3 Point Auger on a L3800

[UnionMan]

I recently purchased a L3800 and have used it around the house with the FEL, and a barrowed grader blade around the house to fix some things around the house but now it’s time for the tractor to go to the farm and do the real work. I need to put up some new 3 board fencing and the first stretch is about 1300 feet. I looked into hydraulic post drivers until I saw the prices and realized that with the addition of needing to have rear remotes installed would be very costly. I think for now I will go the Auger route since it might just take longer but save money. I looked at the local tractor Supply co and saw one of their house brand augers priced around $430 and another $120 for the auger bit. I have also looked at some of the other company’s like everythingattatchments.com and see there’s a little bit more. Not sure what I should go with since it seems like a pretty simple implement, PTO shaft, boom and gear box. What are everyone’s thoughts on different brand augers? Best way to go? I figure since the local rental place was about $100 a day or $300 a week I'm better off just buying.

Thoughts??


UnionMan

 

[Fallon]

I agree on the buy vs rent math. My equation was a bit different. Help a neighbor sink 7 holes (her tractor is down) for unlimited borrowing of her augur.

Better quality ones will have better gearboxes & come with lube in the gearboxes. Not sure if there is much else to em. They aren't rocket science. Hydraulic down pressure would be nice though. That seems to be an extra $600 or so & takes a hydraulic port.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

 

[Eric McCarthy]

Not a whole lot to a PHD other then gear box. I dont seen the need to drop a paycheck on a "name brand" PHD. Its one of those toys yeah its cheaper to own and have for the long haul but more then likely once you do the fencing you probably wont use it anymore. I'd say keep and eye on Craigslist and see if a used one pops up.

 

[Bluegill]

We use one here that was bought new 23 years ago. Was just a cheap one and has been fine. I used it just the other day on the L3800.

 

[BadDog]

more then likely once you do the fencing you probably wont use it anymore.

Mine is not yet completed (got to find some unobtainium u-joints), but there are many uses beyond fence post. Obviously other types of posts, but also can aid a lot in planting bushes/trees, or anything where you need a contained hole, unless you have a backhoe. Or combined with a sub-soiler (chisel plow, whatever), and maybe a smaller auger, can make irrigation work much easier. Anything where it's enough to justify the hassle of mounting it and using the tractor.

If you need a 3' x 3' x 3' hole, starting with a single 12" diameter 3' deep hole makes it a lot easier. And if big enough, you might even manage to drill the 4 corners too.

But, one of the reasons finishing my Ford 905 hasn't been a bigger priority, I'm doubting it's effectiveness in our hard AZ soil. We'll see...

 

[UnionMan]

Thanks for the Replies. I think I might of found a place then rents a Hydraulic Post driver. If thats the case I might go that route. But if that doesn't pan out Ill just look on CL maybe for a used one. Seems like all the ones Ive found people want $450-500 for a used one. Where I can get a new one for $600 with the size auger bit I want. Seems like not to many on the used market in m neck of the woods. Might have to look for farm auctions, a fellow coworker of mine suggested it. Said his father in-law picks up 3 point attachments for pennies on the dollar.

 

[BadDog]

I've noticed that around here too. Augers bring just stupid prices. For something with a recognizable name, usually $500 or more. For no-names with decent paint, $400 or more. I got lucky with my little B7100 as a final "sweeten the pot" when we were not quite together on price. Frankly, he wasn't budging a nickel further, I was $100 below. I was ready to pay his price, but got him to throw in the "seized up" auger to close the deal. He probably would have hauled it for scrap, so I figure that Ford 905 auger for either $100 or free. All it really needed was 4 bearings and 2 seals (less than $100 for industrial Timken), so which ever way you look at it, a pretty decent deal I think. Unfortunately I messed up one of the drive u-joints and can't find a replacement, so I've about decided to make a new shaft using common automotive joints..