

There was a lot of air bubbles on the hydraulic dip stick and I suspected the culprit was the relief valve in the bottom of the housing. I removed the auger and pulled in garage with the plan to follow my repair manual and remove the valve. After spending some time trying to adjust the carburetor, decide to try the hydraulics. It now seems to work fine. Now air bubbles on dipstick, and was able to hook up to plow and lift it just fine.

Long post, I know, but any advice on (1) how well a Jubilee should be able to handle a 12" post hole auger, or (2) if I should replace remove/clean or replace the relief valve?

Don't know about your hydraulics but my jub handles my old digger OK, just have to take small bites. Ive had to back the auger out with a 24" crescent wrench a couple times when the flight got caught under a root. The biggest auger I have is 18" and handles it just fine.

Like oldseabee says you have to allow the auger to drop very, VERY slowly. It can be very tricky to transition from letting all of the digger's weight sit on the ground when starting the hole to holding it back once it gets started. They can very suddenly grab and dig very quickly.

Or...
Get an SOS with 540/1000/ground drive
pto and let the auger unscrew itself out
of the hole. 😏

your jube will handle the auger fine, mine has drilled thousands of holes, now you need a little rpm, just off idle anout a inch works for me, ive drilled hard ground hanging on the end of a 6 foot bar to get some 'down pressure] only screwed the tractor to the ground once where i couldn't back it out, that time i didnt have a pipe wrench with me, what i did have was a 12000lb winch truck.....auger came right out, the hole too!

I have experienced your problem as have those responding below. Small bites works. 6", lift out. 6
more inches, lift out. 6 more, etc. I have solid clay ground going down about 9 feet. I drilled in
July. I did snag one rock, but no roots as I was not close to big trees. 20 holes in about 3 hours.

I'm wondering if anyone here has tried a pilot hole with a small auger first as one does when drilling steel.

Thanks,
T

I have done 50 plus holes with an 8N in heavy clay with baby head boulders. I have had to use a prybar a few times with the hydraulics pulling up without the PTO engaged. Two times I used a pipe wrench and a 4 foot pipe cheater to unscrew it when I got it wrapped around a root.

Recently the 8N died, so I took the backhoe off the brand new Yanmar 324 and put on the post hole digger.

I dug one hole with the Yanmar.

Honestly it did not do any better or worst then the 8N. It was nice to have the auger spinning slower at some points but it had all the limitations of the 8N.

After a while you get more skillful at knowing when she is going to stick and you pull it up quick before that happens and start again.

That having been said EVERYONE'S soil is different!