A dirt hole auger is an indispensable tool for digging holes in soil of varying compositions. Whether installing fence posts, planting trees or digging utility line access trenches, augers allow excavating clean circular holes in a fraction of the time compared to manual digging. Various types and sizes of augers are available to suit different applications and terrains.

Types of Augers

Post Hole Augers

Post hole augers are the most commonly used variety for general digging tasks like installing posts or poles. They come in diameters ranging from 6 to 24 inches to accommodate different post sizes. Steel construction and durable gearing allows digging through hard, rocky soils. replaceable cutting teeth cut clean holes without crumbling edges. Handles on either end offer excellent torque for turning.

Tree Planting Augers

Made slightly smaller than Dirt Hole Auger, tree planting augers range from 4 to 12 inches in diameter. Lighter weight models excavate precise holes for planting trees, shrubs or seedlings. Finely serrated cutting edges scoop loose soil efficiently without damaging delicate roots during removal. Easy to use manual or powered models are suitable for landscaping professionals and homeowners.

Trenching Augers

Used for digging narrow trenches, ditch witch and chain trenching augers come in extra long shank lengths up to 10 feet. Diameters of 6-24 inches allow installation of pipes, cables or landscape edging. Self-feeding rotary heads chew through any soil type at rates 5 times faster than manual digging. Integrated conveyor belts remove excavated spoil as digging progresses in a single pass.

Drive Systems

Manual Turning

Basic augers designed for occasional use rely solely on human power and leverage. Operators stand to either side of a guide handle or crank and rotate the auger by hand. While requiring no fuel or hydraulics, manual turning can be tiring in difficult soils and larger hole sizes.

Gas Powered Drives

Adding a gasoline motor eliminates physical effort but introduces noise and emissions. Pull-start engines mount directly to augers and spin cutting heads at rates upwards of 300 RPM. Convenient for larger projects but fuel and maintenance add ongoing costs. 2-stroke and 4-stroke options with displacements from 150cc to 300cc provide adequate torque for most applications.