[Steel185]

I have a IH 300 it’s my first tractor, it works great. I live in central Texas and we have very rocky soil. I was looking for a post hole digger and every said I need a digger with a down force kit or a $4k Belltec to get down force.

I didn’t realize it’s very rare to have 3 point with downforce since this is my first tractor. Am I right in that I could get a 40Hp regular post hole digger and put a auger on it for rocks and use it with my 300 to generate down force?

When using the disc if I put down too hard in our rocking soil I lose traction. I’ve lifted the rear tires off the ground to get my self unstuck once already so I know it will apply a good amount of down force.

 

[BigDaveinKY]

Hello and welcome to the site.
Before I bought something I didn't need I would have to try one on my tractor. Maybe find an auger to rent or borrow for a day.
I grew up in the land of red clay, sandstone and large chunks of limestone just under the ground. The hills of KY.
I used an auger on an 8N Ford, and 520 Deere. Don't remember never getting a hole dug.
The only real problem I ever remember is when my brother was about 10 years old and he let the lift all the way down at once.
The auger quickly drilled itself into the ground like a corkscrew until it wedged the power head against the ground and choked out the tractor.
Then we had to dig it out.

 

[Jim in NC]

My experience with a post hole digger is that the anger will pull itself into the ground if the soil is not too rocky to penetrate the soil. I have never used down pressure. I was taught to let the auger dig a bit, then raise it to clean out the hole. You might need to repeat a few times to get deep enough. We have a mix of clay and some loamy, sandy soils. The worse time I had was getting hung on roots. I have rocked the tractor frontwards and backwards a little while the anger rotates and with the lift raised to free an auger. Welcome to ATF!

 

[Steel185]

Thanks for the welcome.

I was concerned with the rocky soil and I thought that would cause the auger to just stop pulling itself into the ground. I can use a 2” auger I turn by hand, I can only get about 10” down and hit a rock or the rock.

Anyone else have really rock soil?

 

[galileofigaro99]

It's an old thread but I just wanted to add that it's true that it can be difficult to find a post hole digger with down force, but you could potentially use a regular post hole digger with an auger for rocks and attach it to your 300 to generate down force. Just be careful not to put down too hard in your rocky soil or you may lose traction. In terms of compliance and safety, you might want to consider api 7k inspection services for your equipment. This service can help ensure that your drilling rig is safe and up to code, which is especially important when working with heavy equipment.

 

[lenabella]

I have a post hole digger for my 300. The down pressure is great when the ground is hard. You have to be careful not to apply pressure all the time or you will bury the auger and it can be a job to get it out. I drill a ways down then raise it part way back up , this allows the auger to disperse dirt (don’t raise it all the way up or the auger may go a little crazy when it clears the hole. ) I have dug quite a few holes this way.