Good, Bad & Ugly: Compact Tractor Post Hole Digger Setup and First Use

Unboxing, assembly and first use of County Line Post Hole Digger from Tractor Supply by Tractor Time with Tim. We disclose the good, bad and maybe even ugly issues with using a post hole digger on a compact tractor.

[@connerroe9090]

Don't stop the augers when it is in the ground or else it will lock up, stay on the machine so you can rock the machine around so make your hole level or plum, it will also help you when you get it stuck in the ground.

[@kencotton4645]

Tim, growing up on a farm we used a post hole digger a lot building fences. I have had one get stuck as well. I found the best way to avoid getting the auger stuck was to keep the RPMs up to keep spinning the dirt out of the hole and as you found, lower it very slowly. Also, I like to keep the auger spinning as I raise it out of the hole to keep throwing the dirt out of the hole. Overall, I think your technique was great, but you can expect the the auger to get stuck occasionally. When that happens, I had good luck removing the shear bolt to detach the auger, then using a long rod in the shear bolt hole to spin the auger backwards. Also, I don’t think I would auger into concrete anymore. That has to be bad in your auger.

[@strangerdanger1271]

No way am I going to take a brand new post hole digger and run in a hole with concrete.

[@drdwgmd14]

Lol

[@Pocketfarmer1]

You asked what else a post hole digger can be used for. I use mine to split wood with a large wood screw attachment. I think it was called an atomic wood screw or something like that. It works great , has a few quirks and can split rails. Keep up the good work.

[@mmodnao]

98 dislikers left an auger in a hole somewhere.

[@agrimm01]

Tim, your reviewers comments are right on the money. You have to go slow and take small bites then raise back up. I have dug many post holes with a Ford 4000 and the same thing would happen to it that happened to you as far as getting sucked down in and buried. That 1025R did a great job. It was just like doing computer support when you say it was UE. Do you know what that means?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Andy Grimm i know more about computer support than I care to admit! As you likely know, I am a software engineer for my 'day job' The problem is that I couldn't keep it from sucking itself down, even with only a tiny movement on the 3pt lever. If using low engine rpm, it would kill the engine. I had no choice but to run the engine at higher rpm. You can see that I tried lower rpm in the video.

[@bowlweevil4161]

first keep people well away from the auger especially when you are starting the hole if the auger tooth grabs a rock or root it can sling the auger out and break your leg especially if you are turning fast when you back up to the mark and get auger verticle tilt bucket blade streight down and lift front wheels a little off the ground then you can use curl to move a little back or forward to keep auger strieght and getting the weight on the bucket will stabilize the tractor and always pull up a little after a each foot or so to keep from augering in and getting stuck you seem to have a feel for it so i think you will be an expert in no time good video thanx

[@HuffwareStudio]

First time I used mine, it got stuck on a root. With no reverse we had to dig it out by hand, So be careful when digging around trees or any other objects that might get it in a bind. Side note: (Take your time drilling, don't force the drill down to hard. Try to keep a good up-&-down rhythm going while pulling the dirt out when digging.)

[@kisstheclowns]

Did you try to screw it back out with a pipe wrench? I heard that works.

[@HuffwareStudio]

No. It was jammed up to tight and digging around it enough to get a saw to was the only quick solution. I doubt using a monkey wrench would work on pretty much any situation like this, but you never know until you try.

[@MiguelAngel-yl9th]

Watch this video!!!! I made a arm out of a 4x4 and knocked out 40 holes in 2 hours with my 1025R!

[@MiguelAngel-yl9th]

Ps.... go slow. The rabbit setting got me in trouble for 3 hours!

[@mattdedonder]

Miguel Angel Do you a video?

[@nateboozer]

You two make a great team. Plus, I like your wife’s humor. 😂 Thanks for the video. Now to order one.

[@DAWGnROADIE]

i used my 1025r with the frontier auger. worker great never a shortage of power ir control drilled 25 holes in two hours, never left the tractor seat just nedd to pull the bit up every foot or so to clear the dirt. Plenty of power at recommended RPM

[@NelsonImprovement]

There is definitely something to be said for matching the implement to the tractor. Within the HP range and OEM recommended are two very different things.

[@SPANKYAMERICAN6545]

I pull mine out every foot or so while the auger is turning to clear the hole and clear the auger of dirt. Even doing this I stuck mine once and bent the arm trying to pull it out. I always take the auger off to mount or dismount it to the three point hitch, it seems to be much easier than trying to wrestle it with the auger on.

[@timkd5vmv583]

Good video. I would suggest that you go back to the grade 5 bolt and keep a few spares on hand. The torque on your pto can damage the drive train if you bind up too hard.

[@AirplaneDoctor_]

The sucking the auger down and getting stuck isn’t just a compact tractor problem, I’ve done it on more than one occasion with my 706,and its roughly 80hp. There are many who criticize the use of 3/4” drive as overkill, but I use my set for lots, from wing bolts and axle nuts on aircraft to rim nuts on tractors, makes life easier. Another good video.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Airplane Doctor thanks Doc! A 706 would likely handle this auger a lot better than Johnny!

[@pcdubya]

That drive over deck must be great if you say you take your mower deck off "several times per week". I have a Kubota BX2350 that's about the same size tractor with a 60" mid mount mower and it's somewhat of a chore to remove. It does raise up higher, I think about 8 inches so I leave it on most of the time. Nice video of the post hole digger. Now you can tell all your friends you have your PHD, lol.

[@mobleyMobley]

Those stupid drive over mow decks have horrible clearance. I leave the deck on my bx2370, has so much clearance with deck on, I never even take it off.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Two ways to look at it. Of course if it only took you 30 seconds to remove the deck, you might be more inclined to do so….to protect a $2500 investment and make your $16,000 investment more useful.

[@mobleyMobley]

@@TractorTimewithTim removing deck from bx is not difficult in any way. I just don't do it because I haven't needed to. I routinely drive over fallen trees without the least bit of issue because the clearance is so high.

[@kennethbailey2616]

I usually only need the post hole auger when building corrals. When I fix fence I use steel posts to replace the old cedar posts as they break. I do use it for corner posts sometimes but I usually just dig em in by hand.

[@kirkbrinkley6990]

Hey Tim, great video. I noticed you talking about the issues with the mower deck being on the tractor at the same time as a 3 point implement. You may want to consider this option. My 1023e came with a different setup. I actually didn't know it when I bought the tractor and neither did the salesman, but mine has an extra hydraulic line plumbed under the tractor that has to be inserted into the black color-coded quick coupler to raise and lower the deck. This means that my deck goes up and down by using the loader joystick and not the 3 point lift lever. The reason I said the salesman didn't know was when he was demonstrating installation of the mower he couldn't figure out how to make the autoconnect pto move. He had to ask someone else who showed him the other hose. The benefit of this approach means I can mow with my 3 point arms and quick hitch on and in the fully raised position. This has proven to be a big advantage for me because I mow a steep highway ditch on my property by backing up the ditch bank. This wouldn't be possible with the link arms down so low because they would dig into the ground. The downside means that I have one extra step when installing the mower because I have to hook up that hose. I have never seen this set up before. Every video I have seen shows either the deck height is adjusted by the 3 point lift or a separate electric switch. Have you ever heard of one like mine?

[@mattwright5325]

Kirk Brinkley my 1026r has the very same option when I bought the tractor few years ago as a youth model I got home with it and couldn’t get the mower deck to go up or down and it was already too late to call the dealer because they were already closed I had to do research to find out about this option some days are like it some days I don’t because it runs off of the loader controls But it does make moving the mower deck Up and down much easier

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Kirk Brinkley Kirk, please visit my website tractortimewithtim.com for a complete description of the 3 lift types including part numbers and relative costs. I still think the 'mechanical lift' which I have is the best answer for me. Thanks.

[@kylemitchell3109]

I had the option for that on my 1023e. They called it hydraulic or manual lift. With the manual lift it used the 3 point lift and with the hydraulic it uses the loader lever with the additional hose. More to hook up and unhook when removing the deck and it costs more so most all of the ones I've seen have the manual option.

[@huwbishop6995]

Another option would be to use a smaller auger to drill a pilot hole, it is more work to swap it over but probably quicker than getting it really stuck. If the auger is struggling with you there with all that nice depth of light soil, I don't think I will try one here in Wales. All we have is rocks, roots and rain.

[@hsmith3844]

You have me reconsidering purchasing a hole digger to plant trees. Even with my 3039r. Nice video, good information to ruminate on.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+H Smith ah, will work fine on a 3039r. Just not enough tractor with the 1025r. Enough to get it done, but not smoothly. The 3039r's lift capacity will really help you! ...and PHD is inexpensive.

[@RenniaTrayvold]

Have a 3046R and have that very same PHD (was part of what made me go O.o and watch the vid) I can confirm that both with the better hydraulics and the HP of the engine, so long as you're not doing something you shouldn't, you'll have absolutely no problem with it. The added weight and incremental 3-point drop also helps counter its tendency to pull.

[@Drew6709]

Watch Everything Attachments video on post hole digger. It's about 5 years ago .

[@semco72057]

I was surprised that the post hole digger would work on that small tractor, but it is nice that it did. I have a 3032E tractor and that would work fine on my tractor, and would be great on my model 790 also.

[@rayeddy528]

Tim , Posthole diggers are very rough on your tractor. The internal gears and/or clutches ! The grade 5 bolt is to protect your tractor as well as the digger ! Also I keep a pipe wrench around to reverse the p h digger if it wraps around something. You will get the hang of it brother. Just takes patience and more patience !! Be safe and God bless you and your family !!!! Eddy

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Ray Eddy thanks Eddy!

[@2naturesownplace]

as well as Don't rush.. take your time.. that fast up and drop back down as fast as possible...bad very bad

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Richard Elbe very bad, very bad! :-)

[@truckinchihuahuaalvieschre2494]

Tim when using a post hole digger I would suggest using you're adjustment down between your legs right below your seat to slow the drop. Slamming that auger down couldn't make it grab and before you have a chance it will bury it. We used to have an old 40 John Deere 2 cylinder that we used to dig post holes with and we used to have a lot of issues when slamming it down and that auger grabbing. And we was using a bigger auger than you had and that old two cylinder gas engine was only rated at 17 horse. And we killed it a few times and had to back it out with a pipe wrench. We shared the bolt a few times. So Johnny is able to share that Bolt and cause damage to that gearbox if you don't have the right bolt in there. I would just keep a few grade 5 bolts with you or you will water out that hole or strip out that gearbox pretty quick. Now I have not tried a post hole digger on my 1025r yet. I was not sure if it would raise it high enough but after watching this video and seeing how Johnny handles it. It may do alright on that part.

[@darthvader4hire]

Anyone used the Deere Digger? i heard that it has special geometry 3pt adapter to alleviate some of the lift issues. of course $$$...also Tim, invest in a "hi lift" jack. hi-lift.com/hi-lift-jacks/ in your line of work/hobby i think you will find a multitude of uses for one including a stuck post hole digger getter outer. trust me on that one they are very handy to have. and not at all limited to jacking cars...

[@patroberson2592]

Great video even though you seemed a little frustrated! Keep working with it.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Pat Roberson need more power!!!!

[@lodprice2343]

Y’all got the job done and you learned some things along the way. Everything Attachments makes a subcompact specific posthole digger. I don’t know how the specs or the price compares to the one sold by Tractor Supply. Great video.

[@WanderingSeneca]

Get a "slip clutch" on your PTO drive before you bust your gearbox!

[@bigjim5723]

SO...............u conquered that quite well. ha! i knew right away what brand it was gonna be-when u spoke of the price. lol wink-wink!! still a great video too show just what a post hole digger will do on a small frame tractor. i seen ur videos are getting mixed in with thousands of others now. i was u-tube surfing the other night i couldn't sleep-and bang-up comes a video of urs. i had to laugh-ur getting around in the world my friend.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+BigJim57 ha!

[@williamhaynes7089]

I use one of these on my Tym-254 (25 HP) , have done dozens of holes and have been happy with this post hole digger

[@treemonkey_ma1718]

Hey Tim, Love the videos... I grew up on a farm with a JD850 and placed thousands of posts in very rocky conditions. We always had a 6' long bar to either break or loosen up rocks and roots plus we kept a large pipe wrench with us to back it out when it did get stuck. Try not to go past the point that you cant get the pipe wrench on, just in case. Plus you may want to keep a spare set of cutting teeth for the auger when you go on a job, you never know when they will break or get worn out after hitting all that concrete. Thanks for sharing a lot of your experiences. FYI, after watching most of your videos, I went out and bought my own 1025R from the local dealer. After a few months, I already have over 60 hours on her and loved every minute. Keep the videos coming

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I love the story. I just hope Deere Corporate reads this comment!!!!

[@kennethbailey2616]

We have an old John Deere 1010 that we use for the post hole auger and to run the grain auger during wheat harvest.

[@Mr385506]

An augers is an attachment that creates a lot of suction... The key is to start at minimal rpm and slowly let it down. You may want to try digging half way then disengage pull up and engage to clean auger. Then go back in for the other half. The longer you allow the auger to turn at the bottom the more it will break up the dirt. Even on a 40hp tractor an auger can stall the tractor or get stuck. I found if you get stuck pull up on the depth lever a little bit then slowly rock the tractor forward and back. This will release the suction. You may have to speed up the rpm to get it to release.

[@HysTaRiCFiSHy]

You can take the deck off with a 3 point implement, there is a knob under the seat to close off a valve in the 3 point that locks the height in so you can lower the mower while keeping the implement off the ground.

[@joeymomma518]

Tim, I know you said you were disappointed in the way Johnny handled the job with the post hole digger but I have to admit, seeing it in use was much MORE than I ever expected. Johnny got the job done and even with the trial and errors, I think it went amazingly smooth. Watching this video of yours definitely made me a believer that the 1025R could handle doing this job, and doing it well !!! I would have no problem justifying this additional piece of equipment if the need arises based on your video. Well done indeed. =)

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks. Yes, I agree with your comments. As usual, Johnny beats a shovel! I am amazed at what can be done with this tractor.

[@waynebrogdon9628]

Where is Katriel when you need a genius???

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Wayne Brogdon exactly! Not sure how we got it together without her!!

[@waynebrogdon9628]

Tractor Time with Tim She got hers somewhere

[@ddsgala4405]

I think she was out getting smarter. Lol. School.

[@HarryHound1]

I am thinking of buying a post hole borer as I think with the concrete yours did a pretty good job Michael

[@edwardwhite221]

1025 the most overrated pos for 12k on the market.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Plenty of room for opinion...but I can assure you that your opinion is not a ‘majority’ opinion.

[@otpjam]

Is there anywhere in this video that actually says the model of digger? All the comments just say tractor supply..but what MODEL #?? They sell way more than 1...even a product number or part number..??

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Really? I thought there was only one at TS.

[@loulehnhoff2637]

Like anything else Tim the more you use it the more feel you get for the tool and it's abilities. Thanks for the demo.

[@simonm9097]

If that was my machine I would of refused to push my brand new auger through old concrete

[@loslosbaby]

Everyone always has a good reason to not follow the manual. They rarely ask "why?"

[@NChambernator]

If anyone is watching this, DO NOT REPLACE YOUR SHEAR BOLTS WITH STRONGER ONES. They are supposed to break for a reason.

[@oby-1607]

Using water when augering holes helps. Go down at least a foot, then start adding water. This way when you reach your bottom you want, you can stop the auger, pull it up, once up then turn on the auger and the mud will fling off leaving a clean hole. The auger alone won't clean out the hole.

[@johngritman4840]

Good idea. My manual way never gave me a nice clean hole.

[@TomTalley]

Thanks for your evaluation of the post hole digger. I have one and use it on my 1026R. I also had one that I used with a previous 6300...Even with the 6300, the digger could get stuck in the ground and the hydraulics alone were not capable of lifting it. I found that placing the raise lower handle in the raise position, with the PTO off, and rocking the tractor forward and back a little to break the auger loose worked every time. You may even have to steer right and left a little while rocking,... eventually, the auger will free itself and the hydraulics will pull it up...I have never had to "unscrew" one, but I'm sure that could happen someday... Please leave the grade 5 bolt in...it protects the tractor as much as the gearbox... Great work...Love the show. Could you please mention the place where you got your step for the tractor and where you got the ratchet tie downs...? Thanks

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Tom Talley thanks for the comment. Visit my website for lots more info (like discussion and. Links for the straps). Backhoe steps came from boltonhooks.com

[@TomTalley]

Tractor Time with Tim got it...thanks.

[@valqueenofValhalla]

As you know tim I don’t use my1023 e as a mower only use it as loader and back hoe for what I am doing it’s fine sure I would have loved to have a bigger rig but the only thing I have ever driven was a skidder from the 70s it’s a bit different compared to a jd ps I love my Johnny and yes it is your fault I got it. Merry Christmas Eve

[@brandtjustsayin]

Love seeing the capabilities and limitations of these little machines. I really need to get something like this for my 10 acre ranchette here in TX and it's good to see what I can (and cannot) do with it before making the purchase. Thanks for your videos and honest evaluations of implements, attachments, and tools.

[@oldNavyJZ]

Did you ever get an auger? I've been eyeing the same one Tim is using at Tractor Supply, and hesitating because of the hp concerns. I'm really curious if it will get through our tough caliche.

[@brandtjustsayin]

@@oldNavyJZ unfortunately no I haven't got the auger yet. I'm a little skeptical that it would work with my little 1025r and all the rock around my place. I've bent enough t-posts breaking through the rock trying to set them in place that I'm a little worried I might have to buy stock in sheer bolt manufacturing if I buy an auger. Lol. One day it will be a higher priority and I'll be motivated enough to roll the dice and give it a go anyway. I do have a wood privacy fence that's getting REALLY close to needing replacement. I may not have any other choice if I want to preserve what's left of my back.

[@joeyoliver579]

Hmmm....pleasing the customer or protecting your equipment. Be honest with them, they'll understand, and appreciate your honesty, and you'll have properly functioning equipment. Be smart.

[@jamesshepherd6260]

I am in Georgia and our clay is very hard and I have had mine get stuck more often then not. I have a MF gc 1710 and I am on the second hole so that the auger is just high enough off the ground and can't use the 3rd hole like you are using or else the auger would drag the ground at an angle. I finally got fed up and what I did was take 2 4x4s with holes drilled in it and using the hole in the bar below where the instruction tube would go and put a bar in there and then through the 4x4s at different heights so that it has a stop and does not suck it down in to deep. By having holes drilled into the 4x4s at different heights, I just keep dropping it down one hole at a time. This way it never gets to far in without me being able to pull it out. sure I have to stop 3 or 4 times to move the 4x4s for each hole, but it sure beats getting it stuck and manually have to back it out.

[@ValRose133]

What size cylinders are on the 3 point hitch? I have the country line but with stock cylinders cannot lift high enough to mount the auger. Appreciate model#.

[@jeffepperson2469]

I have the same set up I use it for small job and just go slow I’m very happy with the way it works but I think if you have a business of doing this a lot, you need something more powerful. But i enjoyed the video

[@loreleihebdon6595]

Lookin for a smaller tracker. I think you got me sold on this one. John deer should be payin you a commission! 👍🏻

[@andymelick330]

Tim or anyone, do you know if there is a sensor under the seat for the 2025r that would stop the pto after 10 or 20 seconds? I took the seat off to fix a stuck valve for the 3 pt hitch where it stopped going down. Now the pto won't work after 20 seconds. 3 days into tractor ownership not going good. Need to hook up auger to put in 4 acres of fence posts.

[@Will-tm5bj]

Sometimes the customer isn't always right..

[@frankdavidson9675]

i have a 6 inch auger x24 long attached to a 5/8 rod with a bolt and cotterpin wich gives me about 30 inchs if needed i conn this to my heavy duty harbor freght drill and 100 ft drop cord i use this to seh 4x4 posts about 24inches deep for my grape vines i can connect to a small generator halled around in asmall trailor this gives me posts 6 ft high so i can have a wire at 6 ft and 4 ft works great its easy to use im 86yrs and i can still use it.

[@frankdavidson9675]

one thing i for got in my first comment was i can reverse the drill and it helps clean out the hole some time i need to use post hole digger to get the bottom dirt out

[@_P0tat07_]

Does Casey have high flow hydraulics? I would think it might be easier to use a PH digger on a mini excavator

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+P0tat07 hopefully we will find out :-)

[@kennethbailey2616]

I think you should chain the pto shaft guard so it doesn’t spin. JMHO

[@richardfittzwelllll231]

Do you have the part numbers for the post hole digger and auger?

[@steviemanuel9430]

It is necessary to buy a 36 inch bit for compact tractors 1025r and 1023E?

[@MrSTOUT73]

There's a REASON they say to use grade 5 and not 8.

[@jeremytompson4044]

Hey - not sure if you respond to comments but I've got a PHD100 from TSC that I got stuck in the ground and a similar situation -- every time I engage the PTO to try and get it out of the hole it buries itself deeper in the hole even with the hydraulics fully upward it's still pulling itself down to the point now where the gearbox is almost even with the grass -- trying to dig it out now by hand because we don't know what else we can do. It's hard clay soil. I don't want to bend or break anything so not sure how much torque I can put on it using a pipe or anything like you did in the video? Should I be trying to spin this thing at low RPMs or higher like 2500?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Welcome to the club! You won't bend or break anything. Worst case, use a large pipe wrench to spin it in reverse. Very frustrating to use one of these when the aggressive digging pulls it down no matter what! Many other viewers say 'just put it down a tiny amount and pull it back out'. However, that doesn't work in some soil types (like mine)!! Hope you get get it out!

[@jeremytompson4044]

@@TractorTimewithTim Thanks -- I'll try to post a picture in the morning when it's light out. We gave up for the night. It's buried all the way past the bolts on the auger and caked up just below the gearbox. It's pretty bad.....keep trying in the morning. Thanks.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Go buy a big long handled pipe wrench tomorrow. Then screw it backwards. You can either unhook the pto shaft from the tractor, or if your tractor has a mid pto, switch to the ‘mid’ setting, which allows the rear pto to turn freely. Use the long pipe wrench to rotate the auger backwards. This will unscrew it from the hole.

[@jeremytompson4044]

@@TractorTimewithTim Thanks for the advice. Had to basically take the auger apart and remove the gear box then was able to get it dug out and loosened enough that I was able to put a longer screw through the bolt holes that attach auger to the gearbox and with some chains pulled it out using my front bucket. Hopefully, we don't bury this damn thing again. Got plenty more holes to dig. Thanks for the advice and will start following and learning from the channel! Cheers!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

@@jeremytompson4044 Glad you got it out! A friend mentioned that the tip of this digger is different than most. He suggested that I get a different style (replacement) tip which is not quite as aggressive. This might allow one to keep it from digging in so aggressively. Meanwhile, as the hundreds of well intentioned but frustrating comments mention here, try to go down just a smidge, then back out. I KNOW that is difficult or impossible at times, but that is about all one can do. Welcome to our channel! We try to be upbeat and entertaining to watch. Hopefully you will enjoy!

[@pev17]

Hey Tim, Just wondering why you do not have a iMatch™ Quick Hitch?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+pev17 I have a quick hitch. It cannot be used with a post hole digger. Look closely at the assembly portion of the video, you will see how the top link is removed.

[@trevorseelen5972]

I thing Johnny would have did just fine if you were in softer ground like where it's grassy and stuff but where you were wasn't a good spot cause their were roots and concrete

[@fightingbear8537]

There is a tip that breaks rock. It’s made for rocky soil, not to bore through bed rock. Look it up.

[@mi2tn]

I like it. I used one I rented when I still had my 2210. 12" auger going down 24", it did good. It takes a little to learn it but it's not bad.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+mi2tn this didn't seem so easy.

[@zach_hewitt]

Good video guys! I've buried my auger with the 4520 before, so don't feel bad. Adjust your 3pt drop so it won't go down fast and that helps. I also have to sit in the cab to run the auger, that way I can move forward/backward to keep the bit straight up and down for good holes. Helps to have someone outside giving you thumbs up when you're plumb. I also keep several extra shear bolts in the manual canister, along with the wrenches to tighten them.

[@jalenwalshak3598]

What state are y’all in. I love John Deere!!! Farm boy at heart

[@laprepper]

Imagine if you had sheared the bolt WHILE the auger was at maximum depth! Do you think you could have replaced the shear bolt easily if the gearbox was directly on the dirt?

[@JohnnyTHolland]

Dear Mr Tim - from this side of the pond I must admit that I do like the very practical and 'can do' videos that you and other American chaps do - very useful (+ the helpful comments below) and considering the limited power of your machine pretty darned impressive I think. I have a little John Deere 755 and it is a great little beast ! No wonder the USA helped us win the War with Sherman tanks etc. Germany spends too long trying to get it right, Italy spends too long designing it, but the USA just gets on with it. Tee hee. Can you help us get Brexit done and dusted please ?!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Love the comment! Yea, you guys have been debating Brexit for years now. I guess the debate will continue until folks forget that there was a vote to exit!!!!

[@bobblack3870]

You have the technique down! I have a 23hp, but it is not a lawn-mower style; it is a small tractor. If you were to see me, my process would look identical. Tip 1: I use my wife to eyeball the auger to ensure it stays vertical. Because of the mechanics, she has me move the tractor forward at least a couple of times on each hole to keep the auger straighten up. Tip 2: if the ground has vegetation like grass or weeds, try to dig or strip them off, for they will get wound up on the tip and kill it's ability to drill. Tip 3: I saw this at the very end of the video, but I keep a manual post hole shovel available at the drill site. I use it to remove the loose stuff at the bottom of the hole before "using" the hole.

[@wsmcmc3864]

I was impressed by your progress. I haven't bought one of these diggers because I didn't expect our tractors were physically big enough. I had even imagined using a pulliy on the ROPS so that I could use the curl of the front loader to assist the rock shaft in lifting the auger out of the ground. But I couldn't imagine what significant weight I might have in the loader bucket that I could secure while also curling the loader down and forward.

[@googlreviews7813]

I am considering getting one for my MF GC1725M. My question is this... can this system be hooked up to QUICKATTACH ? After watching the video completely and seeing how it is mounted on the back, I am assuming no QUICKATTACH ability. Also... I remove my mowing deck after each cut. I use front bucket and forks all the time, I don't want to be driving around with that deck bouncing around everywhere, especially since removal and attaching takes couple of minutes. Cheers 🍻

[@TractorTimewithTim]

no go on the quick hitch.

[@keithmiller9494]

Hey Tim, thanks for this video. My wife is wanting to fence about 2 acres of our yard with a chain link fence and I can save a lot of money if I do it myself. Was hoping my 1025R could handle the job. Looks like if I take my time it should be just fine.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Keith Miller yea, just don't expect perfection, and get a long pry bar!

[@jfortune06]

For chain link you could probably use a 6" auger and it would go way easier. That extra 3" of width makes a big difference in how easy it is to pull the auger bit back out. Just make sure you get a post hole digger for a sub-compact. The "compact" size is probably too big. You don't want the digger itself to weigh 1/2 of your total lift capacity. Also, if your soil is hard clay like where I live, little tip... Start each hole just a few inches, either with the tractor or using good-ole manual diggers and then fill it with water and let is sit for a few hours. It will soften up the ground and make your life alot easier.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Jeremy Fortune these were 4x4 posts

[@jfortune06]

Tractor Time with Tim I was responding to the guy who wants to build a chain link. Those are like 2” poles so a 6” hole should do the trick.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Jeremy Fortune oh, sorry for the confusion!

[@cjones1262]

Lessons were somewhat learned here. County line is not exactly high quality. A 1025 is a glorified garden tractor at best. Not enough power for most things but better than nothing. Also need to control the pitch of the auger. If you are using your tractor to make money buy a better and bigger tractor. A 1025 claims 17 hp at pto but is actually around 15. Honestly kubota makes a better small tractor. But generally around a 30 horse tractor is much better.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Watch our dyno videos.

[@markgolding34]

What model TSC Hole digger is that one your using? I have a JD 1023E and was looking at an 18 Horse Hole digger they offer only because I need to drill 12 " Holes 48" deep and the front line here in this area is 40". Not sure if I can get as deep as I would like but need to have the capability of doing it. They told me at TSC that this will work, but I'm not really convinced in the rocky soil I have and the 21 HP the 1023E has this is the right one to get, JD recommends a 36" auger but I need the 48 " depth. have you tried to find extensions for the augers?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Gonna be hard to lift high enough for a 48” auger on 1023

[@Bucyruserie28W]

Tim next time move the cutting/ Dirt away from hole before pulling out so hole will not fill 1/4 back up but good first job

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Bucyruserie28W thanks!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Tim, from what I have seen it looked like it worked quite well! I would stay clear of Maple roots a few feet from the trunk but overall I think it did the job nicely! Thanks!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+ScoutCrafter thanks Scout!

[@kyootfox]

Not that I like to do this with my tractor, but I have used a hydraulic truck jack to rescue the bit when I hit the clay of Ohio soil.

[@rykery1034]

I’m looking for some farm work in Iowa and am not sure where to start, do you have any suggestions on how to start looking also... I’m 14 years old

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+claw buster maybe someone else can help with your question.

[@961blackwolf]

I bought one of the little Mahendra eMax 25 Subcompact tractor Only reason I bought it was because it was really cheap and only had 40 hours you know I thought these little tractors were a joke And only reason I bought it because I could get into my horse barn where my big tractor can’t That little tractor Has absolutely changed my Opinion About these little machines I have moved full-sized Hay rolls with it It’s absolutely mind blowing what these tractors are capable of

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes, we've been trying to show that for 3 years now on this channel. Of course there are limitations, however, you can accomplish LOTS of work with these little guys!

[@RealBigChin]

Tim, what made you decide on this post hole digger? I have been looking at buying this one from EA. It's the only one I've found that is specifically made for subcompact tractors like ours. www.everythingattachments.com/Land-Shark-Compact-Tractor-Post-Hole-Digger-p/ls-phd-100.htm

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Aaron Waddell I think I explained in the video. price! How can one be better than another??? Of course, if one had a reverser...

[@daveknowshow]

PHD are scary and likely one of the most dangerous implements you can use on a tractor. low to mid rpm is where I run mine. lift it out a lot and often to insure it don't get stuck. get the right shear bolt back in there. its to protect your tractor's transmission NOT the phd. use a pipe wrench to unscrew a stuck PHD.

[@neolightproductions]

How much do you make doing little side projects like this? You’re really making me want one of these. I drive propane truck all winter and then it get slow in summer. Thought about hiring out my tractor when I get one for summer side cash. Destroy people’s yards like this and get paid to do it. Lol.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I have a. Website article on this topic...using your tractor for business.

[@fivehigh4718]

nice video, yeah the shear bolt should break before serious damage even at grade 8

[@alphonsotate2982]

Will not go thru concrete hard on your equipment take short drills small tractor.

[@birddog79]

Just curious but what diameter is that auger and the length?

[@toddkratzer7953]

You need to slow down your hydraulics, in and out of the hole too fast.

[@markrobey3066]

Tim nice video's. What model digger is that. I've been thinking about getting one for my 1025r

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Tractor supply.

[@michealsousa559california5]

Tim, Looks like a Tractor Supply post hole digger. You will get your money's worth out of it.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Micheal Sousa seems solid!

[@KUBBI7488]

This post hole digger is definitely too big for this tractor

[@jf3928]

I chuckle at the idea of taking the deck off and on. I don’t have a concrete floor, but I have a kubota! I’d love the Deere drive over system. Needless to say, mine stays on for most everything. Good video. I’d pay no mind to people who say PHD are hard on the tractor. It’s a tractor, it’s supposed to lead a hard life. Use it and enjoy it.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks for your comment, John. Non-Deere salesmen are quick to bad-mouth the auto-connect deck. ...but it works like a champ for me. Once in awhile it takes a couple of tries to get it attached, but wow! This is a VERY handy feature.

[@brendenhanlin2295]

Your supposed to have your rpms all the way to max

[@Moffy1961]

Thanks Tim for this video! Interesting that you comment that the 1025r may not have quite the power for this attachment. I was considering getting one for mine, so this is good information. Having said that, even if you have to go slower, and up and down more, my back says the old two man auger is not an option! Plus getting one of my kids to be the 'other man' is highly dependent on them putting their phone down. lol

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Scott Moffatt maybe I was too negative. It did the job. I would not even try. Two-man one. They look crazy to me!

[@Alanschmalzried]

I’ve got the same phd and tractor. I bought it in June to dig the post holes for my new pole barn. It seems to yield the best results running the tractor at idle.....so the digger doesn’t get into trouble as fast. It did a good job on 22 post holes for the pole barn. I’ve since used it to plant some bushes and install a new post for the mail box. Light years ahead of a manual phd!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Alan Schmalzried I wanted to run at idle, but it sucked itself down so fast that the tractor couldn't pull it...even when I barely moved the 3ph lever.

[@Alanschmalzried]

Tractor Time with Tim You’re right. Even with careful operation....that phd can really get away from you. I’ve had to dig the auger out several times. Roots are the enemy! Lol

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Alan Schmalzried you got it!

[@clgberg]

You’re missing one thing in this project Tim - rocks! Ya can’t dig down more than 2 inches here in central PA without hitting them. Makes any type of post hole digging tool a frustrating experience, human powered or machine driven!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Craig Gruneberg yea, that would be much more frustrating. We really have ideal soil here.

[@jlancaster7482]

Looked like it did a pretty good job honestly

[@joshgarcia7148]

Too bad the FEL units are so expensive.

[@tonym492]

Lol you remind me of the dude from King of the hill

[@johanbos160]

Nice video tim and nice tool,and heavy use for the first time💪💪

[@JesseKlaus]

With shop like yours why leave the deck on? Once I have a shop I'm just going to hang it from the wall and use the FEL to bring it down when needed.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Jesse Klaus uh, every week?

[@randomchopsuey]

i love your videos.... but shear bolts are there to save your implements and your tractor.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+jesse mcghee so, what would you have done?

[@randomchopsuey]

for me i always keep a bag of shear bolts in the tractor. i have broke two input shafts just i didnt use shear bolts. maybe you have better luck then me lol

[@jfortune06]

Yep. I also keep a stash of sheer bolts that fit my auger and bush hog in the tool box attached to the tractor, along with a couple of 3/4" wrenches for replacing them. If my finance committee wasn't so cheap, I'd just put a slip clutch on both implements :)

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+jesse mcghee won't break a shaft with 24 hp.

[@MLJenkins]

Tractor Time with Tim probably not good on the engine to kill it like that. You could potentially break the pto on the tractor. Put the document holder on the auger and put extra bolts nuts and a couple wrenches in there to replace the shear bolt when you snap it.

[@sdavis9308]

How do you keep the pto going with out being on the seat.