One man earth auger

[crclawn]

I need to put up a privacy fence at my house, the soil is about medium hard, with some small rocks. I am thinking about getting a one man earth auger. Wouldn't use it commercially, just on occasion. I saw one at Lowes, the Earthquake 8900e for $229. I want to stay in the $400 range for powerhead and drill. Any inputs would be appreciated. thanks

cr

[Scaper-S2k]

If you don't plan on using it very often, maybe the best bet would be to just rent one.

But either way you go, it will easily dig those holes you need to do.

[crclawn]

I went with a Ardisam Earth Auger with 3hp Tecumseh for $330 + tax from Northern Tool. Picked up a returned auger bit from Lowes for $69. I tested it on one hole and it seem like it had good power and will fit my needs. Looked at epinions.com and one feller said he's had his for six years with no problems. Might have to pick up a couple of fence jobs.

Later
CR

[wickedinhere]

i bought the Earthquake 8900e from lowes and it works great, plenty of power

[GeeVee]

The STIHL BT 75 is the tool to have, no questions asked.

The handle/grip arraingement is the key. With loop handles on each side, you can't control oscillation nearly as well as the top and side handle type.

Oscillation is tiresome work, and throttle/bit rpm control will help.

Other uses will appear, once you make a purchase. Be sure it is a Jacobs chuck, and not a slip and pin.

Echo and Tanaka both have the prefered handle set-up such as is featured by the STIHL model suggested. I have owned all, and like the STIHL best.

Power Planter will sell at wholesale to you direct, and make you anything you want, custom.

Tell them Gene from DUNEBUILDERS sent you.

https://www.stihlusa.com

https://www.powerplanter.com

[Scaper-S2k]

GeeVee, what's the cost on that unit with the bit, and what size engine? I will be getting one before this month is out. I was talking to one of the foremen today at lunch and he said he would be amazed if it would dig a 12" diameter hole. Of course he hasn't used one. But we both agreed that it would be worth a try, even if we ended up only using it for lilies, hostas, mums, etc. I also think it would speed things up when planting hundreds of 3"-4" potted petunias or geraniums. That's going to be my main reasoning for the purchase. If it does shrub holes, all the better.

[GeeVee]

I know not of the retail cost.

I do know you should be 'spearmintin with the bits, though.

Longer shafts that may allow you to stand more fully erect will weigh more and oscillate when the flights get full. Short bits have always been better for us, because the machine has some length to it to begin with .

As well, you only need flights as tall as the the hole intends to be. Do not purchase long shafts and deep flighting for landscape installs. IF you do a retaining wall or fencing, buy a bit for that.....

I suggest you contact Power Planter and peruse the selections and purchase many diff bits. If you want to do 3g pots, you may want a 10" double flighted, short shafted bit made, and then wobble the bit in the hole, then high rpms can spin the soils out.

Aside from that monster, buy exactly the pot size.

Let us know what you get.

[crclawn]

scaper,

I was able to make a 8" in hole with my 6" bit. You can woller out the hole. I am sure that if you get a 10" bit you can get a 12" whole by just moving it back and forth. I looked at the Stihls and they make them in two sizes and the bigger one (not sure what model) sells for around $799 (not including the bit); a bit out of my price range. The Echo also looked pretty nice for about $500 (not including the bit).

Later
CR