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Problem with post hole digger on John Deere tractor

A

andrew3d

New User
The post hole digger came from the tractor store. It digs holes, but the boom wobbles from left to right, right to left, and the holes are not straight down, but at an angle. I looked at the attachment, and realized it should be tighter where the boom is attached to the tractor. Maybe someone could look at my pictures and maybe advise me on what I should do to fix this.
On the bottom photo, you can see the bomb is not straight up and down, but at an angle.

mvphoto45070.jpg


mvphoto45071.jpg


mvphoto45073.jpg
 
The 3 point hitch must have sway stabilizers installed John Deere forum should help find the correct product. The tip must be set to the
location (forward and Back, tip at mark, and tractor moved to make it vertical) then started. Jim
 
I agree with other poster, mine originally had a handle on top to move the auger to start. If it is off side to side use the leveler on side of 3 pt hitch. I have a tough time digging straight holes unless I have help or get off and look. sometimes you may need to move the tractor foreward a little after starting the hole
 
My old ford is pretty sloppy . I set the point where I
want it then pull ahead and sometimes have to use
the brake to level the post hole auger left to right
and up and down
cvphoto41533.jpg


cvphoto41534.jpg
 
You just have to learn how to run it.Those are not a milling machine,with accuracy.You can get pretty close in clean soils,but any rocks and all bets are off.you can start off
with it level,by using the leveling box on the right top 3 point hitch arm.Sometimes you have to run the tractor back and forth a few inches as you use it.sometimes you have to
have help holding it straight from side to side.Whatever you do don't try to make it rigid to the tractor,things will break.I always run one at just above an idle,and never pick
it up any further than you have to.Get somebody that has used them to help,it has a learning curve,after you've made a few messes and maybe broken a couple of things you will
figure it out.
 
With a little practice you can pick up the digger and
set it part way down a couple times and the auger
will swing back and forth and with a little practice
you can drop it right on your mark. Mine had a
handle but it hasn?t been on it for as long as We?ve
had it the handle bracket on top of the auger is bent
from using loader tractors to push down to get the
digger in the ground
 
Nothing new....learning curve. When you finnaly learn how to do it then it is
almost like riding a bicycle. If you have ground full of rocks and stuff then
...good luck. Yes you need a set of sway bars for your hitch to stiffen it.
Drill SLOWLY. Keep your hand on the PTO Leaver for instant stops. STAY AWAY
FROM THAT PTO SHAFT. If you need to push stuff use a long stick. NOT YOU!!!
This is my old baby when I was doing the rail fence posts. There sinse the late
60s.
cvphoto41552.jpg
 
If you want perfect post hole you have to have a skidloader with that attachment! With a tractor you just have to deal with the issues you mentioned. Our JD tractor and Bush Hog auger works for us, I know how to deal with the issues you are concerned about.
 
That is a problem with 3 pt PHDs. Once again the Best solution IMHO is if you dig more than just a few hole, get a skid steer, Safer, faster, straighter, cleaner holes, less work, etc.
 
Our MF one has slots in the gearbox mounting so you can get it to hang vertical.

A thought in the "round tuit" department is to mount a bulls eye level on a strong magnet that clamps on the top of the gearbox and with a mirror set so you can read it from the seat
 
mine did the same thing,..the one thing i did that solved almost all my problems with the 3-point is take the leveling screw off and put a hydraulic cylinder on. helps with phd, blade, and most anything attached..
 


Like Janicholson and Jeffcat said, you need stays. You would have to be beyond an excellent operator to get one of those to dig right with it free to sashay back and forth.
 

Are sway blocks(keys 1 & 7) in place & turned the correct direction for Cat l Or Cat ll hitch width.

mvphoto45083.png


Also you will need bushings if digger has Cat l pins & tractor has Cat ll 3 pt hitch.

mvphoto45084.png


I agree auger angle must be adjusted by moving tractor fed/rev while digging for a straight vertical hole.

Another important thing is raise/lower auger every 6'' of digging depth to help keep auger from corkscrewing into soil.
 
It is hard to tell from he pics., but is there a lot of freedom where the digger attaches to the top link pin? That could allow for a lot of movement when multiplied by the length of the boom. I have a J.D. post hole digger made by Arps. It is pretty snug at the top link connection. Maybe some spacers in there would help with control.
 
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