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.

 

[HowdyAcres]

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.

Thank you,

I wish I could find a good low flow SSQA at that price but all my research is bringing me to the SA20 from the dealer rather than the cheap $900 auger. I don't think the $900 auger would last past a couple hundred holes. We are planting an orchard and after that I know I'll the auger for fencing and other farm work.

Looks like I'll get the SA20 and a 24" auger from the dealer and buy a cheaper smaller bit for fence posts!

 

[McMXi]

Thank you,

I wish I could find a good low flow SSQA at that price but all my research is bringing me to the SA20 from the dealer rather than the cheap $900 auger. I don't think the $900 auger would last past a couple hundred holes. We are planting an orchard and after that I know I'll the auger for fencing and other farm work.

Looks like I'll get the SA20 and a 24" auger from the dealer and buy a cheaper smaller bit for fence posts!

With that many holes to dig, and the intended future use, investing in a quality PHD makes a lot of sense. You'd still have the option to sell it at a later date and would probably get a lot of your money back out, adjusted for inflation of course.

 

[Smokeydog]

Bobcat dealer will have skid steer low flow auger and selection of bits available for rent.

Haven’t seen good reviews of the cheap imports. Think their bits aren’t near the quality of the major brands. Don’t see those available used either.

The right bit for your ground type and conditions matters as much as drill.

Drilling plumb almost requires an assistant to help. Especially on hilly ground. Digga halo option gives operators needed feedback to drill plumb. Wish I had this option years ago. Don’t think in my prime I could do 400 holes and insert posts in a week.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yeesh 400 holes is a lot but just doable in the 1 week time limit.
If it takes 15 minutes per hole, it'd take 100 hours , make for 14hr 'day'.
A lot depends on soil type,rocks, size of hole and your stamina ! Also business or pleasure ?
Work out real times,based ONLY on drilling the holes and NOT putting the posts in.
See if you can break up the project into 2. Do 200+- holes at a time ?
If you're going to do more than the '400', buying might be better but renting for 2 weeks is only $1000...get a commercial unit vs a $900 chinezy unit that might break ?

There are a LOT of things to consider !

hmm, instead of drilling ,can you rent a hydraulic pounder ? They are faster !

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Good day.

To me the beauty of hydraulic in this application is reverse.

I guess before I got too happy with the throttle I would wonder what is below the first shovel of dirt where all the holes are going to go? (Are you going to need special augers ?) Then if certain no trouble:

1. For single use large job, I’d buy quality at awesome price from a local dealer (unless you feel confident in parts / service needed if no workee middle of project) or a reputable brand used with local service available. Sell when finished unless have future use. If you go with cheapest unit, so long as you have confidence in its durability to finish you job…if not it may not be easily sellable or you have to go to trouble to file claim/return and hope for money back. Before deciding on the buy unit for tractor, I’d walk the line and make sure that you will be able to approach the full line safely with a tractor (if it’s flat pasture no problem…if Adirondacks, well good luck)

If not buy,

2. rent local, but I’d really think hard about using a CTL/CWL for maneuverability and visibility of the work / hole vs on a tractor, JMHO.

But before i would choose anything I would price a couple local folks and see what they charge for the job. What’s the hassle worth?

Good luck.

I’ve done all three ways. It’s nice going out to breakfast and coming back to part of the work already done.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

GF's option #3 is what did for 15 'post in holes'. it was cheaper than renting the machine AND guy mixed his concrete,put in my poles with PURRFECT alignment. He was FAST too.
I had another 42 posts to do but sold the property so not MY problem anymore. No way at 72, I'd do it now.

 

[HowdyAcres]

Good day.

To me the beauty of hydraulic in this application is reverse.

I guess before I got too happy with the throttle I would wonder what is below the first shovel of dirt where all the holes are going to go? (Are you going to need special augers ?) Then if certain no trouble:

1. For single use large job, I’d buy quality at awesome price from a local dealer (unless you feel confident in parts / service needed if no workee middle of project) or a reputable brand used with local service available. Sell when finished unless have future use. If you go with cheapest unit, so long as you have confidence in its durability to finish you job…if not it may not be easily sellable or you have to go to trouble to file claim/return and hope for money back. Before deciding on the buy unit for tractor, I’d walk the line and make sure that you will be able to approach the full line safely with a tractor (if it’s flat pasture no problem…if Adirondacks, well good luck)

If not buy,

2. rent local, but I’d really think hard about using a CTL/CWL for maneuverability and visibility of the work / hole vs on a tractor, JMHO.

But before i would choose anything I would price a couple local folks and see what they charge for the job. What’s the hassle worth?

Good luck.

I’ve done all three ways. It’s nice going out to breakfast and coming back to part of the work already done.

bit the bullet bought the SA20 with a 24" bit for 4k. for an extra $1.2k they were going to add the 9 and 12'' but I figure I could always buy those down the line, not sure if its worth it to get them both for $1200. Got a 72" iron craft economy root grapple and a 72" economy iron craft
going to have to flatten out these ruts the loggers left behind

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

bit the bullet bought the SA20 with a 24" bit for 4k. for an extra $1.2k they were going to add the 9 and 12'' but I figure I could always buy those down the line, not sure if its worth it to get them both for $1200. Got a 72" iron craft economy root grapple and a 72" economy iron craft
going to have to flatten out these ruts the loggers left behind

View attachment 151010

Congratulations. I hope you like it. Maybe do a double check on the motor to make sure it matches your machine. (If I recall there are 3 motor options). Send us some pics!

Looks like a great view!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Ok, I gotta ask...
WHAT needs several 24" round holes ?

 

[HowdyAcres]

Congratulations. I hope you like it. Maybe do a double check on the motor to make sure it matches your machine. (If I recall there are 3 motor options). Send us some pics!

Looks like a great view!

dealer matched it with my tractor, Ill double check on delivery.

Ok, I gotta ask...
WHAT needs several 24" round holes ?

fruit orchard. lots of holes, hopefully lots of fruit

 

[GreensvilleJay]

OK, THAT makes sense ! have seen BIG augers like that used up the street.
sadly 2-3 apple orchards near me have closed, lack of humans, cost of fuel/sprays,too small 1,000s of trees though).
NO 'tender fruits' in the Niagara fruit Belt..chopped down, turned into grapes....