I am looking to purchase a 3pt post hole digger. I have about 40 post I have to replace. I usually look at used equipment so I wanted to get people opinions about the TSC countryline post hole digger. I have looked at some of the well used landpride models neer me and they seem to be about $1000 and up used. The tsc new with an auger is $700-$800. I am sure the landpride is better but I looked at one and the seller had just changed the oil, which always worries me. I also will be doing 5x5 post which I think would be a 9 inch auger? I am sure others know better than me. After the fence I think I would use it around the yard for planting, single posts etc definitely will not be used that often. I live in New England which is fairly rocky and I have a 32 hp tractor. Thank you for any guidance you can give me.
Opinions on post hole diggers
- Thread starter Dippybird
- Start date
Mine (TSC) is at least 15 years old and it hangs in a tree when not used and I have never changed the gear oil as there is no way for it to get contaminated. Think I paid 500 for it way back when. When I use it, I grease the U joints and use it.
Tractor power isn't a factor as you use it with the engine idling or just above an idle.
Tractor power isn't a factor as you use it with the engine idling or just above an idle.
I bought a new one from dirty tools (https://dirtyhandtools.com/product/post-hole-digger/ ) for my B7100 and am very happy with it. I've probably planted all the post on the property I'm gonna plant. It does however do an awesome job of digger holes for plants in this hard N GA red clay.
In rocky soil, digging post holes where posts have already been is possible but to dig a fresh hole will be challenging particularly with a 3 pt style with no down pressure. Of course "rocky soil," has different meanings in different geographic areas.
Are your neighbors using 3 pt style successfully?
Sometimes hiring someone with a serious post hole digger on a Bobcat becomes more practical and not a lot more expensive.
Dave
Are your neighbors using 3 pt style successfully?
Sometimes hiring someone with a serious post hole digger on a Bobcat becomes more practical and not a lot more expensive.
Dave
If you have the option of a hyd post hole digger it will allow you to back out if the auger gets stuck. No idea if they made them on 3 pth
Newlyme
Active member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
M4900 w/loader, finish mower, tiller, auger, rake. BX24 w/loader, backhoe
I bought a TSC post hole digger 5 years ago with 6” and 12” augers.
I have not had any issues. I use it more than I thought I would with no regrets.
I have not had any issues. I use it more than I thought I would with no regrets.
Let me say one more thing about the cheap PH auger I purchased. I live about 3 miles from Mount Yonah in N. Ga. My spread is filled with Granite rocks. And I have yet to find an area of rocks that I cannot drill through. It is not solid rock but rocky none the less. Mine will pull the rocks up with the dirt.
For just a few holes, rent one. It will be the cheapest by far.
Up here in the Granite State, I have never had much luck with the 3PH PHA's No down pressure and they get stuck all the time. When they get stuck , it is a real pain to disconnect them and manually turn them back out.
I use mine all the time in a lot of nasty conditions. I ended up going with a hydraulic unit and I have been very impressed with it.
Up here in the Granite State, I have never had much luck with the 3PH PHA's No down pressure and they get stuck all the time. When they get stuck , it is a real pain to disconnect them and manually turn them back out.
I use mine all the time in a lot of nasty conditions. I ended up going with a hydraulic unit and I have been very impressed with it.
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Thank you all there are I lot of good points here. I have seen the hydraulic units and they seem great but they were a little more than I wanted to spend especially since I didn’t have remote connections. It certainly is difficult to quantify compare different soils and what I call rocky might be sandy to the next person. I am glad to hear people have not had a problem with the tsc or dirtyhand units. I think it was a great point to look around and see what over people in the area are using.
Thank you
Thank you
I bought the one from TSC with a 9” auger and it works fine. It’s an occasional use item for me. Just don’t sink it all the way. Dig out some dirt, then pull it up, then go a little deeper, pull up, ...... It will go down in a hurry so if you let it get too deep it will get stuck.
I've had both.... I bought a well used Speeco that was worn loose as a goose.. I tightened all the connections with new bolts, pins, washers, welded on bushings and all it required.. Changed the oil, greased and painted... It came with a 9 and 12" augers that got straitened and new teeth.. It worked well..
Now we have a new one. Again a Speeco brand from the local farm, auto supply store when it was on special sale, deep discount.. Works well.. Both were about the same price all said and done..
Now we have a new one. Again a Speeco brand from the local farm, auto supply store when it was on special sale, deep discount.. Works well.. Both were about the same price all said and done..
You will find many who own and operate equipment are very willing to share with you their thoughts and experiences on equipment. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with a local who owns or is operating a piece of equipment you have interest in. Just be polite and ask, do you mind my asking you about .... and most are very willing to share their thoughts and experience, That is true here and in person.
Hi Dippybird, I have the TSC CountyLine posthole digger with a 9” auger and it works just fine in my heavy clay soil with lots of tree roots. Rental implements are not available in my area so the purchase made sense to me. I have used my high lift jack to get it out of the hole a few times. No need to “ unscrew” it with a pipe wrench as some have described. You will of course have more TPH lift force with your L. Down pressure my be your issue.
Interested to hear how you store your post hole diggers and how you attach them by yourself. I've recently purchased a 3PL one (no down-force hydraulic ram) with 6" auger and it weighs 110 Kgs, so not a light thing to move around by yourself and I've yet to attach this unit to my tractor - still trying to get my head around the easiest way and of course what/how/where to detach/store after use?
BigG
Well-known member
Equipment
l2501, FEL, BB, Rotary cutter, rake,spreader, roller, etc. New Holland TL80 A
This is easier to show then describe. If you do not have a stand you can hang it from a tree or rafter.
I dug a 2 foot hole with it and then dropped it into the hole for storing. If you have it in a hole, or some people attach to a tree, taking it on and off is quite easy. Remove the top link. Back up and lift the top to the top link and put the pin in. From there I just raise or lower the lift arms to the right height.
Edit...The video was posted while I was typing.
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Interested to hear how you store your post hole diggers and how you attach them by yourself. I've recently purchased a 3PL one (no down-force hydraulic ram) with 6" auger and it weighs 110 Kgs, so not a light thing to move around by yourself and I've yet to attach this unit to my tractor - still trying to get my head around the easiest way and of course what/how/where to detach/store after use?
I think the hole is by far the easiest idea but what about when it rains and the hole fills up - rusty auger or would you spray it with WD40 or diesel prior to burying it?
I had seen the video before, but don't have spare I-Beams lying around to make a stand lol...
I think the hole is by far the easiest idea but what about when it rains and the hole fills up - rusty auger or would you spray it with WD40 or diesel prior to burying it?