Trying to pick a GOOD gas powered Post Hole digger.

[Kern Dog]

I need to replace a few hundred feet of fence and that includes digging several new holes for the posts. I have rented them before, the "2 man Auger" and while they work well, I want to have one here for use whenever I get the motivation to do so.
There are all sorts for sale with a wide variety of prices. Most are brands that I have never heard of. I have a Honda mower, an Echo chain saw and weed eater because years of buying generics have often resulted in having to replace them too often.
There is an Echo unit withOUT an auger bit for $850! Several no-name units with augers for less than half of that. One kit on Amazon has a unit with 3 bits, gas can, ear muffs and other stuff for $299. I really want to buy a quality tool but $850 ???
Anyone recently bought one of these for their home use? I'm not looking to embark on a career of fence building but I do want something that will last. Whenever I retire, I may buy some property and need to add fencing. Who wants to rent and be on someone else's schedule for that?

 

[Kern Dog]

Ever heard of THIS brand ? I haven't.
https://www.amazon.com/PROYAMA-Stro...ocphy=9032481&hvtargid=pla-550992372152&psc=1

 

[Kern Dog]

Here is another:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sportsm...VmNlkCh28zgM_EAQYBSABEgL21fD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Kern Dog]

Is the price difference really worth it?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-42...VmNlkCh28zgM_EAQYByABEgL_JPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[BeeKool]

There you go. Theyre powered

 

[Fran Blacker]

Ever heard of THIS brand ? I haven't.
https://www.amazon.com/PROYAMA-Stro...ocphy=9032481&hvtargid=pla-550992372152&psc=1

With Amazson I read customer reviews, just have weed out the complain about anything. 25% of reviews 1/2 not good.

 

[moparedtn]

Depends on how deep a hole you want and most importantly, what type of soil you're digging in.
You never, I mean NEVER, see anyone using a "hand" auger in these parts.
Reason? Clay soils with tons of rocks.
I've experienced what happens when one of those rascals catches a rock - or just gets bogged down in heavy soil, namely, you become a human satellite launch.
It's funny to watch for sure. Not so funny to get chucked like a rock out of a slingshot...

I've dug many a posthole out here on the ridge. Always used either an auger bit on a Bobcat or fetched one for the 3-point on my own tractor.
Those don't hurt as much.
Consider renting or borrowing such a rig, KD.

 

[GetX'd]

View attachment 782924 View attachment 782923
There you go. Theyre powered

It’s been a few years but that’s what I used when I put in a new fence. I’ll never be that stupid again - I hope......

 

[BeeKool]

It’s been a few years but that’s what I used when I put in a new fence. I’ll never be that stupid again - I hope......

Back in the day, when men were men, they could put miles of fence in with those. Lol

Thats what I use (maybe 3 holes per year) but they were my GreatGrandfathers, he used them.

 

[BeeKool]

KD youre in Cali, just go to the Home Depot, purchase the hand units like I pictured, and the units to power them will be outside loitering.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Kern Dog your a healthy guy, here you go. I dug 11-42 inch deep holes in rocky Ct soil when was 45 years old. Your in better shape too! https://www.homedepot.com/p/Razor-Back-48-in-Steel-Handle-Post-Hole-Digger-78007/205352543

 

[Kern Dog]

The soil here is a toss up. The grassy yard area is topsoil. After that it is decomposed granite. VERY hard and with rocks. I've digged by hand before. No thanks, I'll use the hand operated model to clear out the holes after digging them with the machine!

 

[Kern Dog]

KD youre in Cali, just go to the Home Depot, purchase the hand units like I pictured, and the units to power them will be outside loitering.

I don't want those scabs to know where I live....Then fall down and file some lawsuit.

 

[Lefty71]

Honestly, you cant beat the two wheel trailered style that the rental places have around here, the swinging gas powered hydraulic pump ones. They are very strong, and the dirt is relentless here. So my answer is I'd keep renting, but no way could I ever justify the cost of one of those new, and believe you me, I HATE renting anything, but how are you gonna pick up something so awesome for cheap?? If you can get one used or something, then I'd go for it.

 

[Fran Blacker]

View attachment 782924 View attachment 782923
There you go. Theyre powered

BeeKool didn't see any rocks in pictures, is it true there aren't (or few) rocks in Iowa soil? Went by a small farm tilled to plant tomatoes rows looked a quarry of 2 inch crushed stone.

 

[JB400]

I'd make friends with someone that has one tractor mounted or bobcat mounted.

 

[Kern Dog]

I'm sure you are kidding but I have a hard time "using" people. If I hang around someone, it is because I like them.

 

[khryslerkid]

Those hand held can be apita sometimes. I even had a one man one called Earth Quake and it did ok in good soil. It only takes one rock or root to break a arm or leg. I've used the three point hitch ones behind a tractor and hitting a rock can shear the pin real quick. Gives you prospective on what can happen. And after useing either one, you still have to clean out the hole with a manual one. Watch these guys...

 

[JB400]

I'm sure you are kidding but I have a hard time "using" people. If I hang around someone, it is because I like them.

Never said anything about "using" anyone. I simply stated it'd be to wise to make friends who had the equipment. You never know, you might be able to help them out in someway as well.

 

[greycharger]

rent one of these:

http://proqualitytools.com/towable-hydraulic-one-man-post-hole-digger/