Saw a big difference in post hole depth after 2 years of using a skid steer auger

I used to hand dig all my post holes with a clam shell digger, took forever but the holes were perfect every time. Switched to a skid steer auger on a job in Des Moines and the holes are way faster but I've noticed they're not as consistent depth wise after 2 years of use. Anybody else run into this shift in quality and figure out a fix?

3 comments

3 Comments

fionat551d ago

Figured out the same thing on a rental machine a few years back... turns out the hydraulic flow was dropping off as the fluid got hot after a couple hours of use. Check your hydraulic fluid temp when you start seeing the inconsistency, cold fluid gives you full power but once it heats up the valves can start bypassing just enough to lose that consistent down pressure. Most guys don't think about thermal breakdown in the system over a long job. Also look at the condition of your auger's pilot valve, those little springs get weak and cause exactly what you're describing.

the_riley1d ago

That whole situation reminds me of how everything works until it doesn't, just like an old truck that runs fine until you hit the highway for an hour and then it starts acting up. It's the same deal with lawnmowers that bog down after cutting for a while, or even phone batteries that drain faster once they warm up. People always blame the main part, but it's usually the small, overlooked details that cause the trouble. Real life is full of stuff that works perfectly until you push it long enough for the hidden flaws to show themselves.

anna7171d ago

That bit about the pilot valve springs getting weak is actually pretty rare to cause depth issues, usually they just make the auger stop responding or drift when you let go of the controls.