Post hole auger size

The 24" auger is probably from a contractor or utility company. You said "Probably be too big...". No, it's WAY too big, and heavy.

This might give you an idea. https://www.woodsequipment.com/productDetails.aspx?id=374

I'd suggest buying the size needed for what ever you are putting in the ground, not what is on sale. It'll be easier digging and easier on you and the tractor.

I got a 15" for my L175 - 17hp and had no issues digging as long as I was careful not to get it stuck in the ground!

Depends on what you like - a friend has 6" and likes it for posts - I like 15 as I can pack the dirt with a spud bar - it fits.

And augers go in at a slight angle (due to arc of the 3 point) - qith an oversize hole it's easy to plumb the post. With a tight hole you need to move the tractor forward slightly as you auger.

24 sounds like overkill, but you can get other sizes at tractor supply.

I was given a 24" auger that was surplus to a public utility company. They were going to scrap it and my brother in law grabbed it for me. Hate to crab about free implements, but I probably should not have taken it. First off, it is too big and heavy for one person to maneuver onto the tractor. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it was 300+ pounds. Second, I'm a little leery about using it on my L3800 as I could see some serious damage occurring if something binds. I could not imagine one on a smaller tractor.

Buying a 6, 8 or 12" tractor supply auger would be my preference. bidding on a monster and then having to buy a smaller bit may put you over the cost of a new one sized well.

I run a 9 inch bit on my 17 pto hp BX with no problem in loamy soil with potato sized random rocks. Just clear your hole often and getting your sonotube in should be no problem. I bet a 12 inch would be OK with your machine.

Any good farm store should have or be able to get you any size bit you want. There are also extension tubes if you need to go deeper than your bit is long.

Does anyone have links to auger extensions? I have a SpeeCo Model 70 digger. Rural King and TSC didn't have any, SpeeCo doesn't make an extension either. The only extensions I can find are for skid steer mounted augers, and those are the wrong diameter to fit my digger and auger.

frierfly said:

Does anyone have links to auger extensions? I have a SpeeCo Model 70 digger. Rural King and TSC didn't have any, SpeeCo doesn't make an extension either. The only extensions I can find are for skid steer mounted augers, and those are the wrong diameter to fit my digger and auger.

Click to expand...

An extension is pretty easy to fabricate. Here's a few pics of mine for my old SpeeCo. A piece of pipe cut to length that will slip over your power head shaft and a solid round bar welded to the other end that will slip into your auger bit. Drill mounting holes accordingly. Two bolts welded to the top of the frame keeps it from getting lost in the shed. A few plug welds attaches the round bar to the extension pipe.








This extension is 2 feet and with it can drill close to a 6 foot deep hole. You do have to auger without it first and then add the extension to finish the deeper hole. A little cumbersome but it sure beats doing the last 2 feet by hand! As mentioned: Go slow, keep the holes cleaned out as you go, and have a helper to eyeball and keep the holes vertical. It's a hole/whole lot of digging to remove an auger stuck 5 to 6 feet down!!!

I rather doubt 'all bits' fit 'all drives'. THAT is kinda important !

Similar to buying a 5/8" air impact ,great deal,(LOTS of power) BUT just WHO stock $$$$ 5/8" drive bits !!!

See if you can get real infomation about the drive unit...make/model/etc. It could be 'custom' built for the hydro company...

BTW walk behind snowblower 8 and 10HP engines are 7/8" shafts for the pulleys !!! NOT the 'industry standard" of 1 inch....