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Post Hole Digger...

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Chvymn99, May 23, 2014.

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  1. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    Looking at finishing up the rest of my fence this summer. The last time I used a post hole digger it was on a bobcat. But this time that wont be the case. I'm looking at either a 1 or 2 person job. Any recommendation? Looking at probably aiming for a 6 inch or so, cause I can always open it further. Unless the unit can run a bigger hole. I've got 30 some holes to dig for 4x4 post.

    What I've looked at so far is the unit from Harbor Freight (43cc), Northern has a couple different models of the Earthquake (43cc and 50 something cc), Stihl (has one but I'm going to assume a pretty penny for it).
     
    Chvymn99, May 23, 2014
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  2. Stinny

    Stinny

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    I rented a pole hole puncher last year to do a bunch of fence post holes and the woodshed. I've used a variety of rigs doing sign installs. Never seen one like this and it worked really well. The auger was hydraulic powered off a small motor... a lot like a splitter. It hung from an arm that balanced perfectly with the weight of the motor. Once you got it in position, it was effortless punching a 6" hole. It would do 8"-12" holes no sweat with that kind of torque. The whole rig was heavy, but my son moved it around no problem and we pulled it with the ATV to different spots. I don't know what the brand was. Sorry.
     
    Stinny, May 23, 2014
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  3. thewoodlands

    thewoodlands

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    Is this the one?
    https://www.google.com/search?q=pos...ertreatment.com%2Frental%2Fdiggi.html;625;480
     
    thewoodlands, May 23, 2014
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  4. mattjm1017

    mattjm1017

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    I rented a two man post hole auger when I did my fence I think it was around $60 for the weekend we had the whole acre dug in a couple hours a post every six foot or so.
     
    mattjm1017, May 23, 2014
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  5. Stinny

    Stinny

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    Yup. Quite a rig.
     
    Stinny, May 23, 2014
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  6. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    Renting is a option but rather try to buy. Since I've got other projects that I'd like to try to get into the next couple of years.
     
    Chvymn99, May 23, 2014
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  7. My IS heats my home

    My IS heats my home

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    When I have to dig 10" holes for sonar tubes I rent a 1 person auger that has a seperate motor and PTO unit. Not sure of the manufacturer but it's slow with some decent torque.
     
    My IS heats my home, May 23, 2014
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  8. nate

    nate Banned

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    "Sonar" tube got me laughing! Autocorrect?

    I'm picturing it as a part to a submarine hehhaha ha!
     
    nate, May 24, 2014
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  9. foragefarmer

    foragefarmer

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    I have a farm but I make my living building fence.

    I think in your case I would rent a 2 man auger rather than buying. I would also use an 8" auger head and set the posts in concrete.

    A recent project.

    [​IMG]
     
    foragefarmer, May 24, 2014
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  10. Stinny

    Stinny

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    That's some fine looking fence work FF. Did you run into any rocks digging those holes? Line is straight as an arrow... :yes:
     
    Stinny, May 24, 2014
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  11. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    If this is going to be a one-man operation, renting a Dingo (or similar) with a post hole digger attachment might be a good option.
     
    MasterMech, May 24, 2014
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  12. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    Great job on that fence!:thumbs:...

    I guess what most are all saying is renting a better option. I guess I'll go looking up some options. Thanks to all.
     
    Chvymn99, May 24, 2014
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  13. Stinny

    Stinny

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    A post hole digger takes a lot of abuse sometimes too. You might be glad you don't own one. 99.99 % of the time, it would be collecting dust anyway, unless you used it for a living or had holes you had to dig all the time. Now, if I had to drive 50 miles to rent one, well...
     
    Stinny, May 24, 2014
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  14. IHATEPROPANE

    IHATEPROPANE

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    I bought the one from Harbor Freight a few weeks ago. I believe it is 52cc. Comes with a four inch bit but a 6" can be had for $50. I ordered online, 6.99 to ship and got 20% off using a coupon I found online via Google.

    I have a lot of fence that has old posts that need replacing slowly over time. I hope this will do the trick for my needs. I have not put it in the dirt yet but I can say that it started right up and sounded nice, but loud on full throttle no load. Time will tell but I think it will be ok. I will update this post in a couple of weeks when I first use it.
     
    IHATEPROPANE, May 24, 2014
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  15. IHATEPROPANE

    IHATEPROPANE

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    I rented one last year to do part of my fence. 50 bucks a day from home depot. The reason I bought this time is because I see this being a yearly occurance of fixing small portions. This gives me the option to do sections as I have time and it was the cost of only three rentals.
     
    IHATEPROPANE, May 24, 2014
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  16. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    I love to own tools. But I would much rather rent a kick-azz machine to bust out a few dozen post holes in record time than own a tool that will beat me up and have questionable value in the future.
     
    MasterMech, May 24, 2014
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  17. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    Yes, please keep me posted...
     
    Chvymn99, May 24, 2014
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  18. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    Yea, I understand... But the place's around here I'm not fond of, specifically one. I'll check around a bit to see if I can find a decent that charges decent rates for a decent time....
     
    Chvymn99, May 24, 2014
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  19. foragefarmer

    foragefarmer

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    Only dug the gate posts because they are 8x8's. The rest are 4x6 and were driven with my skid steer mounted driver. If you look you can see there isn't any dirt around the line posts.
     
    foragefarmer, May 24, 2014
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  20. Stinny

    Stinny

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    Unless the skid steer was following a laser automatically, ya still did a mighty fine job...
     
    Stinny, May 24, 2014
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