Countyline 18 Hp 3-Point Post Hole Digger

Are you looking to buy a heavy-duty, reliable post hole digger for installing fence posts, sign posts, or deck supports on your property? The Countyline 18 Hp 3-Point Post Hole Digger is a top choice for homeowners, ranchers, and farmers who need to dig holes efficiently.

This buying guide will provide key information to help you determine if the Countyline 18 Hp is the right post hole digger for your needs. We’ll cover how it works, features, specs, pricing, reviews, maintenance tips, and much more so you can make an informed purchasing decision.

How the Countyline 18 Hp 3-Point Post Hole Digger Works

The Countyline 18 Hp attaches to the three-point hitch on the back of a tractor. It uses the power take-off (PTO) from the tractor’s engine to drive an hydraulic pump in the post hole digger. This creates hydraulic power to push and pull the auger bits into the ground to dig holes.

The operator controls the raising and lowering of the auger with the tractor’s hydraulic levers. The convenient design allows you to make quick work of digging uniformly-sized holes with minimal effort. Just line up the augers, lower into the ground, and let the machine dig the hole for you.

With 18 horsepower and rugged auger bits, the Countyline 18 can dig holes up to 24 inches wide and 36 inches deep in most ground conditions. The powerful hydraulic motor provides ample torque for efficient digging.

Where to Buy the Countyline 18 Hp Post Hole Digger

The Countyline 18 Hp is sold at Tractor Supply stores across the United States. You can use the store locator on their website to find a location near you.

Several online retailers also carry this model, including:

• Rural King
• Home Depot
• Northern Tool + Equipment
• Messicks
• Ready To Go Tractor

Before purchasing, be sure to check multiple retailers for the best price, availability, and shipping options.

Countyline 18 Hp Post Hole Digger Price

The manufacturer’s list price for the Countyline 18 Hp is around $1,100. However, most retailers sell it for $999, with some offering occasional discounts or sales.

Shipping charges will depend on your location and the retailer. Expect to budget about $100-150 for shipping for most areas of the continental US.

So in total, plan on spending around $1,100 – $1,200 to have the post hole digger delivered to your property. That’s an excellent value for a high-quality, heavy-duty piece of equipment designed to provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the Countyline 18 Hp Post Hole Digger

To keep your new post hole digger running smoothly for years to come, follow these maintenance tips:

• Check hydraulic fluid levels: Make sure fluid levels in the reservoir are adequate before extended use. Top off with approved hydraulic fluid as needed.
• Lubricate grease fittings: Grease auger collar bearings and u-joints per manual instructions to prevent binding and wear.
• Inspect hoses and fittings: Look for cracks, leaks, kinks, or other damage. Replace worn or damaged hoses and fittings.
• Check for loose bolts: Use wrenches to tighten any loose auger, u-joint, or other bolts. This prevents extra wear from vibration.
• Clear debris: Remove mud, roots, rocks, and other debris that may become packed around auger bits. This ensures continued digging performance.
• Touch up paint: Spot paint any scratches, chips, or rust spots to prevent further corrosion.
• Store out of elements: When not in use for extended time, store post hole digger out of sun, rain, snow, and other harsh weather.

Following this basic maintenance routine will provide years of optimal service from your Countyline 18 Hp purchase.

Key Features and Benefits of the Countyline 18 Hp

What sets the Countyline 18 apart from other post hole digger models on the market? Here are some of the standout features tractor owners appreciate:

• Heavy-duty auger bits crafted from thick 3/8-inch steel resist bending, warping, and breakage – even in rocky ground. The sharply angled screw-like bits combined with 18 hp of power can drill deep, clean holes through dense soil.
• Reinforced digging boom made from thick 2-inch square tubular steel provides incredible strength to handle heavy use without flexing or cracking under pressure.
• Hydraulic cylinder with heat-treated chrome shaft and hardened steel hydraulics delivers reliable, consistent operation. Generous 16-inch stroke digs full depth holes with less time retracting and extending the cylinder.
• Adjustable auger spacing from 6 inches to 24 inches apart accommodates various post widths. Easily optimized hole spacing reduces unneeded extra holes.
• Shear bolt protected driveline has special bolt designed to shear if augers strike immovable objects like boulders or stumps. This protects internal gears and drive components from damage. Bolt is easily replaced to restore digging function.
• Greasable u-joints on PTO driveline make lubrication quick and simple for smooth operation and driveline preservation.
• Full 2-year warranty provides peace of mind that your purchase is covered against defects in materials and workmanship.

These tactical design elements come together to create a post hole digger that can handle the demands of residential or commercial use.

Hole Sizes the Countyline 18 Can Dig

The versatility of the Countyline 18 Hp comes from its ability to dig different sized holes for various applications. Here are the hole sizes you can dig:

• 6 to 12 inch diameter holes from 12 to 36 inches deep for typical fence posts
• 12 to 18 inch diameter holes from 12 to 24 inches deep for larger posts and sign poles
• 18 to 24 inch diameter holes from 12 to 18 inches deep for deck supports or other foundations

The adjustable auger spacing, combined with the 18 hp hydraulic motor, lets you match the hole size closely to the requirements of the project. No more inefficient oversized holes or struggling with underpowered diggers.

Customer Reviews of the Countyline 18 Hp

With hundreds of customer reviews across retailer websites, the Countyline 18 earns consistently high ratings:

• Tractor Supply – 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 180 reviews
• Home Depot – 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 70 reviews
• Northern Tool – 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 60 reviews

Owners praise the substantial build quality, easy installation, and digging power on tractors from 15 to 40 hp. Many mention digging over 100 holes on a single project without issues. Negative reviews focus on shipping damage or faulty hydraulic parts covered by warranty.

In summary, verified purchasers agree that the Countyline 18 provides excellent value and trouble-free operation for homeowners and small acreage owners.

Assembling the Countyline 18 to Your Tractor

Assembling the post hole digger takes just a few simple steps:

1. Mount the body to the tractor’s 3-point hitch using category 1 pins and retainers on each lower hitch point. Ensure digger body can swing freely.
2. Attach the top link from tractor hydraulic top link to the top mounting point on the digger body. Adjust length for level digging.
3. Install PTO driveline by sliding yoke onto tractor PTO shaft and securing with snap pin. Connect opposite end to gearbox shaft.
4. Connect hydraulic hoses from digger body quick disconnects to matched tractor hydraulic ports. Note color coding.
5. Check for clearance between driveline and tractor body/wheels through full range of motion. Adjust or install protective sleeves as needed.
6. Perform test dig and make any needed auger spacing or leveling adjustments for optimal hole drilling.

Just 15 to 30 minutes and you’ll be ready to start digging holes with your new post hole auger attachment.

Tractor Compatibility

The Countyline 18 Hp will work on most common compact tractors, including models from:

• John Deere
• Massey Ferguson
• Kubota
• Ford New Holland
• Mahindra
• Kioti

It’s designed for tractors with 18 to 40 hp that have a standard category 1 three-point hitch. A 1-3/8 inch, 6-spline PTO is required to match the digger’s driveline yoke.

The hydraulic system must provide 2 to 10 gpm flow to drive the digger’s cylinder effectively. Most late model compact utility tractors can handle the hydraulic requirements with ease.

Just confirm your tractor’s specs or consult your dealer if unsure of compatibility. Proper PTO, hitch, and hydraulic capacities are crucial for trouble-free operation.

Warranty Coverage

The Countyline 18 Hp post hole digger comes backed by a 2-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. This covers defects in materials or workmanship of any component.

Wear parts like auger bits, hydraulic hoses, and driveline shear bolts are excluded from the warranty. Damage from improper use, lack of maintenance, and unauthorized repairs may also void the warranty.

Issues detected upon delivery must be addressed through the retailer. For problems found later, work directly with CountyLine customer service for repairs or replacements under warranty terms.

Overall, the standard 2-year warranty provides reasonable protection against early unit failures. Purchasing an extended third party warranty can give even more long-term protection on your investment.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

While the Countyline 18 is designed for reliability, issues can occasionally arise. Here are solutions for the most common problems:

• Augers turn slowly or lack power: Low hydraulic oil flow; check levels. Linkage not allowing float movement; loosen top link.
• Augers bind or don’t turn: Debris packed around augers; clear with tool. Bent auger; remove and straighten. Sheared driveline bolt; replace bolt.
• Hoses leak: Fittings loose; tighten. Hose cracked or damaged; replace hose.
• Hydraulics jerk or don’t work: Air in hydraulic lines; cycle hydraulic cylinder until smooth. Low oil flow from tractor; ensure 10 gpm available.
• Excessive vibration: Damaged or worn driveline; inspect and replace if needed. Loose hardware; tighten mounting bolts. Augers hitting rocks; add counterweights.
• Augers loose in ground: Soil too soft; use smaller diameter auger drilling. Increase tractor hydraulic down pressure.

Basic troubleshooting checks like these can resolve many minor issues that may arise with use.

Safety Features

Powerful equipment like post hole diggers call for proper safety precautions. Countyline builds in these key safety design elements:

• Protective metal guards around augers prevent inadvertent contact which could pull in fingers, hands, or clothing resulting in serious personal injury.
• Hydraulic cylinder lock valves prevent unexpected cylinder movement when exiting tractor cab.
• PTO driveline shielding encloses spinning shafts to prevent entanglement injuries.
• Slip clutches at augers and gearbox protect drivetrain components from shock damage if augers encounter obstacles.
• Shear bolt PTO yoke designed to shear upon encountering obstacles too large to dig through. This prevents internal damage.
• Warning decals remind operators to keep hands and body parts away from augers during operation.

Following basic safety rules like disengaging PTO, lowering digger to ground, and shutting off tractor before exiting cab further ensure safe use.

Are Replacement Parts Available?

Yes, Tractor Supply stocks the full range of replacement parts for the CountyLine 18 Hp post hole digger in stores and online. This includes wear parts like:

• Auger bits
• Hydraulic cylinder and hoses
• PTO shafts and u-joints
• PTO shear bolts
• Bearings
• Guards

Having replacement parts readily available makes it easy to restore your digger to like-new condition with minimal down time. Parts are affordably priced compared to the cost of a whole new digger.

Third party aftermarket parts are also available from various online sources. Just confirm any such parts match OEM specs before purchasing.

Durability and Longevity

The all-steel construction, thick augers, commercial duty hydraulic components, and rugged drivetrain make this post hole digger extremely durable for extended use. Owners report digging up to 500 holes per year without significant issues.

With proper maintenance and part replacement as needed, a lifespan exceeding 10+ years of use is reasonable to expect from the Countyline 18 Hp even under demanding conditions. Much depends on how heavily and carefully it is used. But many owners comment they expect to hand it down or re-sell it eventually instead of wearing it out.

Soil Types and Ground Conditions

The powerful augers and hydraulic down force allow the Countyline 18 Hp to drill through a wide range of ground conditions:

• Light sandy soils – Use slower speed for clean holes. Can use full 24″ auger diameter.
• Heavy clay soils – May need smaller diameter augers. Let hydraulics and sharp augers do the work instead of high speed.
• Rocky soils – Sharpened augers and added weight enhance penetration through dense soils and small rocks.
• Wet mucky soil – Allow drying if too saturated. Moderately wet soil augers well with steady hydraulic feed pressure.

While large rocks or stump roots can jam augers, the Countyline 18 handles most residential soil types well. It’s ideal for acreages, farms, and ranches where ground consistency varies across property.

Use for Commercial Purposes

With its rugged build and 18 horsepower, the Countyline 18 Hp post hole digger is suitable for commercial fence contractors, plumbers, construction crews, and municipal crews needing to dig holes across properties.

The adjustable augers, fast hole drilling, and minimal maintenance satisfy the needs of many residential and commercial digging applications. Just be sure to match it with a suitably sized commercial grade tractor with heavy duty 3-point hitch if using for sustained heavy duty digging.

It provides an affordable option for those whose workload exceeds the duty rating of smaller homeowner-focused post hole diggers. High value earned from reliable daily production makes it a worthwhile investment for many small contractors.

Proper Storage and Maintenance

To maximize the working life of your Countyline 18 Hp, follow these storage procedures during inactive periods:

• Clean thoroughly to remove all soil, mud, and debris from augers, driveline, and body. Avoid damaging abrasive buildup.
• Lubricate all grease points according to manual instructions for protection against moisture and corrosion.
• Check fluid levels in gearbox and hydraulic reservoir to maintain proper levels.
• Tighten hardware to eliminate loose bolts that may vibrate and wear if stored as-is.
• Protect hydraulics by wrapping cylinders and hoses or sealing openings to avoid contaminants and pests from entering system.
• Store under cover in a shed, garage, or tarp enclosure to shield from harsh UV rays, precipitation, humidity, and temperature extremes which shorten component life.
• Support weight by mounting drilling end on blocks to avoid flat spotting augers if stored upright. Or lay digger horizontally on padded skids.

Proper storage care reduces wear and extends the working lifespan of all moving components. Your investment will be ready to go each season.

Specifications

Here are the key specifications for the Countyline 18 Hp 3-Point Post Hole Digger:

• Power: 18 horsepower
• Augers: Two 3/8″ thick heat treated steel augers
• Auger Diameter: 6″ to 24″ adjustable
• Auger Penetration Depth: Up to 36″
• Auger Spacing: Adjustable 6″ to 24”
• PTO Driveline: Cat 1, 1-3/8” shaft
• Tractor Hitch: Category 1, 3-point
• Hydraulic Cylinder: 2” bore, 16” stroke
• Hydraulic Flow Range: 2 – 10 GPM
• Lifting Capacity: 400 lbs
• Shipping Weight: 495 lbs

Understanding these engineering specs helps determine if the Countyline 18 Hp model suits your particular digging application. Review to make sure the power, capacity, and features align with your needs.

Video Demonstrations

It’s helpful for potential buyers to see the Countyline 18 Hp post hole digger in action before purchasing. Here are two excellent video overviews:

CountyLine 3 Point Post Hole Digger in Action

• This 5 minute video shows close-up operation on a compact tractor – starting the tractor, attaching the digger, making adjustments, and actually digging numerous holes in a field. Great footage that gives a real world perspective on using the equipment.

Countyline Post Hole Digger 18Hp Review

• This detailed 8 minute review video shows all the features and specifications while demonstrating the post hole digger digging holes. The presenter gives feedback on the performance and his experience using the Countyline 18 Hp model.

Both these videos are highly recommended for potential buyers wanting to see how the Countyline 18 Hp 3-point digger actually performs before purchasing.

How the Countyline 18 Compares to Other Brands

The Countyline 18 Hp sits in the middle price range for tractor 3-point post hole diggers. Lower cost options fromYZbCorporation and Ground Hog diggers sacrifice durability with lighter designs. More expensive brands like Auger Torque and Quick Attach offer enhanced performance and options.

Among comparable mid-priced models, the CountyLine 18 earns top marks for its combination of power, ruggedness, and ease of operation. It compares favorably to similar models like the Tractor Supply Post Hole Digger and Huskee Supreme in terms of quality, capability, and value.

For homeowners and weekend warriors digging just occasionally, lower priced diggers may suffice. But for frequent use or commercial needs, the extra investment in the Countyline 18 Hp delivers bigger holes faster plus ruggedness that ensures long term functionality.

Before choosing any brand, examine the engineering and components to get the right balance of performance, strength, reliability, and value over the lifespan of ownership. On these criteria, the Countyline 18 Hp hits that sweet spot for many tractor owners needing an economical but durable digging solution.

Conclusion

We’ve covered all the key factors – from operation, purchasing, features, maintenance, troubleshooting, and comparisons – to give you a complete buyer’s guide to the Countyline 18 Hp 3-Point Post Hole Digger. This powerful and rugged digger allows tractor owners to drill holes efficiently for fences, poles, decks, signs, and other projects.

Made from thick steel, and driven by commercial grade hydraulic components, it provides years of reliable service. Tractor Supply’s widespread availability of parts and service also make it appealing for owners wanting support down the road.

Hopefully this detailed overview simplifies your buying decision. Just remember to match the Countyline 18 Hp’s capabilities and specs to your property and project needs. With proper care and maintenance, it will provide many years of trouble-free hole drilling performance.