Third function Auger for m5660 advice

[HowdyAcres]

Looking for advice on which 3rd function auger to get or if I should just rent one for the weekend.
-looking to dig about 400 holes
Looking at a new cheap chinese auger. Can get it for $900 with three bits but the issue is that the GPM on it is 15-18 but the m5600 manual states 10.6 gpm.
My other option would be the landpride SA20 with bits about $5k but that is compatible GPM and will be much higher quality (rip $5k)
Last option is to rent from Lowes for $500 and try to get them all done within a week.
thank you for the help

 

[McMXi]

Looking for advice on which 3rd function auger to get or if I should just rent one for the weekend.
-looking to dig about 400 holes
Looking at a new cheap chinese auger. Can get it for $900 with three bits but the issue is that the GPM on it is 15-18 but the m5600 manual states 10.6 gpm.
My other option would be the landpride SA20 with bits about $5k but that is compatible GPM and will be much higher quality (rip $5k)
Last option is to rent from Lowes for $500 and try to get them all done within a week.
thank you for the help

I have two similar tractors to yours in terms of hydraulic pump performance. I was able to find a used HD25 (SSQA) for $1,750 that came with 9" and 12" augers and looked to be in very good condition. The MX6000 and M6060 have 9.5 gpm and 11.0 gpm hydraulic pump capacities, but I'm not sure how the hydrostatic transmission in the MX figures into those numbers. Is all of that flow rate available for both at the outlets of the 3rd-function?

The HD25 is rated at 5 -12 gpm so both the MX and M are at the upper end of the range assuming all of the flow is available. I've used the HD25 on the MX and it worked well, but I'll be using it on the M6060 this spring to make holes in preparation for a steel pole barn. I would expect it to work even better on the M given the higher flow rate.

As to whether you rent, buy low or buy high, once you're done with the 400 holes would you have a need for a PHD after that? Your chances of getting your money back out of a $900 PHD, or the need to, are a lot better compared to doing the same for a $5k Land Pride SA20. Then again, the SA20 would probably last a lifetime if you like having quality implements laying around. Perhaps you could buy a Land Pride model and then rent it out to others in the same or similar situation to you.