For my new 3 acre vineyard, I'm using a post hole auger to set grapevine trellis end posts and several thousand new grapevines. My hands and a shovel are no longer on "speaking terms".
I have found with a Standard shift with a clutch after you drop the point down on the ground, you can also lower your front bucket down with the cutting edge straight down with sufficient down pressure now you can use the curl on your bucket to move the tractor/backward or forward slightly ,
Biggest issue I had was with my hard digging ground was getting the auger to dig into it , Since most of the tractors DO NOT have down pressures on the 3 point it would only use the weight and cutter of the auger to drill the holes , I added a 3rd function valve to my Tractor for controlling my grapple on the front end , so I sought out a down pressure kit for my Auger I didn't think I would find anything but to my amazement I found several different types , So that's what I got since 97% of the time I am working alone I had to come up with a resolution to my problem , so if you have to drill a lot of holes like me a down pressure kit is the answer and well worth the $600.00 , just 1 of my fence lines had 800 post holes so that worked out to .75 cents a hole and about 2 minutes a hole set up and dig .. so if you add up everything I would say it paid for it's self in the first 300 holes (10 Hours) also by applying down pressure it keeps the auger straight and not bobbling around
They are an amazing tool, way better than digging by hand. Our tractors have a 2 stage clutch where the pto kicks in first then the clutch to move the tractor. With the auger spinning I can move the tractor to keep it strait. Great video.
There is a small hole on the auger head. When your looking at it from the back of the tractor it's on the lower right hand side of the gear head. It's about 3/4" to 1" diameter in size. That's used for a long handle or bar. Usually 4ft to 5ft long. It has a set screw to help hold it in. But that way someone can hold it while distanced from the spinning auger. It helps to keep it straight, as well as put weight on the implement. Just a tip.
I have a Post hole digger on my Ford 3000 diesel tractor I just drop it down and might have to back up to get it straight up and down and start digging I have a New one it digs easy where I live I am blessed
Great video thanks for posting. Could have been the camera angle but it looked like the older fellow helping you at one point was standing between the tractor and a building which is a big no no to ever put yourself between a machine and an unmovable object. Every talented operator will eventually make a mistake. The best we can hope for is to take steps to mitigate the impact of that mistake when it inevitably happens.
I store my auger fully assembled under a shed suspended from a rafter on a chain hoist. I move the assembled auger up or down an inch at a time to line up all the points. This makes it much easier and it is a one man job. I built a stand for the auger bit to sit in to keep it in place and raise and lower the digger as needed with the chain hoist. I can also change the auger bit while the digger is suspended by raising the chain hoist up as high as needed to let the bit drop off the gear head and then install the size auger I will be using. There is a video on you tube showing how to build a auger stand. I also do this with my 500 lb fertilizer spreader which is also suspended from a rafter on a chain hoist. I installed handles near the top of the spreader hopper to attach hooks and lift the spreader or lower as needed.
I am not sure if you mentioned it but if you have a front bucket, you can angle the bucket down then lower it to set an anchor point. Depending on the size of tractor, it may not be needed but on hard ground, and a smaller tractor it’s can be a big game changer.
I had to add a license plate mount to my 3 pt post hole digger, as soon as my neighbors found out I had one, they all wanted to borrow the digger, I was a. Very popular fellow all of a sudden, It you loan it, you shouldn’t, but always give them some proper hardness shear bolts, as if they shear one they will insert a harden bolt it it’s place, I have the same digger or it looks like yours, Greenline 5000, it’s a good digger, Good video, the digger is a very dangerous piece of equipment,
That small hole on the side of the gearbox is so you can insert a Long piece of pipe and use as a guide handle From the tractor to level out before lowering
Add a bar that you can reach from the seat of the tractor. And the lift arms on the back of the tractor are adjustable because of the cat 1-2. The pins on the inside of your post digger are the category 1. That would be where I'd put them. Can't move much that way.
the easiest one person way to attach a digger like this is. detach gearbox/pto shaft from the yellow frame. the frame comprises the U-shape frame and the crane arm....seperate those as well. attach crane arm to tractor first. then attack U-frame to the side links. now recouple the crane arm to the U-frame. you now have the basic setup. you can now attach the gearbox and PTO shaft. this way you break up the weight of the unit into steps. BONUS TIP: with gearbox /PTO shaft removed; the crane-arm and Uframe make an excelllent snatch crane for lifting engines, implements or other moderatly heavy items to move about your property
How well does the auger work in dirt with a lot of rocks. On my property in Tn you cant stick a shovel in the ground anywhere and not hit a rock. Thanks. Liked this video.
Dang it! I was really hoping to see how that hole was going to turn out next to that big old tree! Was really curious to see what kind of a battle was going to occur with the tree roots!
Great overview and how to use the auger, Great job on the video. I am hoping to get a tractor in a couple years. But getting another piece of equipment soon.
any tips if your tractor won't lift the auger high enough to clear the auger off the ground? My tractor aint small but it's old so very little adjustment possible.. (David Brown 1210 60hp, 1979) There is only 1 hole for top link and same on the 3pts arms.. Could I drill some closer to the tractor?
i live in north east pa and the dirt here is FULL of rocks probably more rocks than dirt most of the time its hard to drill with an auger when you get half way down and hit a big rock.
I couldn't see how you supported the auger when you were hooking it up. I use a separate tractor with pallet forks and a strap to suspend the auger when I hook it up.
Exttemely Important. NO ONE should be within the length of the auger, as a " auger like yours, at least 5" away as if it hits an obstruction, it can kick back, come out of the hole, swing out and take off an arm or a leg. It happens.
I personally have never seen that on a compact tractor. Usually just on big machines. Not to say it can't be done, I've just never ran across it on a tractor.
Just a simple thing --- don't be in a hurry, ever. Just jumping down to quickly ...blah, blah, blah..... will suddenly rise up and bite you, if not this time then sometime when you REALLY aren't expecting it at all. Also --- be VERY slow moving around any unguarded PTO shaft - there is NO second chance there. Complacency Kills and death is forever. "Being Lucky" would = just loosing an arm or leg. - Joe -
What brand of auger do you recommend? I have new 4550 and we bought a county line 3 point post hole auger and had problems with it binding up against the top linkage when we tried to raise it up. We couldn't even get it high enough to put a bit on. We ended up taking it back but it seems like most augers are built very similarly. Any suggestions would be helpful.
@@HamiltonvilleFarm I have an OLD, previously owned and WELL worn Danuser auger and it's a real winner. A simple web search will find the company and you can then find your local dealer from there. It takes 2 or so days to get an answer for questions from their customer service - but they are 100% helpful and accurate. - Joe -
My little tiny might 1626 is different with controls but would love to have one of them hole diggers. I got so many roots at my place it might turn my tiny might over. LOL
You absolutely should never have anyone any where near the working end of that auger. All set up should be done by a single person. The operator should do the level check with the tractor off and by himself. It's a very bad example to have a mounted driver and anyone standing back by the auger and especially while you are drilling holes. Having someone standing a foot or two away while the auger is spinning is a huge risk. Please don't take my comments the wrong way, but no one should ever stand like that around any spinning implement, much less an auger.
I have a Mahindra 1526 and my auger does not clear the ground when fully raised. I have the pin above the pto shaft at the lowest point and the hole closest to the tractor on the auger. Any suggestions?
I know they make different lengths of auger bits...maybe try that if that's an option. Not sure of other options. Hopefully someone reads this comment and can help. I really need to study up on things like that
George, on the link arms, left and right that come down from the hydraulic system shaft, where they hook onto the lift arms, there should be 2 or 3 holes on the yoke arm at the end of each link arm. Pull the pin on each link arm and move the lift arm up to the highest hole, and put your pin back in. Do the same on the other end, this will make a big difference on the height out of the ground so that you are not dragging the point as you move the tractor from hole to hole. I have a 1635 with a 3 hole adjustment.
@@HamiltonvilleFarm do you like the mahindra ? i've heard good and bad things about them but just looking at it looks like a solid machine , i have a 431 MF maybe 55 horse power i use around the family farm i live on ,
I love it. It really has a ton of power. And it's heavier than others. Im the type guy where I wouldn't say I like it if I don't. I have 132 hours on it and have been very pleased. I have a couple other videos on why I like it if you care to look around.
Ralph, you're absolutely right. We all should, at least every now and then, search for "PTO accidents" to refresh ourselves on safety around PTO shafts and augers. Even at slow speeds, those things can kill or maim in a fraction of a second. I don't want anyone else within 6' of the auger or PTO when my tractor engine is running -- even if the auger or PTO is not engaged.
There is no reason to be around it while it is moving. I have my wife off to the side making sure it it straight up and down. She is at minimum 10 feet away from it.
This video is one in a series about implements for a basic user. Comment if you have some different techniques you use when you use an auger.
For my new 3 acre vineyard, I'm using a post hole auger to set grapevine trellis end posts and several thousand new grapevines. My hands and a shovel are no longer on "speaking terms".
I have found with a Standard shift with a clutch after you drop the point down on the ground, you can also lower your front bucket down with the cutting edge straight down with sufficient down pressure now you can use the curl on your bucket to move the tractor/backward or forward slightly ,
Yes good point! Thanks 👍
Ronnie that is a really great tip! i'll try this
Hey, great videos. You can also use a plumbbob. That way, your helper stays back and stays safe. Scott young
Biggest issue I had was with my hard digging ground was getting the auger to dig into it , Since most of the tractors DO NOT have down pressures on the 3 point it would only use the weight and cutter of the auger to drill the holes , I added a 3rd function valve to my Tractor for controlling my grapple on the front end , so I sought out a down pressure kit for my Auger I didn't think I would find anything but to my amazement I found several different types , So that's what I got since 97% of the time I am working alone I had to come up with a resolution to my problem , so if you have to drill a lot of holes like me a down pressure kit is the answer and well worth the $600.00 , just 1 of my fence lines had 800 post holes so that worked out to .75 cents a hole and about 2 minutes a hole set up and dig .. so if you add up everything I would say it paid for it's self in the first 300 holes (10 Hours) also by applying down pressure it keeps the auger straight and not bobbling around
Interesting. Thanks 👍
@@HamiltonvilleFarm hope it helps someone
They are an amazing tool, way better than digging by hand. Our tractors have a 2 stage clutch where the pto kicks in first then the clutch to move the tractor. With the auger spinning I can move the tractor to keep it strait. Great video.
right on. Yeah they work great. Thanks for the comment. Have a good one!
Wish we had a post hole digger like that last year, that looks so much easier, great video my friend, thanks for sharing.
Thank you 😊
There is a small hole on the auger head. When your looking at it from the back of the tractor it's on the lower right hand side of the gear head. It's about 3/4" to 1" diameter in size. That's used for a long handle or bar. Usually 4ft to 5ft long. It has a set screw to help hold it in. But that way someone can hold it while distanced from the spinning auger. It helps to keep it straight, as well as put weight on the implement. Just a tip.
Just bought a Mahindra 1626. Thank you for the instructions and techniques. Great videos!
Thank you very much. Hope you enjoy your tractor. Good choice👍
I have a Post hole digger on my Ford 3000 diesel tractor I just drop it down and might have to back up to get it straight up and down and start digging I have a New one it digs easy where I live I am blessed
Great video thanks for posting. Could have been the camera angle but it looked like the older fellow helping you at one point was standing between the tractor and a building which is a big no no to ever put yourself between a machine and an unmovable object. Every talented operator will eventually make a mistake. The best we can hope for is to take steps to mitigate the impact of that mistake when it inevitably happens.
Thanks for looking out! We always need to be as safe as possible 👍
I store my auger fully assembled under a shed suspended from a rafter on a chain hoist. I move the assembled auger up or down an inch at a time to line up all the points. This makes it much easier and it is a one man job. I built a stand for the auger bit to sit in to keep it in place and raise and lower the digger as needed with the chain hoist. I can also change the auger bit while the digger is suspended by raising the chain hoist up as high as needed to let the bit drop off the gear head and then install the size auger I will be using. There is a video on you tube showing how to build a auger stand. I also do this with my 500 lb fertilizer spreader which is also suspended from a rafter on a chain hoist. I installed handles near the top of the spreader hopper to attach hooks and lift the spreader or lower as needed.
Right on👍 I need to do something like that.
very good. looks like that PHD is serving you well.
Lol. I appreciate you watching and I appreciate your channel 👍
I am not sure if you mentioned it but if you have a front bucket, you can angle the bucket down then lower it to set an anchor point. Depending on the size of tractor, it may not be needed but on hard ground, and a smaller tractor it’s can be a big game changer.
Yeah man. Thanks for the comment 👍
Great instructions! You covered them well.
Thanks for watching 👍
I had to add a license plate mount to my 3 pt post hole digger, as soon as my neighbors found out I had one, they all wanted to borrow the digger, I was a. Very popular fellow all of a sudden,
It you loan it, you shouldn’t, but always give them some proper hardness shear bolts, as if they shear one they will insert a harden bolt it it’s place,
I have the same digger or it looks like yours, Greenline 5000, it’s a good digger,
Good video, the digger is a very dangerous piece of equipment,
Thanks for watching 👍
I enjoy your videos, Great Work.
I really enjoy your videos! Thanks for this content. I'm about to get me a compact tractor. I really like the new Bobcats.
Right on. Give Branson a look. I like the one I'm driving. Bobcat makes good machines though👍
I enjoyed this video. Nice work, sir.
-Steve
Very helpful. One of our 2019 goals is to get the wood fence/metal gate up along the front of our property.
There's so much to do, isn't there?🙂
Very nice video. Thank you!
Good information on the hole digger. Sure beats digging them by hand 😜 I’m notorious for shearing bolts on my digger 😮
Whew buddy, haven't we all sheared some bolts. lol.
That small hole on the side of the gearbox is so you can insert a Long piece of pipe and use as a guide handle From the tractor to level out before lowering
Thanks for watching 👍
Add a bar that you can reach from the seat of the tractor. And the lift arms on the back of the tractor are adjustable because of the cat 1-2. The pins on the inside of your post digger are the category 1. That would be where I'd put them. Can't move much that way.
Good point 👍
Thanks, going to need one in the spring for pier foundation
Super handy for sure. Sounds like a fun project 👍
the easiest one person way to attach a digger like this is. detach gearbox/pto shaft from the yellow frame. the frame comprises the U-shape frame and the crane arm....seperate those as well. attach crane arm to tractor first. then attack U-frame to the side links. now recouple the crane arm to the U-frame. you now have the basic setup. you can now attach the gearbox and PTO shaft. this way you break up the weight of the unit into steps.
BONUS TIP: with gearbox /PTO shaft removed; the crane-arm and Uframe make an excelllent snatch crane for lifting engines, implements or other moderatly heavy items to move about your property
Thanks for the comment Crabtrap!
Great Video, thanks for sharing!
Thanks James 👍
How well does the auger work in dirt with a lot of rocks. On my property in Tn you cant stick a shovel in the ground anywhere and not hit a rock. Thanks. Liked this video.
Dang it! I was really hoping to see how that hole was going to turn out next to that big old tree! Was really curious to see what kind of a battle was going to occur with the tree roots!
I hear ya. Thanks for watching 👍
Me too.
Great overview and how to use the auger, Great job on the video. I am hoping to get a tractor in a couple years. But getting another piece of equipment soon.
Yeah I watched your video to go get the JD that didn't work out for you. You'll find one soon. Thanks Joey.
any tips if your tractor won't lift the auger high enough to clear the auger off the ground? My tractor aint small but it's old so very little adjustment possible.. (David Brown 1210 60hp, 1979) There is only 1 hole for top link and same on the 3pts arms.. Could I drill some closer to the tractor?
Great post shared dear
Thanks!
I'm a big fan of my FEL hydraulic auger. I'll release a video using it soon. Got to edit it !
Can't wait to see it!
Did you post the video?
@@inspectorsj i havent seen it if he has.
@@HamiltonvilleFarm I have not. Work has gotten in the way of my hobby ! :/ I struggle with editing. It's very challenging for me and my equipment.
@@inspectorsj th-cam.com/video/K5Oy-CsU45M/w-d-xo.html I guess my.mind slipped me. Check out episode 2 of my storm shelter build.
I just got an auger and the first three times I got it stuck big time. It is not as simple as it may seems.
Great job Hambone!
Great video! Wish our Ohio clay drilled ad nice as your Florida sand.
+Sakima's Ridge Homestead I hear ya. it ain't too bad here. That's for sure
Lol. I bet 🙂
i live in north east pa and the dirt here is FULL of rocks probably more rocks than dirt most of the time its hard to drill with an auger when you get half way down and hit a big rock.
How do you make the 3 point arms move freely by hand?
I couldn't see how you supported the auger when you were hooking it up. I use a separate tractor with pallet forks and a strap to suspend the auger when I hook it up.
The bit is still in the ground, so it is stable, but yet flexible enough to get it positioned where it needs to be on the hitch
thanks. helped me out a lot
You bet. Glad it helped. Have a great day👍
Exttemely Important. NO ONE should be within the length of the auger, as a " auger like yours, at least 5" away as if it hits an obstruction, it can kick back, come out of the hole, swing out and take off an arm or a leg. It happens.
Can auger be extended on kelly shaft for deeper hole?
I personally have never seen that on a compact tractor. Usually just on big machines. Not to say it can't be done, I've just never ran across it on a tractor.
Just a simple thing --- don't be in a hurry, ever. Just jumping down to quickly ...blah, blah, blah..... will suddenly rise up and bite you, if not this time then sometime when you REALLY aren't expecting it at all.
Also --- be VERY slow moving around any unguarded PTO shaft - there is NO second chance there. Complacency Kills and death is forever. "Being Lucky" would = just loosing an arm or leg. - Joe -
Nice video! I could use one of those! I need more toys for my tractor!
Lance you need one for your place for sure!
you need to put your saftey shield on your pto shaft.
Yes I do.
When using your auger try loosening stabilizer pens to straighten it up.
Thanks for watching
use the bucket tilt on your loader for final alignment
Thanks for watching
What brand of auger do you recommend? I have new 4550 and we bought a county line 3 point post hole auger and had problems with it binding up against the top linkage when we tried to raise it up. We couldn't even get it high enough to put a bit on. We ended up taking it back but it seems like most augers are built very similarly. Any suggestions would be helpful.
If you can afford it, go with what everything attachments offers👍
@@HamiltonvilleFarm I have an OLD, previously owned and WELL worn Danuser auger and it's a real winner. A simple web search will find the company and you can then find your local dealer from there. It takes 2 or so days to get an answer for questions from their customer service - but they are 100% helpful and accurate. - Joe -
My little tiny might 1626 is different with controls but would love to have one of them hole diggers. I got so many roots at my place it might turn my tiny might over. LOL
Yeah we caught some roots before. lol. Thank goodness for shear pins!
You absolutely should never have anyone any where near the working end of that auger. All set up should be done by a single person. The operator should do the level check with the tractor off and by himself.
It's a very bad example to have a mounted driver and anyone standing back by the auger and especially while you are drilling holes. Having someone standing a foot or two away while the auger is spinning is a huge risk. Please don't take my comments the wrong way, but no one should ever stand like that around any spinning implement, much less an auger.
Safety is indeed important
Yeah, it says to stay 10 feet away on most auger warning labels.
Does your tractor have hydraulic down pressure for the three point or just up?
Just up.
3 pts don’t have down pressure. If they did they would be pushing the rear wheels upward, losing traction.
Typically once you get into 65 hp and up they offer a control called draft control. This add's down pressure for this and box blade applications.
We just bought a used one and there is a long curved handle on it so the one in the tractor can adjust it.
Right on!
What happens when the ground is too hard to get the auger started ????
Yeah that's a tough spot to be in. Maybe carbide or titanium tips? Maybe a jackhammer?
Move the tractor off the driveway😁
I have a Mahindra 1526 and my auger does not clear the ground when fully raised. I have the pin above the pto shaft at the lowest point and the hole closest to the tractor on the auger. Any suggestions?
I know they make different lengths of auger bits...maybe try that if that's an option. Not sure of other options. Hopefully someone reads this comment and can help. I really need to study up on things like that
@@HamiltonvilleFarm thanks and I found your video valuable as it was nice presented and communicated effectively
I appreciate that feedback. Thank you.
George, on the link arms, left and right that come down from the hydraulic system shaft, where they hook onto the lift arms, there should be 2 or 3 holes on the yoke arm at the end of each link arm. Pull the pin on each link arm and move the lift arm up to the highest hole, and put your pin back in. Do the same on the other end, this will make a big difference on the height out of the ground so that you are not dragging the point as you move the tractor from hole to hole. I have a 1635 with a 3 hole adjustment.
Thanks Forrest 👍
what if you have a hydrolic top link , i guess it comes off to i haven't paid much attention to mine but i like it being hydro
Yeah I would assume you would have to remove it. That's a good question...I want a hydro top link🙂
@@HamiltonvilleFarm do you like the mahindra ? i've heard good and bad things about them but just looking at it looks like a solid machine , i have a 431 MF maybe 55 horse power i use around the family farm i live on ,
i've seen a few of your videos and i like them , take care
I love it. It really has a ton of power. And it's heavier than others. Im the type guy where I wouldn't say I like it if I don't. I have 132 hours on it and have been very pleased. I have a couple other videos on why I like it if you care to look around.
How many cost
You are missing a hand bar,mine has a bar coming up to the driver so you can level the suger from the tractor.
Thanks for watching 👍
What happens if it hits a big rock?
You'd shear a shear bolt
@@HamiltonvilleFarm Thanks!
You don't scroll through all the thumbnails to leave a comment. It's right below your video before the thumbnails.
Wow
I have Kubota tractor
Thanks for watching
But hooking it up it's easier 2 people a doing it
Ok first dont have people close to the tool couse it can snap and hurt your other person safety. First
Definitely gotta be safe. Thanks 👍
how bout cha
Yes sir!
You should not have any one around the auger or pro.
Ralph, you're absolutely right. We all should, at least every now and then, search for "PTO accidents" to refresh ourselves on safety around PTO shafts and augers. Even at slow speeds, those things can kill or maim in a fraction of a second. I don't want anyone else within 6' of the auger or PTO when my tractor engine is running -- even if the auger or PTO is not engaged.
There is no reason to be around it while it is moving. I have my wife off to the side making sure it it straight up and down. She is at minimum 10 feet away from it.
My wife can't visualize a straight line with a ruler.
LoL omgawd
👍
Well in these parts I don't have any choice but to go forth meself n make it a one man job, or get a shovel 🤠