How to Use a Post Hole Digger on a Tractor
Post hole diggers can be mounted on the three point hitch of modern tractors or on the bucket mounts of a skid steer loader. The diggers require much less physical effort than manual post hole diggers and greatly reduces the time necessary to set posts for a fence or other use. With larger augers post hole diggers are also sometimes used to create holes for tree plantings. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Starting the Post Hole
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Attach the post hole digger to the tractor. Mounting methods will vary by post hole digger manufacturer but most will require attachment to the three point hitch assembly of the tractor as well as the tractors hydraulic system. Follow the instruction manual of the post hole digger for installation.
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Confirm there are no buried cables or pipes where the holes will be dug. Some states require the notification of a location service before digging. These services locate and mark the locations of cables and pipes placed by commercial utilities. The post hole digger operator also needs to be aware of any cables or pipes placed by the current or previous property owners. This becomes an issue when digging post holes near buildings where utilities may have been installed.
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Prepare the area for digging. Clear any debris from the area where the post hole will be dug. Especially be watchful for rocks which can damage the post hole digger.
Completing the Hole
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Position the auger of the post hole digger over the location of the desired hole. Be sure the auger is stationary before lowering the point to the ground. Start the auger rotating slowly in a clockwise direction. Increase speed as needed. Generally the auger is rotated faster in loose or sandy soil and slower in heavier or clay type soils.
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Stop and raise the auger once the hole depth is approximately 24 inches. This clears the loose soil from the auger. Lower the auger and resume the clockwise rotation.
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Raise the auger to within one foot of the surface of the ground every 24 inches of hole thereafter. This continues to clear the dirt from the auger.
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Stop downward pressure when the final depth of the hole is reached. Allow the auger to turn briefly at this depth and then raise the turning auger to about a foot from the surface. Stop the auger and with draw the rest of the way from the hole.
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Tips & Warnings
If the auger stalls while digging a hole immediately stop the rotation. Free the auger by reversing the rotation. Start a clockwise rotation again and attempt to dig through the obstruction. If this does not work remove the auger from the hole and remove the obstruction by other methods or relocate the hole.
