Where to buy earth auger?

[Telemark]

Maybe you could fabricate something like this to hold it? You need something other than your arms to counter the torque.

Well I'm definitely building something like that for this year. That will make the process go a lot faster and will safe immeasurable strain on my joints.

 

[SD51555]

May I ask how old you are?

I have a harbor frieght 1 man auger. It has been reliable. It did melt some pants that had too much synthetic fiber in them (watch where the exhaust is going!). The big problem with it is, I'm in my 40's. Operating it solo in hard ground is like taking a beating. Soft ground isn't bad. If I was 20 years younger the hard ground wouldn't be so bad.

Maybe you could fabricate something like this to hold it? You need something other than your arms to counter the torque.

Early 40s.

 

[deepsleep]

It is definitely a step up in price, but the Stihl BT 131 is in a different league. It has a clutch that triggers and stops the bit when you hit something underground. It’s still hard work to run it, but much less of a beating when you encounter roots, rocks, hard pan, etc. I also have an earthquake, which runs great, but will give you an absolute beating in anything other than pure sand.

 

[RGrizzzz]

It is definitely a step up in price, but the Stihl BT 131 is in a different league. It has a clutch that triggers and stops the bit when you hit something underground. It’s still hard work to run it, but much less of a beating when you encounter roots, rocks, hard pan, etc. I also have an earthquake, which runs great, but will give you an absolute beating in anything other than pure sand.

This. I just bought the Stihl after using an Earthquake.

They also make the single hand BT 45 in a planting config that would be fine to run a 4" bit with. 6" might be too much if you're going deep. Echo makes a similar EDM-260 too.

You can find them used if you are trying to save a few bucks. It may take time.

 

[TreeDaddy]

May I ask how old you are?

I have a harbor frieght 1 man auger. It has been reliable. It did melt some pants that had too much synthetic fiber in them (watch where the exhaust is going!). The big problem with it is, I'm in my 40's. Operating it solo in hard ground is like taking a beating. Soft ground isn't bad. If I was 20 years younger the hard ground wouldn't be so bad.

Maybe you could fabricate something like this to hold it? You need something other than your arms to counter the torque.

I have this one, also

I don't use it that much, but hard to beat for the cost

bill

 

[HoosierHunter07]

I'

This. I just bought the Stihl after using an Earthquake.

They also make the single hand BT 45 in a planting config that would be fine to run a 4" bit with. 6" might be too much if you're going deep. Echo makes a similar EDM-260 too.

You can find them used if you are trying to save a few bucks. It may take time.

I've got the BT45. I drilled a couple hundred holes with it last year. I have the 4" bit. I've thought about trying one of the bigger bits this year, but haven't decided yet.

 

[RGrizzzz]

I'

I've got the BT45. I drilled a couple hundred holes with it last year. I have the 4" bit. I've thought about trying one of the bigger bits this year, but haven't decided yet.

Be careful what you're looking at. The bits Stihl sells are different for each model. Their bits for the BT45 only go up to 5", assuming you're using the screw on chuck/bits/"earth auger" config. If you have the regular drill chuck, you could look at other aftermarket ones. I have some Powerplanter bits for my Echo auger, and they seem decent. Stay away from the Amazon ones. I've sheared off a few cheapos.

EDIT: Looking closer at the power planter, they offer a threaded adapter for the BT45 for their bigger bits.

Auger Adapters for Drills: Hex & Threaded | Power Planter

Max out on efficiency with auger adapters in threaded, 7/16” Quick Attach & hex options to make use of the perfect tool for the job. 100% made in the USA.

powerplanter.com

 

[TreeDaddy]

So..........

.........What was the decision?

bill