1025r: Post Hole Luck Ran Out

I go on the road to help a friend with a deck and fence. Over 20 post holes and some loader work. My streak ends:( Tried out some fence post expanding foam.
We have no affiliation or have excepted any monetary funds from the makers of Mydixadril.

[@stepheneckenfels4354]

When the auger got stuck, the pipe wrench was the right idea. However, you need to pull back the safety guard from around the drive shaft. Use the pipe wrench on that. The gear reduction from the gearbox works to your advantage. It works for me. We have heavily compacted clay and I get mine stuck all the time. I hope this tip helps!!

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Didn't think of that, thanks for the tip. Take Care, Tom

[@seansysig]

The 1025R is a real work horse! I'm very impressed with the amount of power to the subcompactness of the tractor.

[@flick22601]

Was getting ready to go to Tractor Supply on Monday to buy one of those augers. Checked Craigslist first and a gentleman just listed an Easy Auger with a 8 & 12 inch bit. Looked like it had hardly ever been used. I drove 3 hours to pick it up and another 3 returning home but, for about $200 more that the 3-point auger, I now have a fully hydraulic auger with reverse and power drive. First home run I've had in years.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Good Luck with the auger! Stay Healthy, Tom

[@charlesholt2662]

I’ve learned to use my auger really well by myself and never with someone else trying to control it. That’s unnecessary and very dangerous!

[@tomkeating65]

Gotta congratulate you on the proper use of the auger. Too many KZbin users like to corkscrew them all the way down into the ground without cleaning out the hole as they go. Then replace shear bolts with large grade bolts. Good job.

[@edwardwhite221]

tom, sounds like you learned the hard way to me. its common sense

[@jamesberg3106]

Interesting how we solve the angle plumb. I have done something similar. It is hard to gauge from the seat. I have had success having a person guiding the top of the head and once we’ve enough depth, let the tractor float based on the digger. I also keep my RPM’s fairly low. My last gig sheared the bolt. Nice video and thanks.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I'll try low rpms next time, but I usually need the higher one to fling the dirt away from the hole. Stay Healthy, Tom

[@martineastburn3679]

Those are nice bags! - They used 4 gallon and a 1 gallon in a 5 gallon tub - Poured it into the hole with the power pole and started packing the top with soil. Stomping on the top to keep it down - The material spiders sideways to fill in gaps and does real well.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Didn't know that, Thanks!

[@dennisfahlstrom7422]

You are a good friend / neighbor to have. I have a much heavier 80 hp tractor and the 1025R and it’s a hard time to say which is better with the post hole digger. The larger Branson has more weight and hydraulic power for working with a 9” or 12” bit but it’s way too easy to break shear pins. I enjoyed your video and subscribed. Looking forward to more of them.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Just started digging post for our new garden area and I could have use more lifting force on the hitch. Our clay really was sucking the auger in the ground. Video will be out in a few weeks. Thanks for watching!

[@phillyfathead]

Great job with the JD, I’m a firefighter with “philly” did anybody else notice the fire hydrant in the garden by the house , I believe every firefighter has one!😂

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Yep, the hydrant was a casualty from a MVA. I did notify our water department and gave them 3 weeks to pick it. Needless to say it is now a fixture in our flower bed. Stay Safe, Tom

[@phillyfathead]

Np, I got 3 of them in philly, just about every firefighter I know has at least one! ( great lawn art) stay safe!!

[@stephensaxon8768]

I’ll be smiling about that line all day! Thanks for the early morning grin!

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Glad you caught it:)

[@EugeneVet]

great safety tip, THANKS

[@martineastburn3679]

There is more power in the curl function - larger pistons - so have it down tight chains and raise and curl the bucket!

[@fyrman9092]

For building a pole barn, I contemplated an auger, but the area is pretty Rocky. Many stone fences in the area. Ended up digging 20 hole and hit good size rocks in 75% of the holes. I couldn't imagine the frustrations using a post hole digger in Rocky soil.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Unfortunately many time you don't know until you get started. We actually thought the fence holes were going to go easier.

[@MichaelSmith-os1pp]

Just a suggestion: When pulling post, I use the curl on the bucket before I try to lift. The break out force is greater than the lift force and it seems to me to start the "lift" and makes it easier to lift out of the ground

[@larrypoeschel6871]

Great job on the video! Very educational. Thanks Larry

[@paulsilva6543]

Experience tells you to wiggle it out with the tractor then use 3 point to raise. Forward and reverse some until it loosens the soil to let it out.

[@danburfot334]

I feel for you getting that auger stuck. Have done it many times, the last time it ripped the flight off the shaft resulting in a new auger being required. Tree roots as you discovered are the worst problem!

[@wlsteffen]

Perfect tool for the job. You never know what you will hit, so caution is a must. Great job with the post hole digger and JD, Wayne

[@andysworld2188]

Good video. When you were pulling that post out of the ground it looked like your FEL was struggling a little bit. Don't forget that you have a lot more power and break out force when curling the bucket. Curl the bucket forward maybe half way and put some cribbing underneath to give more support and just curl it back!

[@deerrudy]

Thanks I have to put up about 1500 ft of fence and going to borrow an auger. Never used before so this is helpful

[@1rustytree]

Great seeing a post hole digger in dirt! I just drilled 6 in rocky fill! That stabilizer seems to help out getting it squared up!

[@brents927]

Okay I liked the "broken string" note

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

Nice area for the JD to maneuver in. Enjoyed the video.

[@miketaylor819]

Just a suggestion. If your tired of tying off those ratchet straps. Cut them down to what you need. Just be sure to burn the cut end👍

[@dwayneloftice2326]

A constant competition between "weight & balance" to get 'er done. Anyone with a post hole digger knows that lesson.

[@001jacksun65]

When using post hole auger you need to use the 3pt drop rate adjuster. it's the round knob under the front of the seat . You can lock it or let it drop very slowly or as you have it now fast drop.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Never entered my mind, but I will certainly try it soon. Stay Healthy, Tom

[@semco72057]

The tractor and auger was doing a good job except for the sheer bolts was broken and had to be replaced. I don't have an auger, but I can see that it would take two people to complete certain jobs using one. I have a John Deere 3032E tractor and do want to get the hooks to put on the front loader so I can lift items which I can't otherwise. I want to put down a back porch which is small with steps and will check with Lowe's store and make sure that the compound you all are using will work for me to fill holes rather than the cement mix. I paid a guy to build my front steps, but figured that I could have done it cheaper myself with the proper equipment.

[@KevinCoop1]

I just got this video pop up and watched it. I have been off the farm for about 40 years. Was that arm on your digger a part that came with it or was it a DIY add on? I have never seen one on a digger. The way we did it was, PTO-off, set the point on target, move tractor to position auger vertices, start PTO, dig down and raise up without coming all the way out(safer), when at final depth stop PTO, lift auger, move forward a little, start PTO to sling dirt off. If not careful, wet clay can suck the bit down in a heart beat. Best wishes! Kevin

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Thanks for input! The digger came with the arm, it was added on the latest model.

[@KevinCoop1]

A Tale of Three Cabins Thanks. I was just wandering. Best wishes! Kevin

[@outdoorsinthenorthwest9763]

@@ataleofthreecabins1025 just as Kevin Coop said, he is spot on. I’ve been working equipment for a long time and also a former EMT/Firefighter for almost 28 years. Retired. Stay safe.

[@WelshRabbit]

Have you tried adding an additional pipe extension on the handle of your pipe wrench to give you more torque? I've stuck my auger in roots or rocks and my 48" pipe wrench would not budge it until I added a 4' extension -- and presto, I start manually reversing the auger with only moderate effort. Since trying that, I've never had to dig an auger out with a shovel.

[@twinbrookacres]

Nice video. I have some post holes to dig sometime soon. I get nervous just thinking about the auger getting stuck! I will post a video if I am successful. If not, I probably won't post it. LOL

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Good luck!

[@ronalddavis439]

I've watch your videos for a few months. Just noe released you are a firefighter. I'm a Batt/Chief. How long have you been on job? I've got 42 years on job 2 more and I'm retiring so I can play with me JD more. Thanks for your services. Kept videos coming.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Ronald, Congrats on 42. I'm at 33 years with a little less than 4 months to go. Would have liked my last few months to be routine, but nothing is usually routine in the fire service. Take Care and Stay Healthy, Tom

[@truckerray7533]

I was wondering if it would be safer to raise that auger up outtuh the ground at a slower pace. I had noticed a one particular time, that your helper on the ground there only had ahold of the control bar with one hand while the other was free. That bar could've & would've come up & hit him in the face or cracked him on bottom of his lower jaw area. Take your time with the holes, especially when raising the auger up outtuh the ground. Go slow when raising it as this would help with safety issues. Job well done & thankya for sharing the vido & be"Tractor Safe" is my saying! Oh. . . . . i didnt know you were a fire fighter/1st responder/ emergency personell. Thankyou for your service & all you do. Be safe!🚜🚒🚑🚨

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Once you feel the auger getting pulled down too quickly(you can feel it, hear it and see it), you have to respond quickly to get it out or it will bog down and bury itself.

[@truckerray7533]

@@ataleofthreecabins1025 thankya for replying back with me

[@henryrodgers3409]

Nice video . Good insight in using a posthole digger

[@bbetterthanuloose1072]

Need to lower the rpms. The auger will did just as good. Won’t have to worry about being able to pull it out of the ground

[@travisb.8005]

Watching the work after your digger got wedged it looks like the big truck/house jack may have put a permanent bend in the auger shaft.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I kept a pretty good eye on it, and stopped him after it wasn't really moving.

[@badboy.7458]

If they are building a pool deck. Why do they need so many post? Are they going to park their car on it?

[@DougAlesUSA]

Question: When the auger gets stuck in the ground, if you remove the PTO shaft from the tractor, could you use a pipe wrench to spin the auger in reverse direction to work the auger out of the ground and away from the buried root?

[@coltknight3945]

Yes, that's how it's done.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

We tried a large pipe wrench first, wouldn't budge. Then digging it our for awhile and eventually the pipe wrench worked. The second time we broke the shear bolt the pipe wrench worked first try.

[@DougAlesUSA]

A Tale of Three Cabins thank you for replying and adding more detail. It seems to me the issue with these sub-compact tractor augers is the lack of a gear box with a reverse mechanism. The gas powered rental center augers have a reverse. Someone needs to find that gearbox vendor, add it to a small PTO auger and sell them. In my opinion, a business opportunity exists.

[@CobyRupert]

If you reverse spin the pto shaft with the pipe wrench instead of at the auger itself, you gain the mechanical advantage of the auger’s gearbox and can use a smaller pipe wrench. Or don’t need a bigger one when yours was too small.

[@allthingsdiymike1106]

i got mine stuck few times. i unbolted the auger bit, pulled the tractor out of the way and turned the bit out using a pipe wrench. yea, i broke the tip on mine and also the damaged spiral some. i used a hand grinder to grind a new point and cut out the bent spiral and ground it to an edge. works fine.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

We started with the pipe wrench but it wouldn't budge until we broke up some of the roots.

[@garymucher9590]

If only you had a reverse option... Thumbs Up!

[@crazycoyote1738]

Neat job bro!! I wonder if you can use that expanding foam for pylons, to support a shipping container? Or it’s just to hold posts?

[@gerardwiesel559]

Like your videos and glad you took the tip on safety.. But you missed the other good tip- put the tip of Auger on ground before engaging and it will stay where you want it instead of jumping around :). Also I have been looking at a number of post hole diggers and have watched a lot of videos to date. Even though it's a little bit more money I think I'm leaning towards the Land Shark PD100 by Everything Attachments. It appears to have a shorter boom for more lift capacity and a better all around design. Sorry to see the problems you had here... Gerry

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I'm starting my new garden fence soon, so I will put the tip down:). Going to use the 6' for that. If you get the PD100 drop me a line on how you like it and what kind of tractor your using. Stay Healthy, Tom

[@gerardwiesel559]

@@ataleofthreecabins1025 Just took delivery of a 2025r yesterday :). It will be a while before I pursue a PHD however. Right now I have Artillian pallet forks and a bucket hoe along with a curtis canopy on the way.... Gerry

[@frankweston497]

Not one comment on the ED drug Mydixadril??? 3:25 that was funny🤣🤣👍👍

[@stevescarboro7342]

Frank Weston I prefer to use the other drug... Mycoxaphalyn.

[@rosemarieparlachirico9851]

We have a horse ranch and that auger looks very strong and I loved the guide bar for the man not on the tractor. Most augers do not have that. We've been looking to purchase an auger but haven't seen one with a solid design until now. What company makes that auger and where do you think we can purchase one?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I got mine at tractor supply and the brand is Countyline. The bar was added last year to their latest model.

[@Flyfish325]

Put your expanding foam bags in the house overnight if it’s cold out.

[@davewelch1932]

Why don't you set the point of the auger first before you start. Auger in rocky ground you would be snapping Sheer bolts. Salmon Arm BC. Area. Lot of shale I have a 6,10,and 12" rock bit. In 50 holes I snapped 4 - grade 8 sheer bolts. Motor runs 150 rpm. Auger speed 60 rpm fast idol on a Ditch Witch SK500 compact skidsteer.

[@cashxx]

I wonder how that foam does over time. Easer to lug around than bags of concrete. Touch decision!

[@randyrees7570]

Nice video. What kind of foam are you using for the deck? Everyone I look at like Sika says it is only for fences and nothing structural... Just curious if I am missing a product or maybe you guys are just taking a chance.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

www.homedepot.com/p/Sika-33-fl-oz-Fence-Post-Mix-7116170/300934597 that’s the product. There is a mixed bag of opinions for deck use.

[@hartleyhomesteadmichigan6041]

Great video. I have the 9 inch auger too

[@serenityplantation7638]

lol. This video should be called “how to do everything wrong when digging holes”. You should also ask the nursing home to get a real man tractor and take that child’s toy back 😂. At least it gave us a laugh watching the 3-stooges work

[@johndeno562]

I'd consider myself lucky to only have trouble with one or two holes. Especially in that landscape area.

[@Diantane22]

Question about your 1025r (off topic). When operating your 260b backhoe, and you swing it from left to right or right to left, does the swing stall out near the center when the arms are pushed all the way out? Mine does that and so did ever 1025r at the dealer. They say that the hydraulic fluid reverses inside the cylinder that either pushes or pulls the piston.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Never noticed that happening.

[@Diantane22]

@@ataleofthreecabins1025 Try stretching it all the way out from the tractor. I did this at idle and also at full throttle to get very different results.

[@MediocreJeep]

Is that a 3' or 4' auger? The frost line is 42" around here so holes should be at that level. With a 3' auger can you go down enough past it for a 42" deep hole?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

They are right at 42" if you bottom it out as far down as you can.

[@AGs2WheelLife]

Hey bud great video! I'm about to purchase a county line auger like that, is the setup difficult or was it pretty easy to deal with? thanks!

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Pretty easy. I did a few earlier videos of setting up and attaching to the tractor.

[@AGs2WheelLife]

@@ataleofthreecabins1025 awesome! thanks Was curious about driveline modifications..

[@madtater5948]

where's the rocks?

[@giuseppegiunta7882]

Hello, and the first time I see that expandable foam, can you please tell me what material it is, and the expanded type that is put in the cavity of the fridge, does not rot the wood. Thanks

[@dannyixoye262]

Here is a www.homedepot.com/p/Sika-33-fl-oz-Fence-Post-Mix-7116170/300934597?mtc=Shopping-B-F_D22-G-D22-22_9_CONCRETE-Generic-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D22-G-D22-22_9_CONCRETE-Generic-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA--71700000045600364-58700004679444416-92700039576811666&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9IX4BRCcARIsAOD2OB3macCybytBmjzUW-AIqriwIVfKDNyvpqFFbtJwOU_Ai7x0mVI9HMcaAk-aEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.dslink......

[@Curious_Skeptic]

There are pictures of human remains and clothing wrapped around the auger to be found on the net. This video reminded me how that can and will keep happening! They should include those pics in the directions, and instead of the little cartoon danger image, replace with color photo. BONE HEAD people who think they can't die! PLEASE, be careful! YOU CAN DIE! I promise! I'd say, your luck is running out!

[@CobyRupert]

Do you think shear bolt might not of snapped and auger bit might not of broke if you weren’t turning the auger so fast? Turn the PTO shaft backwards with pipe wrench to gain mechanical advantage of PHD’s gearbox.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I usually keep the RPMs up to fling the dirt away, otherwise it falls right back in the hole. I did try slowing it down on a newer project coming out soon and I had a few issues with that too. Thanks for the info, Tom

[@CobyRupert]

I use about 1/2 of that rpm. I bring up as much material that the auger “holds” each plunge. It will stay on auger at a lower rpm as you bring it up. Once auger is above top spoils give the foot throttle a tap to increase rpms just enough to spin the dirt off and re-plunge. I think slower rpms allows auger time to bounce and deflect off of underground objects (stones mostly, maybe not roots that grab), whereas high rpms more quickly transfers torque through the drive train and shear bolt snaps. I’ve always ran them as a more of slow “boring” machine than a high speed drill. Having a water source to wet hole, or wetting ground beforehand, helps holds dirt together on auger too.

[@stoneyislandranch9783]

That handle is to set the auger on the spot.. shouldn't be standing any where around it if the u joint breaks and that shaft goes to flying you gonna be seriously hurt

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

If I or some else doesn't hold the handle the auger will change angles and not go back in the hole when clearing out the dirt. If you don't clear out the dirt it will either go back in the hole our suck the auger down and bottom out at least with the brand I have. Stay Healthy, Tom

[@CobyRupert]

Once the bit is aligned starts going in the hole, holding the handle does nothing, other than increase the chance your helper does pretzel impersonations with his limbs.

[@zbudda]

Your voice and narration sounds just like Jonathan Wards the owner of Icon 4x4.

[@friendlybudgetremoval6040]

I see it as working around any tractor it's a risk. But safety goes out the window for what you should do. Could have done. Would have done differently for safety. But you posted the video so my Common sense says you guys got it done and no one got hurt. But next time your helper should be in bubble wrap to help protect himself from the dangers of the world. 🤣🤣🤣

[@jeffreyboarman4032]

Try to hook a chain on back of the bucket the front of the bucket

[@bobjohnson8624]

Tom you've probably mentioned it before, what brand and model number is your PHD? You seem to have plenty of lift and clearance for maneuvering, some do not.

[@andysworld2188]

His post hole digger us made by County line. Its the brand they sell at Tractor Supply Co

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

It' a Countyline from tractor supply around $459 on sale. I get %10 coupons now and then so the Auger and PHD were right around $500. www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/countyline-3-point-post-hole-digger-602377?cm_vc=-10005

[@phillyfathead]

Great job with the JD, I’m a firefighter from “Philly” did anybody else notice the fire hydrant in the garden by the house, I believe every firefighter has one !😂

[@ashlandgunclub1000]

I’ve had good luck with rocking the auger back and forth to free it up. Not sure if you did that or not. FYI: I’ve seen several seats messed up from trailering a tractor facing forward, most seem to have been from highway travel though.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

This was actually drilled into a large root and wouldn't budge until we chipped it away.

[@dannyboy9254]

I got my leg chopped off with one auger. its super dangerous.back in 2001

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Thanks for you input, sorry for your unfortunate accident. Have a Safe Thanksgiving!

[@unclebuck5957]

Do you use a 16" trailer I have a 1026R

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I have a 20' trailer. Allows me to travel with the brush hog attached and 2 more attachments up front.

[@TasteMyStinkholeAndLikeIt]

Why are tractor engines so underpowered? A typical weak car will have 12 to 15 lbs per hp, and tractors are closer to 60 lbs per hp.

[@garybonz]

Just so you know, that isn't a big pipe wrench . . .

[@peanut3050]

as the operator you are letting people get in the danger zone if some one is injured or killed, their family will own your home. Please stop this so we can see your videos in the future.

[@ronaldchurch6356]

No expanding foam.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

My friend used it cause it was lightweight, quick setting, and convenient. Me?, I’m too cheap. $30 vs. $144. Forks and loader did most of the work:)

[@sajmon789]

Yo he is standing way to close that drill

[@CobyRupert]

....while doing absolutely nothing once bit gets initially aligned. BTW, augers don’t need to run at 540rpm...you’ll just break things...

[@scottzimmerman6485]

I was expecting way more of this type of comment ! I was really cringing as I watched how close they were to the parts that made the hARMless farmer a famous KZbinr (great guy but the operator was not watching out for him ) maybe I am overly cautious, IDK ?

[@livetoridecando]

Mydixidril

[@stuartandrews4344]

Hate those rear mounted post augers, much better having post auger on a skid steer, more control.

[@sergeyleftwingnut2385]

When it is cold go in the house and get hot water

[@jeffshort6766]

Lower rpm you don’t need that

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I should adjust it more, but the higher rpm helps fling the dirt away from the hole. Stay healthy, Tom

[@georgecass8529]

Get rid of the John deer and get you a ventrac

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I don't think they have backhoes?

[@edwardwhite221]

your 1025 just lost half its value. bigger is better when you want to dig holes and do most of this work. The 1025 is more for cutting lawns.

[@jamesbelisle9704]

Edward White , tell that to the hill I just leveled and the valley I just filled with my 1025R.

[@jdub1450]

That mask isn’t helping you even if rona comes near

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Breathing in not so much if another person it not masked, breathing out protects those around us more. Unfortunately we are exposed a few time a day now. When we go on calls we switch to the N95. Take Care and Stay Healthy!

[@jdub1450]

A Tale of Three Cabins en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_statistics_in_the_United_States more abortions in us than this world wide pandemic has killed... I’m just saying! Read up don’t be an imbecile.

[@benjaminlong1960]

@@jdub1450 This comment did not age well.

[@jdub1450]

@@benjaminlong1960 actually it aged very well. My point has been proven. Masks were fake just like the vaccine.

[@jdub1450]

@@benjaminlong1960 come back in a year so I can laugh at you again about vax you took. P.s. if the government found a cure for terminal cancer do you think that they would give you it for free? Or pay you to take it? Or give you hamburgers and Fries to take it?