45 HP Model 400 Post Hole Digger for Compact/Sub-Compact/Cat 0 Tractors

The 45 HP Model 400 Post Hole Digger is for most sub-compact, compact, and Category 0 tractors with CAT 1 pins, allowing for fast post hole digging with convenient, safe operation from the tractor seat. The Model 400 can also be used on smaller CAT 1 tractors. The post-hole digger features a heavy-duty gearbox, durable driveline, and rust-resistant powder coat finish. Quick connect to 6 spline PTO to quickly change out implements. Rated for tractors up to 45 HP, this post-hole digger can make quick work of your next job. CAT 0, Compact, and Sub-Compact tractors typically come in 2 different configurations concerning the 3-point.

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Additional information

Some come with CAT 1 pins and others with CAT 0 pins. A CAT 0 3-pt includes a 5/8" top link pin and a 5/8" lift arm pin. A CAT 1 3-point includes a 3/4" top link pin and a 7/8" lift arm pin. Our Model 400 Post Hole Digger works with tractors that have CAT 1 pins. CAT 0 lift arm pin is sold separately.

45 HP Model 400 Post Hole Digger

Key Features:

Ideal post hole digger for sub-compact, compact and Category 0 tractors with CAT 1 pins.
Fast post hole digging with convenient, safe operation from the tractor seat
Rated for tractors up to 45 HP
Quick connect to 6 spline PTO
Standard duty rating
Top link pin hole diameter: 3/4 in. (Works with 5/8 in. pin. Bushing sold separately)
Lift arm pin diameter: 7/8 in CAT 1 *(5/8 in CAT 0 pin sold separately)
4 position adjustment
This post hole digger is compatible with 6 in., 9 in., 12 in. compact auger and standard (sold separately)
Digger includes: Boom with high strength 2-7/8 in. tubing with 4 adjustment hole sets and manual canister; PTO driveline, robust 1 series with safety shields (1 3/8 in. x 6 quick release x 1 1/4 in. round with shear bolt); heavy duty right angle gear box; high strength A-frame - 21 in. lift arm spacing; hardware kit with necessary pins and bolts
Note: Can be purchased with or without augers (all augers are 36 in. length); augers 6-12 in. diameter are standard-duty with replaceable edges

45 HP Model 400 Post Hole Digger Specifications

Auger Diameter	6 in. 9 in. 12 in.
Auger Length	36 in.
Auger Material	Steel
Auger Speed	186 rpm
Boom Diameter	2.9 in.
Boom Pole Shape	L shape
Compatibility	Sub-Compact, Compact & Category 0 tractors
Features	Rust/Corrosion Resistant
Gearbox Ratio	2.92:1
Hitch Type	N/A
Lift Capacity	This boom is not designed to be a lift device. The max boom lift capacity is 500 lb.
Maximum Tractor Horsepower	45 hp
Minimum Tractor Horsepower	0 hp
Number Of Lifting Loops	4
Primary Material	Steel
Product Height	37.6 in.
Product Length	48 in.
Product Weight	137.50 lb.
Product Width	32.8 in.

45 HP Model 400 Post Hole Digger

Tractor 3-Point Post Hole Digger Applications

A tractor 3-point post hole digger is a versatile attachment that leverages a tractor's power take-off (PTO) system to dig holes efficiently. Here are some common applications:

Fencing Installation: A tractor 3-point post hole digger is ideal for installing fence posts on farms, ranches, or large properties. It quickly digs precise, deep holes in various soil types, ensuring sturdy support for wooden or metal posts, which is essential for securing livestock or marking boundaries.
Tree Planting: This tool simplifies planting trees by creating uniform holes for root systems. Whether for orchards, landscaping, or reforestation, it saves time and effort compared to manual digging, allowing for consistent depth and width to promote healthy tree growth in agricultural or residential settings.
Signpost Installation: For rural roads, trails, or private land, a post hole digger efficiently sets up signposts. It handles tough ground conditions, ensuring signs are securely anchored to withstand weather and provide clear, long-lasting guidance or information.
Foundation Supports: In small-scale construction, such as sheds or decks, it’s used to dig holes for foundational posts. The digger ensures proper depth and stability, critical for structural integrity, especially in areas with loose or uneven soil that require deep anchoring.
Vineyard or Orchard Setup: Establishing vineyards or orchards requires precise post placement for trellises or supports. The 3-point digger drills consistent holes to secure stakes or poles, aiding in vine training or fruit tree stability, enhancing crop yield and farm efficiency.

Model 400 Post Hole Digger Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Components and Workspace: Begin by laying out all parts of the Model 400 Post Hole Digger, including the boom, A-frame, gearbox, PTO driveline, hardware kit, and optional auger. Verify that everything is present and undamaged. Choose a flat, stable workspace with ample room to maneuver. Ensure the tractor is off, parked on level ground, and the PTO is disengaged for safety during assembly.

Step 2: Attach the A-Frame to the Tractor’s 3-Point Hitch: Take the high-strength A-frame, designed with 21-inch lift arm spacing, and align it with the tractor’s Category 1 3-point hitch. Secure it using the provided 7/8-inch lift arm pins and lock washers from the hardware kit. Tighten the 7/8-inch hex nuts firmly to ensure a stable connection, preventing wobble during operation.

Step 3: Connect the Boom to the A-Frame: Position the boom, featuring 2-7/8-inch tubing with four adjustment holes, onto the top of the A-frame. Insert the provided pin through the aligned holes and secure it with a lynch pin from the hardware kit. Adjust the hole selection based on your tractor size to ensure the auger clears the ground by no more than 6 inches when raised.

Step 4: Mount the Gearbox to the Boom: Attach the heavy-duty right-angle gearbox to the end of the boom using the boom pin included in the kit. Secure it with cotter pins on both sides to prevent any movement. Ensure the gearbox is level and the output shaft faces downward, ready to accept the auger, maintaining proper alignment for efficient power transfer.

Step 5: Install the PTO Driveline: Connect the PTO driveline, a robust Series 1 with safety shields, to the tractor’s 6-spline PTO shaft. Slide the quick-release yoke onto the PTO, ensuring it locks securely with a click. Attach the other end, with a 1-1/4-inch round shaft and shear bolt, to the gearbox input shaft, confirming a firm connection.

Step 6: Attach the Auger to the Gearbox: Select your auger (6, 9, or 12 inches, sold separately) and align its mounting holes with the gearbox output shaft. Use the provided 1/2-inch hex bolts, lock washers, and hex nuts from the hardware kit. Tighten each bolt securely to ensure the auger remains stable during digging, preventing detachment under load.

Model 400 Post Hole Digger Assembly Instructions

Tractor 3-Point Post Hole Digger Maintenance

Maintaining a tractor 3-point post hole digger is essential to ensure it operates efficiently and lasts for years. Here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping your equipment in top shape:

Inspect the Auger Blades and Teeth: Before and after each use, carefully examine the auger blades and teeth for signs of wear, cracks, or dullness. These components endure significant stress when digging, so ensuring they remain sharp and intact is critical. Replace any damaged or excessively worn parts promptly to maintain efficient digging performance and prevent strain on the tractor’s power take-off (PTO) system.
Lubricate Moving Parts Regularly: Apply grease to all moving parts, such as the gearbox, PTO shaft, and any pivot points, to reduce friction and prevent rust. Check the manufacturer’s manual for specific lubrication points and recommended intervals—typically every 10-20 hours of operation. Proper lubrication extends the lifespan of the equipment and ensures smooth, reliable function during demanding tasks.
Check Gearbox Oil Levels: The gearbox is the heart of the post hole digger, driving the auger’s rotation, so maintaining proper oil levels is essential. Remove the fill plug and inspect the oil level, topping it off with the recommended gear oil if needed. Look for leaks or contamination, and replace the oil annually or after 50 hours of use to avoid internal damage.
Tighten All Bolts and Fasteners: Vibration from operation can loosen bolts and fasteners over time, compromising safety and stability. Use a wrench to check and tighten all connections, including those securing the auger to the gearbox and the digger to the tractor’s 3-point hitch. Perform this check before each use to prevent unexpected failures or accidents in the field.
Clean After Each Use: Remove dirt, mud, and debris from the auger, frame, and PTO shaft after every job to prevent corrosion and buildup that could hinder performance. Use a wire brush or pressure washer, paying special attention to crevices where moisture might collect. Dry the equipment thoroughly to protect the metal surfaces from rust over time.

3-Point Post Hole Digger Applications