CRAFTSMAN POST Hole Digger Owner’s Manual
- June 7, 2024
- Craftsman
Table of Contents
POST HOLE DIGGER
OWNER’S MANUAL
ASSEMBLY & OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: All operators must read this manual before operating this post hole digger. Follow the safety instructions in the manual and in decals attached to the product. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
REV051917 TS2401
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: Read and thoroughly understand all instructions and safety information before assembling or operating this post hole digger. Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death. Do not allow anyone to operate this post hole digger who has not read this manual. As with all power equipment a post hole digger can be dangerous if assembled or used improperly. Do not operate this post hole digger if you have doubts or questions concerning safe operation. Call our customer service department at888-723-6534 to address these concerns.
INTENDED USE
This product is designed to dig holes in the soil when attached to the 3-point linkage system and power-take-off a tractor. It is not intended for any other use. Using the product for anything other than digging holes could result in serious injury or death.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
ALWAYS use appropriate personal protective equipment such as protective
eyewear and safety shoes when operating this post hole digger.
NEVER wear loose clothing or jewelry that could become entangled in the
auger or driveline.
SAFETY DECALS
ALWAYS replace missing or defaced decals. Reorder from YTL or call
888-723-6534.
PROP 65 WARNING
This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
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DANGER
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH:
- Read and understand owner’s manual before operating.
- Operate only from the tractor seat.
- Stay away from rotating parts. Keep others away.
- Do not dig around underground utility lines without checking with authorities.
DANGER
Rotating Driveline
CONTACT CAN CAUSE DEATH
KEEP AWAY!
DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT-
- All driveline guards, tractor and equipment shields in place
- Drivelines securely attached at both ends
- Driveline guards that turn freely on driveline
DANGER
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH:
- Contact dealer, make sure your machine has all current safety guards and shields in place.
- Do not operate without all guards and shields in place.
- Do not operate when auger is higher than 12 inches above ground level. Doing so may cause driveline to bind, resulting in equipment damage or operator injury.
- Stop auger rotation before maneuvering, relocating or transporting.
WARNING
- This digger may not be compatible with all tractor models.
- Before operating, mount the boom and A-frame to the tractor.
- Raise up and lower the 3-point lift arms to the max and min positions.
- Check that there is no tractor/boom interference at any position.
- If there is not interference, continue with the assembly of the digger.
- Failure to do so may result in damage to the tractor, digger, and personal injury.
DANGER
DO NOT ATTACH THIS IMPLEMENT OR ATTEMPT TO OPERATE UNTIL YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER’S MANUAL.
Know what’s below.
Call before you dig.
4
DANGER
Rotating Parts Hazard
Keep Away
To Prevent
Serious Injury or Death from Rotating Parts:
- Read and understand owner’s manual before operating.
- Do not operate without all shields and guards in place.
- Do not use body weight to force the auger into the ground or to locate auger point when auger is turning.
- Keep away from auger, cutting head and driveline when engine is running.
DANGER
GUARD MISSING
When this is visible
DO NOT OPERATE
KEEP CLEAR!
Keep Others Away!
ENTANGLEMENT HAZARD
can cause Serious Injury or Death
- Never manually position the auger or manually force the auger into ground.
- This machine is designed to be operated ONLY from the tractor seat.
- Keep everyone clear of all moving parts of the digger while in operation.
DANGER
NOTICE
5 40 RPM Maximum PTO Operating Speed
GUARD MISSING
DO NOT OPERATE
DANGER
NOTICE
Gear box shipped without lubricant. Fill with 80W-90 lubricant before using.
GUARD MISSING
DO NOT OPERATE
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GENERAL SAFETY AND PREPARATION
ALWAYS make sure that anyone else who operates this post hole digger has
read and understood the contents of the owner’s manual and all safety decals
on the product.
ALWAYS be certain that all members of the work party are familiar with
the operation of the digger and the hazards associated with it.
ALWAYS check with authorities for underground utilities before digging a
hole. Serious injury or death could result from contact with gas or electric
lines.
ALWAYS check the tractor owner’s manual for instructions on operation,
attachment of 3-point equipment and safety.
ALWAYS make sure that all safety shields are in place and tightened down.
Do not operate this post hole digger if any shields are missing. Contact YTL
at 888-723-6534 or email at
parts@ytlinternational.com for
replacement parts.
ALWAYS make sure that the auger point and cutting edges are intact and in
good working order before using this digger.
OPERATING SAFETY
ALWAYS operate this post hole digger from the tractor seat. Only one
person should operate the digger.
NEVER attach the post hole digger with the tractor engine running.
NEVER operate the post hole digger with anyone near or in contact with
any part of the implement, PTO driveline or auger. Serious injury or death
could result from entanglement with moving parts.
ALWAYS make sure that the tractor brake is set before digging a hole.
ALWAYS keep hands, feet and clothing away from power-driven parts during
operation.
NEVER manually position the auger or manually force the auger into the
ground.
ALWAYS make sure that the tractor engine is shut off and the PTO drive is
disengaged before leaving the tractor seat.
NEVER move the tractor with the power-take-off in the ON position.
NEVER exceed 540 RPM PTO operating speed.
NEVER operate the post hole digger when the auger point is more than 12
in. above ground level. Operating the digger in elevated positions may cause
the PTO driveline “U” joints to bind resulting in equipment damage and
operator injury.
ALWAYS turn off the digger immediately if an immovable object is
encountered to prevent damage to the gear box or driveshaft and possible
injury. Driveline is protected by a shear bolt. If the shear bolt shears stop
operating immediately to prevent further damage.
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REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SAFETY
ALWAYS perform maintenance operations such as lubrication, adjustments or
repairs on the post hole digger with the tractor engine off, the PTO drive
disengaged and the auger point resting on the ground.
ALWAYS use the correct shear bolt (Grade 5). NEVER use or replace the
shear bolt with one that is longer than the one specified in the manual (5/16″
x 3″).
Periodically inspect all moving parts for wear and replace when necessary with
authorized service parts. Look for loose fasteners, worn or broken parts, and
leaky or loose fittings. Serious injury may occur from not maintaining this
machine in good working order.
Do not modify or alter this Implement. Do not permit another to modify or alter this Implement, any of its components or any Implement function. Any modification will void the warranty.
TOOLS REQUIRED
- Allen Wrench 3
- 10mm, 14mm, 19mm, 22mm Wrenches
- Plier
Component Parts
Hex Bolt
1/2″-13UNC-2A3-1/2″ 3/8″-16UNC-2A3″ M6x20
2Pcs 
1Pcs 3Pcs
Flat Washer Ø22 Flat Washer Ø6 Lock Waher Ø6
2Pcs 
3Pcs 
3Pcs
Nylon Lock Nut Nylon Lock Nut
1/2″-13UNC-2B 1/4″x3/8″ Set Screw 3/8″-16UNC-2B
2Pcs 1Pc 1Pc
Cotter Pin Ø4×40 Ring Pin Pull Pin II
2Pcs 4Pcs 1Pc 
Boom Pin “A” Frame Pin
1Pc 
1Pc 
7
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: The gear box is shipped without lubricant. Fill the top hole with 80W-90 lubricant or the equivalent. Fill until the lube appears at the side level check hole. Approximately two pints (32 ounces) of lubricant is required. Do not fill to overflow point as this may damage the seals.
STEP 1:
Be certain that the gear box has adequate lubrication. Check the oil level
after every fifty hours of use.
STEP 2:
Pull out manual and hardware pack out from manual canister (13). Attach manual
canister (13) on the boom (20) using hex bolt (10), lock washer (12) and flat
washer (11). Put on rubber gasket (14), screw on Barrelhead (15) onto manual
canister (13) and tighten.
8
STEP 3:
Connect the “A” frame (6) to the tractor’s 3-point lift arms using the 7/8 in.
draw pin with nut and washers as shown in the drawing. For Category 1 tractors
(lift arm spacing of 26 in.), use the pins in the inward position. For
Category 2 tractors (lift are spacing of 32 in.), the pins should point
outwards. Attach the “A” frame pin (7) to the boom (20) after selecting the
desired hole (for angle adjustment) using the “A” frame pin (7) and lynch pin
(1).
STEP 4:
Attach the gear box (21) to the boom (20) using the boom pin (22). When in
place secure with flat washers (5) and cotter pins (23).
NOTE: Input shaft shield (19) and output shaft shield (24) are already attached to the gear box.
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STEP 5:
Attach the auger (30) to the output shaft on the bottom of the gear box (21)
using the Hex bolts 1/2″-13UNC-2A*3-1/2″ (26) and nylon lock nuts 1/2″-13UNC-
2B (27). Tighten the nuts.
STEP 6:
Attach the driveline (9) to the gear box input shaft using the hex bolt 3/8
″-16UNC-2A*3″ (28) and the nylon lock nut 3/8″-16UNC-2B (29). Tighten the nut.
Insert the ¼”x 3/8″ set screw (#31) in the hole on the yoke that aligns with
the 3/16″ groove on the gear box input shaft. Tighten loosely.
ATTENTION:
*THE HEX BOLT 3/8″-16UNC-2A3″ PROVIDES SHEAR PROTECTION. USE A GRADE 5/16x
3″ BOLT ONLY TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE GEAR BOX OR AUGER.**
IMPORTANT: The universal joint should be greased with a good grade chassis lube approximately every 6 months. At the beginning of each season grease the sliding driveshaft members with a moly grease. All diggers are equipped with quick-detach universal joints on the power-take-off end for a 1-3/8 in. splined shaft.
10
STEP 7:
Attach the tractor end of the driveline (9) to the tractor PTO shaft. Retract
the yellow zinc plated outer collar and slip it on the splined PTO shaft of
the tractor. Release the collar when it is securely in place on the shaft.
Note: Driveline has 1-3/8×6 splined for tractor end. PTO adaptors or extenders
are not recommended.
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STEP 8:
Check all nuts and bolts for tightness. Stabilizers should be kept tight to
avoid side sway of the digger.
NOTE: See illustration A for reference in assembling the digger and mounting it to the tractor. Note that the boom angle can be adjusted on your tractor for proper digging and ground clearance by moving the “A” frame to a different mounting hole as shown in illustration B.
NOTE: When the 7/8 in. diameter draw pins in the “A” frame are too small for the holes in the lift arms a Cat 1 to Cat 2 draw pin can be substituted or bushings should be used to obtain the proper fit.
ILLUSTRATION A ILLUSTRATION B
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Read and thoroughly understand all instructions and safety information before operating this post hole digger. Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death. Do not allow anyone to operate this post hole digger who has not read this manual.
STEP 1:
After mounting the digger to the tractor, lower the auger point slowly to the
ground at the desired digging angle before engaging power.
STEP 2:
Engage the power-take-off and start digging at a slow speed, lowering the
auger slowly as it begins to dig.
STEP 3:
Increase speed as the auger goes deeper. The type of soil will determine the
proper auger speed. If the soil is extremely hard, it will generally improve
operation to vary the speed of the auger at times.
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STEP 4:
When the auger has reached the desired depth, spin it momentarily at a high
speed to clear the hole of dirt. Reduce speed before withdrawing the auger
from the hole.
STEP 5:
Disengage the power-take-off after withdrawing from the hole and move the
tractor to the next hole location.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Always perform maintenance operations with the tractor engine off, the PTO drive disengaged and the auger point resting on the ground.
- To remove the auger from the gear box output shaft, remove the two hex bolts 1/2″-13UNC-2A*3-1/2″ (26).
- To remove the driveshaft from the gear box input shaft, remove the hex bolt 3/8″-16UNC-2A*3″ (28).
- Check the oil level after every fifty hours of use. Use 80W-90 lubricant and fill to oil level plug. All replacement lubricant should be of this type.
- The universal joints should be greased with a good grade chassis lube every week. At the beginning of each season, grease the sliding driveshaft members with a moly grease.
SPECIFICATIONS
Tractor Category……… Category 1 or Category 2
Gear Box……………… Special alloy pinion gears and tapered roller bearings on both
sides of each gear
Driveline…… Series 4 equipped with quick-latch yoke to fit standard 6-spline
PTO (completely shielded)
Augers……………… Sold separately. 6 in., 9 in. and 12 in. sizes available
Cutting Edges……… Replaceable High Carbon Steel
Point……………… . Replaceable Spiral tip
Boom……………… 3 in. O.D. high strength tubing
A-frame…………… 3 in. O.D. high strength tubing
Safety shields……… On driveline, gear box “U” joint and gear box output shaft
Shear Pin…………… Replaceable. On input shaft to protect driveline, auger and
gears
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DIGGER PARTS DRAWING & PARTS LIST
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DIGGER PARTS DRAWING & PARTS LIST
Ref#
| Drawing No.| Description|
Qty
---|---|---|---
1| Z120-00003-CD| Lynch Pin| 4
2| TS2400-00001-CD| Pull Pin I| 2
3| YZ01-22000-CD| Hex Nut 7/8″-14UN-2B| 2
4| 9306-22000-CD| Lock Washer Ø22| 2
5| 9301-22000-CD| Flat Washer Ø22| 4
6| TS2401-01000| “A” Frame| 1
7| TS2401-00001-CD| “A” Frame Pin| 1
8| N800-00004-CD| Pull Pin II| 1
9| TS2400-04000| Driveline| 1
10| 9101-06020-CD| Hex Bolt M6x20| 3
11| 9301-06000-CD| Flat Washer Ø6| 3
12| 9306-06000-CD| Lock Washer Ø6| 3
13| LSP30MD-02001| Manual Canister| 1
14| LSP30MD-02002| Rubber Gasket| 1
15| LSP30MD-02003| Barrelhead| 1
16| 9101-10030-CD8.8| Hex Bolt M10x30| 2
17| 9306-10000-CD| Lock Washer Ø10| 4
18| 9301-10000-CD| Flat Washer Ø10| 4
19| TS2400-03010| Input Shaft Shield| 1
20| TS2401-02000| Boom| 1
21| TS2400-03000| Gear Box| 1
22| TS2400-00003-CD| Boom Pin| 1
23| 9404-04040-CD| Cotter Pin Ø4×40| 2
24| TS2400-03011| Output Shaft Shield| 1
25| 9104-10020-CD8.8| Inner Hex Flat Screw M10x20| 2
26| YZ01-1/2″-13UNC-2A3-1/2″-CD8.8| Hex Bolt 1/2″-13UNC-2A3-1/2″| 2
27| YZ06-12000-CD| Nylon Lock Nut 1/2″-13UNC-2B| 2
28| YZ01-3/8″-16UNC-2A3″-CD8.8| Hex Bolt 3/8″-16UNC-2A3″| 1
29| YZ06-10000-CD| Nylon Lock Nut 3/8″-16UNC-2B| 1
30| Optional auger| Please go ordering information for choice| /
31| YZ09-1/4″-20UNC-2A3/8″-FH8.8| Set Screw 1/4″-20UNC-2A3/8″| 1
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ORDERING INFORMATION
| PART NO. | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| YTL-017-787 | 6’’ auger with spiral point and replaceable carbide cutting edges |
| YTL-017-794 | 9’’ auger with spiral point and replaceable carbide cutting edges |
| YTL-017-800 | 12’’ auger with spiral point and replaceable carbide cutting |
edges
CUTTING EDGES, SPIRAL POINT DRAWING & PARTS LIST
Number of Cutting Edges Per Auger
6” (YTL-017-787) – 2
9”(YTL-017-794) - 2
12”(YTL-017-800) – 4
NOTE: It is important to replace the point and cutting edges when they show signs of excessive wear.
| REF. NO | DESCRIPTION | QTY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carbide Cutting Edge | Varies by auger |
| 2 | 1/2’’x 1’’ UNC Carriage Bolt | 1 per cutting edge |
| 3 | 1/2’’ UNC Lock Nut | 1 per cutting edge |
| 4 | 1/2’’x3-1/2’’ Bolt | 1 |
| 5 | 1/2’’ Lock Nut | 1 |
| 6 | Spiral Point | 1 |
NOTE: The number of cutting edges varies by auger size. Check your auger when ordering replacement cutting edges.
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LIMITED WARRANTY
For 1 year from the date of purchase YTL International will replace or repair defects in material and workmanship, the gear box has a three warranty for the original purchaser of the digger. The warranty will not apply to any unit which was not assembled correctly, misused, overloaded or which has been used or operated contrary to our instructions, or which has been repaired or altered by anyone other than a service representative authorized by YTL International Inc.
Warranty Exclusions
This warranty does not cover cosmetic defects such as paint, decals or wear
items This warranty will not cover failures or problems due to acts of God, or
events or forces beyond the control of the manufacturer.
Normal Wear Exclusion
The digger needs periodic service to perform well. This warranty does not
cover repair when normal use has exhausted the life of a part or the equipment
as a whole.
Installation, Use and Maintenance Exclusion
This warranty will not apply to parts and/or labor if the digger has been
misused, neglected, involved in an accident, abused, loaded beyond its limits,
modified or assembled incorrectly. Normal maintenance is not covered under
this warranty.
Contact Information
YTL International Inc.
17517 Fabrica Way Suite H
Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: 888-723-6534 or
562-404-8016
Fax: 562-404-8013
Website: www.ytlinternational.com
Contact Information below for Warranty and Service
Parts and Service:
Toll Free888-723-6534 (USA &
Canada)
Email:parts@ytlinternational.com
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References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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