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Sep 18, 2016  Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 3:12 am Post subject: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole digger Hi chaps. I am after an exploded diagram for the early Fergy post hole digger.

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Wildride47
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 1:04 pm Post subject: 3 point post hole digger
The warm weather we had last week has us thinking of spring. I was at the local TSC store and looked at the 3pt post hole digger they had available. Not wanting to. Jump into anything I checked the ad at Family farm and home. The unit they have is about $100.00 Less than TSC. That unit looked like a medium duty unit. I have a 90 HP tractor and wont have but 20 holes a year so I don't think I need a super heavy unit. Does anyone have any experience with the Tractor supply unit or Land pride PHD's.
Thank you, Greg
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ohiojim
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 1:12 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
the one I have works great, but I only have a 34 HP tractor.
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buickanddeere
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 1:20 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
Wildride47 wrote:
(quoted from post at 17:04:36 02/26/17) The warm weather we had last week has us thinking of spring. I was at the local TSC store and looked at the 3pt post hole digger they had available. Not wanting to. Jump into anything I checked the ad at Family farm and home. The unit they have is about $100.00 Less than TSC. That unit looked like a medium duty unit. I have a 90 HP tractor and wont have but 20 holes a year so I don't think I need a super heavy unit. Does anyone have any experience with the Tractor supply unit or Land pride PHD's.
Thank you, Greg

Light and medium duty augers can have the leading edge cutting tip bent and turned back on the first post hole .
While a three point system is much superior to using a shovel. Once you use a loader bucket mounted , hydraulicly driven and reverseable PHD. You will loath the idea of going back to a 3point PHD.
The auger will make or break your PHD system being it a 3point hitch or a loader mounted hydraulic . I bought one of these and what an improvement .http://www.danuser.com/attachments/auger-systems/parts/9905-auger-hole-digger-head
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Wildride47
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 1:26 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger

Just called to confirm, The unit at FFH is not a King Kutter its a YTL International that is not rated for our 65 PTO HP. Rural King has a product 'Work Saver 720' that is rated for the HP. After looking at the TSC unit I'm thinking that unit may not be rated for the HP also.
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WESnIL
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
Try to find one with a gear box with 4:1 ratio. This is especially true if using a large diameter
auger like 15 inch or larger. Ford had one (model 910 or something like that) and Danuser most
likely would be. Landscapers use them all the time for digging holes for tree planting but those are
mostly 30 inch diameter augers. 3:1 gear box ratio would not work well in that application. Post
hole auger performance and longevity will also be related to purchase price and manufacturer.
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RayP(MI)
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
Over the years, I have seen several different diggers sold under the TSC label. Quality wise they all seem about the same. I have one bought several years ago, probably done 200 holes with a 9' auger. No issues, Always run with tractor running barely above idle and don't force anything. Really liked it when I used it with a Farmall 200 which can apply down pressure. Have also used with Massey 180 without down pressure without issue. Have clay, sand, and plenty of rocks. Someday, I want a 12' auger. Note prices have continued to go up so watch for a good sale.
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Wildride47
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 1:37 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
Wildride47 wrote:
(quoted from post at 17:26:00 02/26/17)
Just called to confirm, The unit at FFH is not a King Kutter its a YTL International that is not rated for our 65 PTO HP. Rural King has a product 'Work Saver 720' that is rated for the HP. After looking at the TSC unit I'm thinking that unit may not be rated for the HP also.

As i thought, its rated for 15-35 hp. Guess that eliminates that product. Gues it makes the Rural King product look better. i wish I had the cash for the loader mounted PHD. That would be great.
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Russ from MN
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 1:49 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
I wouldn't think having too much horsepower would matter if you have the proper shear pin, if so equipped. Another thing to consider is how many rocks you have in your ground!
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Wildride47
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 2:24 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger

We have a mix of clay some clay and a little sand with clay mixed with rocks. The thought of hand digging 20 or more holes 2 feet deep in this soil doesn't make my back feel good just thinking about it.
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Adirondack case guy
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 2:24 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
The frame and gear box are really not the issue on any make of post hole digger. The gear box has a shear pin to protect it and It is unlikely you will bend the frame unless you are an idiot. The most important part of a post hole digger is the auger. It needs heavy flighting reinforced at the bottom, where the replacement teeth bolt to it. Also a lot of cheaper augers don't have a replaceable point, just a piece of flat iron welded in the bottom of the auger tube.
You need to focus on the part of the tool that engages the ground, Much the same as owning a chainsaw with a screwed up chain.
Loren
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tomturkey
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 3:02 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
Hire someone with a hole digger mounted on their skidsteer. Will have the 20 holes done, while you maneuver a tractor around to do 5. If your phd does not reverse you can screw it in and have to use a pipe wrench to get it back out. just cheap advice. gobble
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Tony in SD
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 3:21 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
Couldn't agree more with tom. You would be money and time ahead renting a skid steer with a PHD. Faster, straighter, cleaner. and as tom said reverse if needed.
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Lazy WP
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 3:37 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
I bought one 20 years ago. Set well over 200 rail road ties in frozen ground. Had to use the loader to put down pressure on it a time or 2. Only had to
unscrew it after I moved to Kansas 10 years later. Guess the Sandhills in Nebraska are a lot easier to dig in. I would guess I have put in over 20,000
holes with mine. Bought a new bit after the RR ties though.
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Dave H (MI)
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 5:04 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
With all respect, I bought my Ford PHD about 28 years ago and I use it constantly for posts, planting trees, etc. I have heavy clay and in wet years I bury my auger often. Never used a pipe wrench. Unbolt the auger from the gear box and back the tractor up so the 3 pt arms are over it. Run a heavy chain across both arms and around the auger..up she comes. Don't remember the math exactly, but the lift has something like 2.5-3 times the power at the arms as it does at the end of the PHD.
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David G
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 5:19 pm Post subject: Re: 3 point post hole digger
I dig about foot and half at a time, shut off, pull up, start so it throws dirt off, then repeat.
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trains
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Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 3:12 am Post subject: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole digger
Hi chaps.
I am after an exploded diagram for the early Fergy post hole digger with the wide gearbox, and 2 loose side lifting arms.
There is no Id plate but the 4 holes and mark shows that it did once have one .
Pretty sure its the MF 723.
Thanks
Trains
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Charles in Aus.
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Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 4:52 am Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig

This model ?
If it is I might be able to help.
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trains
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Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 3:41 pm Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig

Hi Charles.
Thanks for replying, yes that's the one.
Can you still get the input and output shaft seals for these.?
Local agco chap said to bring the old ones in, and they will match them up.
Am hesitant to do this in case they cant get them.
Am also on the lookout for a replacement pto shaft.
It was missing the male section with the spring loaded protection clutch. Is it 1' x 15/16' ?
Or if to replace the entire shaft, what is its measurements from closed to fully extended.
Thus, you see why I was looking for some drawings, or a parts manual for these details.
Thanks again.
Trains
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Charles in Aus.
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Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 5:32 pm Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig

I recently rebuilt the gearbox of one of these . They are very simple and will not give you any grief at all .
Yes the seal , both input and output are readily available at bearing shops , they cost about $20 Aus d each straight off the shelf . I was surprised as they are quite large and unusual looking things . The bronze bushes wear and score , you can dress these up a little with emery and fill the box with runny grease instead of oil to keep leakage down to a minimum . The original shaft didn't have a clutch , some owners fitted the one off the potato spinner that used the same gearbox . I have two of these post holers , neither has a clutch .
These photos might help , I can take others if you'd like .
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trains
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Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2016 7:43 pm Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig
Hi Charles,
Thank you for your prompt and helpful reply.
Great pictures, good to hear the seals are not made from 'Unobtanium'.
Do you have the part nos available?
Interesting to hear of the pto shaft not having the clutch, but was often substituted from another piece of equipment.
Want to make sure I preserve this equipment for future generations, and for some trouble free use for myself.
If you have the time, a brief overview of how it came apart, ie which shaft first, followed by any handy hints would be appreciated.
I realise we all live in the real world, and time is often scarce, but any further advice/ help would be appreciated by me, and I am sure by others also reading this.
Thanks again, and hope you have a good weekend.
Trains
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Charles in Aus.
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Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 12:22 am Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig

No worries Trains
I wrote a detailed account of the dismantling on the Grey Fergie Forum here .
http://www.greyfergieforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=69&start=160
The hardest thing is the removal of the crown wheel , patience here is all you need .
The seal numbers aren't really that useful , the old one as long as it is still reasonably intact is all the bearing supplier will need . Just make sure that they understand that it is an Imperial size so they don't try to give you a metric one .
If you have any specific trouble just ask .
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trains
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Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2016 9:16 pm Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig
Charles in Aus. wrote:
(quoted from post at 01:22:22 09/03/16)
No worries Trains
I wrote a detailed account of the dismantling on the Grey Fergie Forum here .
http://www.greyfergieforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=69&start=160
The hardest thing is the removal of the crown wheel , patience here is all you need .
The seal numbers aren't really that useful , the old one as long as it is still reasonably intact is all the bearing supplier will need . Just make sure that they understand that it is an Imperial size so they don't try to give you a metric one .
If you have any specific trouble just ask .

Hi Charles.
Thank you for the pictures, and the link.
Wow, great to see the time and effort you have put into your collection, well done.
Very helpful and I have invested some time going over the forum and absorbing as much info as I can.
Trains
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trains
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2016 9:33 pm Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig
trains wrote:
(quoted from post at 22:16:38 09/04/16)
Charles in Aus. wrote:
(quoted from post at 01:22:22 09/03/16)
No worries Trains
I wrote a detailed account of the dismantling on the Grey Fergie Forum here .
http://www.greyfergieforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=69&start=160
The hardest thing is the removal of the crown wheel , patience here is all you need .
The seal numbers aren't really that useful , the old one as long as it is still reasonably intact is all the bearing supplier will need . Just make sure that they understand that it is an Imperial size so they don't try to give you a metric one .
If you have any specific trouble just ask .

Hi Charles.
Thank you for the pictures, and the link.
Wow, great to see the time and effort you have put into your collection, well done.
Very helpful and I have invested some time going over the forum and absorbing as much info as I can.
Trains

Hi Chaps,
Still looking for the measurement details of the male part of the pto shaft, and of the length of the shaft fully compressed, and fully extended.
If I can find an original pto shaft, that would be great, however to make something up to fit, I need the above measurements so I can order the correct pto shaft.
So if anyone has one currently fitted, can you measure from uni joint to uni joint when its in the fully extended position, that would let me know how much of the shaft is still left in the female part of the pto shaft.
Kind regards
Trains
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Charles in Aus.
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Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2016 2:03 am Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig
Hello Trains ,
I have only just today put the first coat of paint onto the shaft of the post holer I am working on at the moment . Once the paint is hard enough to handle tomorrow I can take further photos and measurements as well , The Universals are Hardy Spicer , the main shaft is a piece of 2' or there abouts steel tube and the sliding part is a section of heavy walled 1' square .
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Charles in Aus.
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Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2016 2:21 am Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig
A co incidence ! the end of one is for sale right now , about six days to go on the auction and small enough to post .
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FERGUSON-PTO-FITTING-/282172953662?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276
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trains
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Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2016 2:00 pm Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig
Charles in Aus. wrote:
(quoted from post at 03:03:58 09/15/16) Hello Trains ,
I have only just today put the first coat of paint onto the shaft of the post holer I am working on at the moment . Once the paint is hard enough to handle tomorrow I can take further photos and measurements as well , The Universals are Hardy Spicer , the main shaft is a piece of 2' or there abouts steel tube and the sliding part is a section of heavy walled 1' square .

Hi Charles,
Sounds great, is that 1' tube sq or 15/16' by 1'.
Thanks for the link, so I put the smaller id sq tube on the end of that and im good to go ?
Trains
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Charles in Aus.
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Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2016 5:52 pm Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig

Photos of the shaft as promised .
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Charles in Aus.
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Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2016 5:55 pm Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig
[quote='Charles in Aus.'](reply to post at 02:52:00 09/16/16) [/quote
Further photos.
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Charles in Aus.
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Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2016 6:12 pm Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig

My hands are about to be operated on , they are giving me grief at the moment, so the focus is unfortunately blurry , it was the best I could do .
Some measurements , Fully closed , including universals the shaft measures four foot ten and one half inches .
Fully open with only about one inch remaining inside the sliding socket the shaft measures six foot three inches .
The bar is as you suggested one inch by fifteen sixteenths of an inch and is seventeen inches long . The universal joint and socket adds a further ten inches to make twenty seven inches overall .
The adaptor piece at the end of the pipe shaft is eight inches long , this receives the solid bar .
The pipe shaft itself is thirty seven and one half inches without the universal joint or the adaptor fitted , it is made from two inch medium walled pipe , much lighter than you would expect .
Hope this helps I am happy to clarify anything if you need it .
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trains
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2016 7:36 pm Post subject: Re: Need exploded diagram or manual for MF 723 post hole dig
Charles in Aus. wrote:
(quoted from post at 19:12:35 09/15/16)
My hands are about to be operated on , they are giving me grief at the moment, so the focus is unfortunately blurry , it was the best I could do .
Some measurements , Fully closed , including universals the shaft measures four foot ten and one half inches .
Fully open with only about one inch remaining inside the sliding socket the shaft measures six foot three inches .
The bar is as you suggested one inch by fifteen sixteenths of an inch and is seventeen inches long . The universal joint and socket adds a further ten inches to make twenty seven inches overall .
The adaptor piece at the end of the pipe shaft is eight inches long , this receives the solid bar .
The pipe shaft itself is thirty seven and one half inches without the universal joint or the adaptor fitted , it is made from two inch medium walled pipe , much lighter than you would expect .
Hope this helps I am happy to clarify anything if you need it .

Hi Charles,
That info is just what I need, many thanks.
Hope that things go as well as they can regarding your hands and pending surgery/ overhaul .
Hope they dont leave plasti gauge in there, hehe.
Trains
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