Self-Propelled Post Hole Digger

Self-propelled post hole digger FENCING Tools 13-1-11 "It'll dig holes up to 36 in. in dia. and 6 ft. deep in a matter of seconds ù even in rocky or frozen ground," says Gilson Screen Inc. of the company's self-propelled post hole digger called the Hydra-Max. For the past year, Gilson Screen has used the machine to provide a custom post hole digging service to farmers within a 60 to 100 mile radius of the company's headquarters in Malinta, Ohio. The company advertises the service in local newspapers but its best leads come from word of mouth, reports C.F. Cody, president. "We've dug holes for fences, pole sheds, pads for mobile homes, barns, anchor posts for grain legs, and even a 24 in. by 9 ft. deep hole for a hydraulic hoist inside a barn," says Cody. "Farmers and barn contractors say they can hire us a lot cheaper than they could buy their own high capacity post hole diggers." The Hydra-Max operator hauls the rig, which can be towed behind a pickup, to the job site and does the digging for the customer. Cost is $55 per hour, including travel time and cleanup. "By marking hole locations and clearing the area in advance, farmers can reduce digging time and cost," notes Cody. The Hydra-Max can dig holes in 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36-in. dia. at depths up to 6 ft. Its hydraulic system provides 22,500 lbs. of torque to the auger and 2,000 lbs. of down pressure to dig right through rocky or frozen ground. Power is provided by a 23 hp gas engine. Using a "spinner," the operator steers with one hand and runs the variable speed control with the other. Top speed is 6 mph, forward and reverse. Rear-wheel steering gives the rig a short turning radius. To remove old fencing, the Hydra-Max can be equipped with a post puller. Contact FARM SHOW Followup, Gilson Screen, Inc., 207 K-2 Rd. & Gilson Blvd., P.O. Box 99, Malinta, Ohio 43535 (ph 419 256.7711).

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