24” auger on a l3901

[Rtckubota]

Hey everybody
First time poster here. I’m in the process of building a pole barn and will need to auger around 35 2’x4’ deep holes. I have priced out renting a skid steer with an auger for a weekend and it’s aeound 600$. I have a friend that has a large pto auger capable of running a 24” bit.

Is that too much for my tractor and I should just pony up the money. Or can I take my time this will do fine? I understand I’ll probanly have to go down 12-18 inches, come up, go down again. But just don’t want to over stress anything.

Thanks!

 

[skeets]

Can you do it,, probably... If you friend has a larger tractor wit the 24 inch bit ask him to bring the whole rig over and pay him. While I understand about trying to save a buck where ya can, this might be one of those time spending a bit could save you more in the long run.. just MHO you understand

 

[D2Cat]

If you're going 4' deep and 2' diameter thirty five times, I'd go rent a machine and get it over with...unless you have a friend who is capable with the bigger equipment.

Sounds like you're building a hanger for your airplane!

 

[prof.fate]

39hp..should be good..depending on soil conditions.

As for rental costs...i'm looking at putting in about a mile high-tensile fence come spring...the fastest / easiest way is to hole/plant the corner posts and drive in the line fences.

Post drivers are pricey, and my neighbor has one..on a 70hp tractor, says my L175 won't run it. Drats. So either I talk him into letting me borrow or rent his tractor or I'll have to rent a driver.

Or spend a LOT of time digging holes...

SO..if you have a deadline, you spend the money and get it done. If it takes you 2 days longer to drill but 4 days to earn the $600..it pays to spend the time.

Another thing is your available time...I should have a couple of weeks off next june to do this work. So I could spend 12 hours a day pounding in posts and keep the rental cost to one day, maybe 2. Long tiring days...but the alternative would be drilling 200 ish holes and tamping in the dirt..that's a lot of long tiring days too!