used bobcat post hole digger for sale
Used Bobcat Post Hole Digger for Sale: Smart Choices for Efficient Digging
If you’re searching for a used Bobcat post hole digger for sale, you’re likely balancing efficiency, reliability, and cost. Used Bobcat attachments can deliver premium performance without the premium price, especially when it comes to digging post holes for fencing, decking, and landscaping projects. Here’s how to approach your purchase with confidence.
Why Choose a Used Bobcat Post Hole Digger?
Bobcat’s reputation for resilient skid steers and attachments carries over to their hydraulic post hole diggers. Buying used lets you:
- Cut project costs without sacrificing digging power, since Bobcat units are built to last and often remain serviceable for years.
- Match attachment sizes to your existing equipment; Bobcat attachments typically fit standard quick-attach plates, so you can reuse what you already own.
- Access professional-grade hydrology, with features like replaceable teeth and robust gearboxes that handle hard soils.
What to Inspect Before Buying
Before completing any transaction, focus on these key areas:
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Compatibility and Mounting
Verify that the digger’s mounting plate matches your skid steer or compact track loader. Bobcat quick-attach systems are common, but double-check. -
Auger Condition
Look for excessive wear on the flights and replaceable teeth. Minor scuffs are normal, but deep gouges or bent shafts can signal trouble. -
Hydraulic Connections and Hoses
Inspect hoses for cracks, leaks, or bulges. Hydraulics drive the auger, so any leak could mean immediate repair costs. -
Gearbox and Drive Components
Listen for grinding noises when the auger spins. Excessively worn gears can lead to catastrophic failure under load. -
Overall Structural Integrity
Look for rust or cracked welds on the frame and shaft housing. Structural issues compromise stability and safety.
Sourcing Quality Units
Start your search with trustworthy channels:
- Certified Bobcat dealers often take in trade-ins and can certify that wear points are manageable. They may also offer short-term warranties.
- Equipment auctions and classifieds (online marketplaces, trade magazines) frequently list used Bobcat diggers sorted by model and size. Ask sellers for serial numbers and maintenance history.
- Local rental yards sometimes sell well-maintained used attachments when they rotate their fleet; these units often have higher service frequency.
Bring a checklist and, if possible, a portable hydraulic gauge to confirm pressure requirements match your skid steer’s output.
Value and ROI Considerations
A quality used Bobcat post hole digger can pay for itself quickly when it:
- Reduces manual labor costs by drilling faster and deeper than augers without hydraulic power.
- Improves project throughput, allowing crews to move from hole to hole with minimal setup time.
- Limits downtime, since Bobcat’s replacement parts (teeth, belts, hoses) are widely available.
Ask the seller about previous usage (e.g., light landscaping vs. commercial fence contractors). Lower-hour units often show less wear, but a well-maintained higher-hour piece can still be a smart buy.
Final Tips for Buyers
- Test it under load—run the auger in dirt (if possible) to ensure smooth rotation and no unusual vibration.
- Check for included accessories, like extension augers or different-sized bits, which can enhance versatility.
- Negotiate on service—agree on replacing worn teeth or sealing minor leaks before handover.
By choosing wisely, you get a durable, professional-grade digging tool without a new-unit sticker shock. A used Bobcat post hole digger, properly inspected and matched to your skid steer, can keep projects moving efficiently for seasons to come.