45 HP Model 650 Medium Duty Post Hole Digger for Cat 1 and Cat 2 Tractors

The 45 HP Model 650 Medium Duty Post Hole Digger is for most category 1 and category 2 tractors, allowing for fast post hole digging with convenient, safe operation from the tractor seat. 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 3-point digger will help make quick work of your next job.

Key Features:

• Ideal post hole digger for category 1 and 2 tractors
• Delivers fast post hole digging with convenient, safe operation from the tractor seat
• Heavy duty gear box and driveline
• Rated for tractors up to 45 HP
• Quick connect to 6 spline PTO
• Standard duty rating
• Top link pin diameter: 1 in.
• Lift arm pin diameter: 7/8 in.
• Includes top link bushing for pin
• 3 position adjustment
• This post hole digger is compatible with 6 in., 9 in., 12 in. augers (sold separately)

45 HP Model 650 Post Hole Digger Specifications

Medium Duty 3-Point Post Hole Digger Applications

A medium-duty 3-point post hole digger is a versatile tractor attachment designed for a variety of digging tasks, typically mounted on a tractor’s 3-point hitch and powered by its PTO (power take-off). These diggers are well-suited for small to moderate-scale projects and can handle a range of soil conditions, making them a popular choice for farmers, landscapers, homesteaders, and property owners. Here are some common applications:

How Does the Tractor 3-Point Post Hole Digger Work?

A tractor 3-point post hole digger is an attachment that connects to a tractor's 3-point hitch system, commonly used for digging holes in the ground for fence posts, planting trees, or other tasks requiring deep, narrow holes. Here's how it works:

1. Attachment to the Tractor: The post hole digger is mounted to the tractor’s 3-point hitch. The two lower arms attach to the digger’s frame, and the top link connects to stabilize it. This setup allows the tractor to lift, lower, and tilt the digger as needed.
2. Power Source: The digger is driven by the tractor’s Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft. The PTO is a rotating shaft at the rear of the tractor that transfers mechanical power from the engine to the attachment. The digger’s gearbox connects to the PTO, converting the rotational energy to drive the auger (the spiral digging bit).
3. Digging Mechanism: The auger is the key component that does the work. It’s a large, helical metal blade that screws into the ground when rotated. The operator lowers the digger using the tractor’s hydraulic lift system until the auger touches the soil. Once the PTO is engaged, the auger spins, cutting into the earth and pulling soil upward along its spiral flights.
4. Operation: The tractor remains stationary while the auger digs. The operator controls the depth by gradually lowering the 3-point hitch. The auger displaces soil, piling it around the hole’s edge. For deeper holes, the operator may lift the digger periodically to clear excess dirt before continuing.
5. Completion: Once the desired depth is reached (typically 3-4 feet for fence posts, depending on the auger size), the PTO is disengaged, stopping the auger. The tractor’s hydraulics lift the digger out of the hole, and the operator moves to the next spot.

3-Point Post Hole Digger Operating Instructions

Operating a 3-point post hole digger attached to a tractor requires careful preparation, attention to safety, and proper technique to ensure efficient and safe digging. Here are general operating instructions for using a 3-point post-hole digger with a tractor:

• Attaching the Post Hole Digger: Position your tractor on level ground and align the 3-point hitch with the digger’s attachment points. Secure the lower lift arms to the digger’s pins, then attach the top link, adjusting its length to ensure the auger hangs vertically. Connect the PTO shaft to the tractor’s 540 RPM output, ensuring the driveline shield is intact and the shear pin is properly installed.
• Positioning the Tractor: Move the tractor slowly to the first marked hole location, keeping the auger raised off the ground using the 3-point hitch controls. Adjust the tractor’s position forward or backward until the auger tip is directly over the mark. Use the leveling crank on the lift link to make the auger perfectly vertical for a straight, clean hole.
• Starting the Digging Process: With the auger tip lowered to just touch the ground, set the tractor’s engine to idle and engage the PTO to start the auger spinning slowly. Gradually increase PTO speed (up to 540 RPM max) as the auger begins to penetrate the soil, watching for dirt to emerge, indicating effective cutting and removal.
• Digging the Hole: Lower the 3-point hitch slowly and steadily to drill deeper, keeping the auger vertical by slightly adjusting the tractor’s position forward as needed during descent. Pause every foot or so to raise the auger and clear loose soil from the hole, preventing clogging and ensuring smooth operation, especially in heavy or clay-rich soil.
• Completing and Clearing the Hole: Once the desired depth is reached, keep the PTO engaged and raise the auger slowly out of the hole, allowing it to spin off excess dirt. Raise and lower it a few times with the auger still in the hole to clear the remaining loose soil, then disengage the PTO and lift the digger fully before moving to the next spot.