How to Install a Tractor Auger Attachment

How to Install a Tractor Auger Attachment​

Installing a tractor auger will take you a bit of time.  By using these steps, how to hook up a tractor auger is simple. If you run into any problems while you’re installing your PTO auger, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of your tractor digger.

Steps to Installing: How Do You Attach a PTO? 5 steps

Here are 5 simple steps to installing a tractor auger attachment.

1. Lube Up!
2. The Frame Connection
3. Connecting the Driveline/PTO Shaft
4. Connect to Your Tractor
5. Double Check the Screws, Nuts, Bolts for Tightness

Step 1: Do You Grease a PTO Shaft?

When you first buy your PTO the gearbox and the shaft likely won’t be lubricated.  Get your grease gun and fill the lube compartment until it reaches the maximum level.  After about 40 – 50 hours of use you’ll have to refill it.  

Check the grease level every one and awhile during this time to make sure your tractor isn’t burning through grease faster.  If it is, refill the compartment to keep your auger running perfect and to keep from damaging the gearbox due to low grease levels.

You should also grease Your PTO shaft and any joints to keep them from seizing up.  For heavy duty use, check them every 6-8 hours, otherwise, a check every 15-20 hours is recommended.

Step 2: How to Install a Tractor Auger Attachment: The Frame Connection

Connect the frame to the lift arms with pull pins, nuts, and lock washers.  Remember: there is no top link with this connection. You put the frame where the top link usually goes.  Have your pull pins ready, you’ll want to be able to insert it into the frame as soon as you’ve got it lined up with your tractor.

Step 3: The Driveline/PTO Shaft

Take the driveline/PTO shaft and connect it to the input shaft of the gearbox using hex cap screws, lock washers, and hex nuts. Some PTO shafts just click into place, depending on your make and model.  Similar to the previous step, ensure all of the nuts and screws and your PTO shaft is tight.

Step 4: Connect the 3 Point Arms

At this point, you’re going to need to attach the 3 point arms to your tractor.  Always attach the left side first.  This is because on a typical tractor, the right side is adjustable. Make sure to have the pull pins handy to slip into the 3 point arms and secure them to your tractor.  Once you have secured the outer collar onto the shaft, it can be released. 

Usually, there are two arms that secure the PTO so that it doesn’t move around when you’re driving your tractor or using it to drill holes.  You slip in a pin on each side of the PTO to secure it.

Step 5: Check, Check and Re-Check

The last step of installing a tractor auger attachment is to check the tightness of all of the nuts and screws. If you notice the auger sways too much for your comfort, tighten the stabilizers accordingly.

​The steps above are general steps that are required to install a tractor auger attachment.  Every PTO auger is designed differently.  Make sure you read the instructions that came with your PTO because some steps might by different than the ones we listed above.

How to Install a Tractor Auger Attachment: How to Video

We love the tips and tricks in this video, especially the “base” that he has to hold his auger, making installation that much easier.

What Does PTO Stand For? 

PTO stands for ​Power Take Off Drive. This is the part of a tractor that lets you attach and use different tools like your tractor auger to get work done around your property.  You insert the shaft of your tractor auger into the PTO and the gearbox drives it and powers your auger.  Your PTO’s gearbox is heavy duty and comes with a bolt that protects it if you run across difficult soil, roots or rocks while drilling holes.   

Are PTO Shafts Universal?

No, PTO shafts differ depending on where they are made, your tractor etc.  Check out an awesome PTO Series Discovery Tool by ​clicking here.  

How Deep Can a Tractor Auger Dig?

Most tractor auger bits let you drill down about 4 feet, which is the perfect depth to cement in a fence post.  If you’re using your auger bits to drill footings for decks or other structures, you’ll be needing a bit that can drill down to 6 feet.  

Some tractor diggers will include an extension rod so you can drill down that low.  Otherwise, you should also purchase an extension rod.

Auger Sizes Available for PTO Drilling

Most tractor augers are 48″ in length. You can get many different diameters to suit every project from 6″ to 24″ and even larger. You should consider what diameter of holes you’ll be drilling the most, and buy that auger first.

My Tractor Auger Should be Sharpened?

Yes, your should check and sharpen your tractor auger on a regular basis. You want the edges sharp, then its easier to drill into the soil and your tractor won’t have to work as hard AND you’ll get holes drilled faster.

Conclusion

Once you know the steps, how to install a tractor auger attachment is just a matter of time.  If you run into any glitches, give the manufacturer a call to confirm the process.

FAQs