Hydraulic Post Hole Digger on MX4800 w/ LA1065?

[trackman23]

Hi Folks, I am looking to get a post hole digger for my MX4800 / LA1065 tractor. We have mostly clay below the topsoil and the PHD will mostly be used for fence posts but maybe also for planting trees / shrubs if that it possible.

I am trying to decide between what are labeled as "heavy duty" three point mounted augers in the $1200 - $1600 rage and the front mounted hydraulic units which are much more expensive.

My main concerns are with the hydraulic flow requirements and the torque being put on the loader. Will the 3rd function on my MX4800 be enough and will the torque of the auger damage the loader? I assume that most of these attachment are meant for skid steers which is why I have concerns.

Thanks!

 

[Caden]

If you plant trees with the same bit you use to put in posts, you will likely need a few bites with the smaller auger to make the hole big enough.

The only major advantage I see to hydraulic versions is more controlled speed and the ability to reverse if you get a corkscrew.

I've only ever run 3ph style and wouldn't have any desire to run one off the loader myself. Seems like you would loose a lot of visibility with the hood. Rarely do you need to use down pressure anyway, as that's a quick way to get a corkscrew situation.

I have no knowledge in the hydraulic flow issue and don't want to make wild guesses.

Loader stress I think is a valid concern, especially in the area of the QA, but then again seems like hydro relief valve should prevent it from inflicting major damage.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Hi Folks, I am looking to get a post hole digger for my MX4800 / LA1065 tractor. We have mostly clay below the topsoil and the PHD will mostly be used for fence posts but maybe also for planting trees / shrubs if that it possible.

I am trying to decide between what are labeled as "heavy duty" three point mounted augers in the $1200 - $1600 rage and the front mounted hydraulic units which are much more expensive.

My main concerns are with the hydraulic flow requirements and the torque being put on the loader. Will the 3rd function on my MX4800 be enough and will the torque of the auger damage the loader? I assume that most of these attachment are meant for skid steers which is why I have concerns.

Thanks!

You wont damage the loader but your hydraulics are barely adequate for a low end auger.

Dan

 

[JasonW]

I just dug 12 holes 4’ deep with my MTL hydraulic auger with my M6040. Yes it’s slower than a skid steer but it works fine. Just wish I didn’t hit chunks of concrete 3’ down pushing the bit to one side or the other, but that’s a location problem.
It does shake the tractor some but no worse than a 3pt one. Visible is poor from the seat, I stood on the side of the tractor and ran the controls. Or directed a helper

 

[JailBreak Your Tractor]

Spec on the MX4800 main pump is about 9.5 gpm at around 2,560 psi, and the 3rd function shares that with the loader. So it'll turn a hydraulic auger, but slowly. Pick a drive made for low-flow tractors (check the gpm range on the motor) and stay with a smaller bit in clay. Being able to reverse when it corkscrews is the big plus. The loader will be fine as long as you let the auger feed itself and don't push down on it. One thing worth doing first: put a gauge on the 3rd function and make sure the relief is actually cracking at spec. Auger torque comes straight from pressure, so if the relief is sitting low, it'll stall in clay and you'll blame the auger. For mostly fence posts on a budget, a heavy-duty 3-point unit is still the simpler, cheaper way to go.