If you need to install a fence on your property, set up a mailbox, construct a deck, or plant a lot of trees, you need a post hole digger. A great tool for all sorts of digging applications, a post hole digger will help you to create the right sized holes so that you can quickly complete your outdoor maintenance or gardening projects.
Our Top Pick for the Best Post Hole Digger
Our top pick for the best post hole diggers is the Earthquake 43cc 2-Cycle, 8-inch Earth Auger Post-Hole Digger. If you have a new fence to erect on your property or a lot of trees to plant, the Earthquake has the digging and earthmoving power that you need and it is a fast worker. With a high-performance motor, plenty of torque, a durable steel construction, and special ergonomic handles, this superbly crafted digging machine is a must-have tool for all sorts of digging applications.
What is a Post Hole Digger?
A post hole digger sometimes called an auger, is the ultimate tool for smaller earthmoving tasks and it is a must-have tool for any DIY maintenance enthusiast or gardener. The digger, which can either be manually-operated or automatic, has a solid metal head that is made up of two blades or a drilling bit that digs into the earth and loosen the soil so that you can remove the dirt and make the holes that you need for erecting fence posts or planting trees. If you are a first-time post hole digger, have a look at these helpful videos on how to use a manually-operated or automatic digger.
One of the best things about a post hole digger is that this powerful and precise tool will make light work of what would normally be an extremely tiring job and it will help you to get all of your digging tasks done quickly so that can complete your projects.
How to Choose the Best Post Hole Digger
To be able to find the best post hole digger for your outdoor chores, you need to think about the type of digging projects that you have to do and what type of soil you will be digging into.
- Do you have light, medium-duty or heavy-duty digging tasks to complete? Light to medium projects like digging the occasional hole for a mailbox, repairing a small fence, planting small bushes. Maybe you have larger scale projects like installing a new fence around your property, building a new deck, or planting a lot of trees.
- What kind of soil or terrain will you be working with? Soft, loamy soil that breaks apart easily, or is it clay or rocky soil, or terrain that has a lot of tree roots that lie beneath the surface?
Manually-operated Post Hole Diggers
A manually-operated post hole digger is primarily designed for light to medium-duty tasks, although there are some manual diggers that work well in tougher soil. The manual post hole digger can dig holes up to 4 feet deep and it works best in soft and loose soil. It has a simple design: two handles which you use to dig the tool into the ground and then pull the handles apart to break up the soil and then close the handles together to collect the soil. Once the soil has been loosened, and you have removed the soil from the hole, you can then fit your fence post or tree into the freshly made hole. This type of digger requires no gas or electricity to function and you do not have to worry about the noise level.
If you have soft, loamy soil or even small amounts of clay, a manually-operated post hole digger like the Bully Tools Post Hole Digger or The AMES Companies, Inc. Jackson Dig EZ Post Hole Digger will get the job done. If the soil around your yard or property has some rocks in it or it is primarily clay-based, then you may want to consider a more heavy-duty manual post hole digger like the Seymour Structron Hercules PD48 Post Hole Digger.
Fibreglass Ergonomically Designed Handles
The best manual post hole digger is one that has fiberglass triple wall construction handles which means the handles are built to last and comfortable to hold. If you have a lot of digging, why not consider The AMES Companies, Inc. Jackson Dig EZ Post Hole Digger, as it features an innovative handle design that protects your knuckles during the digging process.
The size of the handle is very important as it will determine how easy it is to get leverage on the digger and maneuver the tool into the soil. Most manually-operated diggers have a handle that ranges from 47-60-inches long, so if you are a tall person, a 60-inch handle will make the digger easier to operate.
There are some other very important things to keep in mind. A manual type of digger will require some muscle and physical effort, especially if the digger gets stuck in clay-based soil, so if you have back, arm or shoulder problems, you might want to consider an automatic digger.
Automatic: Post Hole Diggers
An automatic post hole digger is specially designed for heavy-duty digging in challenging soil or terrain conditions like hard, rocky soil and soil that has tree roots and will help you to get all of your digging chores done quickly and with minimal effort. If you plan to do a lot of digging projects that require lots of post holes, especially holes that need to be deeper or larger in width, for erecting a new fence around your property, you need an automatic post hole digger.
Automatic diggers are also called augers, which is named after their special blade or bit that curls around a single central shaft and rotates as it digs into the ground.
There are two types of automatic post hole diggers or augers: gas-powered or electric.
Gas-powered Post Hole Diggers
A gas-powered post hole digger/auger is also referred to as a one-man auger as this type of digger can usually be operated by one person. These extremely powerful machines are made out of high-grade steel that is very durable and rust-free, so they are the perfect choice for working in tough outdoor conditions.
Electric Post Hole Diggers
If you prefer a mess and fume-free approach to hole digging but still want that powerful performance, an electric post hole digger is a very good choice. Even though you have to stay close to a power source or use a special heavy-duty power cord, an electric digger, like the Goplus Post Hole Digger, has unlimited power so it is ideal for digging into rocky soil and even ice.
Engines
Most automatic hole diggers have either a 2 or 2.5 horsepower engine or 1200W/110V motor for an electric model, which can produce a maximum of 250 RPM and loads of rotating torque. With this much power and centrifugal force, the digger will be able to move a lot of earth quickly and has the ability to make a lot of holes in a short amount of time.
Drill Bit
A quality manual or automatic post hole digger should have blades or a bit that is made out of high-grade durable carbon steel, which gives it that extra strength for digging into the hard ground and create the holes you need. As opposed to manual diggers, an automatic digger may come with interchangeable 4, 6, 8 or 12- inch auger blades, so you will have a lot of digging versatility.
Diameter of the drill bit
If you are considering a gas-powered auger, the diameter or spread of the drill bit is very important as it will determine the final size of the hole. The diameter size of the bit will range from 2-10 inches, but this will also depend on the diameter of the poles or posts that you want to insert into the ground.
Depth Capacity
Most one-person post hole diggers/augers can create holes with a depth capacity up to 4-feet and sometimes 5 feet deep which means they are especially useful for installing 4×4 posts for fences.
Weight
Even though automatic diggers are built for hard work, most models are quite lightweight which makes them easy to maneuver and you can carry one around your property or garden.
Automatic post hole diggers are designed to be operated by one person, but you may need an extra person to control the machine in very challenging terrain. Gas-powered diggers also emit fumes and can be noisy, so you may need to wear face protection.
Handles
As automatic augers have a lot of power and may cause vibrations, they should have strong and sturdy handles that provide a good firm grip. If you are going to be working for long periods, consider the Earthquake digger which has anti-vibration foam grip 16-inch handles that are designed to reduce fatigue.
Best Post Hole Digger Reviews
Manual Post Hole Diggers
1. Bully Tools 14-Gauge 7-Inch Post Hole Digger
If you have small to medium-duty digging jobs to do in soft loam soil or even clay-based earth, the Bully Tools Post Hole Digger is a great choice. Founded in 1994, Bully Tools have been proudly manufacturing 100% American made high-quality lawn-, garden-, and farm tools, so you can expect a well-made post hole digger that will meet the demands of most digging tasks.
The commercial grade post hole digger has two durable wood reinforced heavy-duty fiberglass handles with a triple wall construction which means they are built to last, and the digger's 47-inch extra long handle is designed to reduce strain on your back and increase that much-needed leverage when you need to work in tough outdoor conditions.
Whether you’re farming, landscaping or gardening, the digger has strong and sharp 7-inch blades that are made of high-quality 14-gauge steel that can break through the densely-packed soil, which makes this post hole digger the ideal tool for quickly digging 3 foot deep holes for fence posts, plants and other digging applications.
For long-term operator peace of mind, The Bully Tools post hole digger is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Ideal for digging holes for fence posts, plants, and other digging applications
- Can be used in clay soil
- Can dig 3 or 4-feet holes
- Has the capacity to dig holes quickly
- 100% Made in the USA
- Commercial grade
- Durable construction
- Extra thick 14-gauge steel blades
- High strength wood reinforced fiberglass handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty rocky soil
2. The AMES Companies, Inc. 1715100 Jackson Dig EZ Post Hole Digger
If you are looking for a manually-operated post hole digger that can churn through rock and clay-based soil, the AMES Companies, Inc. Jackson Dig EZ Post Hole Digger is designed with a work-horse mentality and will do all of the hard work for you. A top quality digging tool, the Jackson Dig EZ Post Hole Digger lives up to its name as it will make all types of digging jobs, like digging post holes for mailboxes, fences, and flowers, quick and easy.
The industrial-style, extra-long 60-inch post hole digger features an innovative design with specially shaped bright blue handles that protect any knuckle collision while you maneuver the digger in the soil, and the handle's travel distance is very ergonomically friendly as it is 40% less than that of standard post hole diggers. The handle's fiberglass construction allows you to get a good firm grip and provides ultimate core strength and durability, which is what you need for demanding outdoor gardening or maintenance chores.
For maximum soil penetration in the tough soil, the digger has a beveled steel carbon head with a 6.21-inch spread and pointed tempered blades that can help you dig precise 2-3.5 feet holes with minimal effort.
Acme offers a 90-day return policy and a limited lifetime warranty on their top quality post hole digger.
Pros
- Top quality
- Industrial style post hole digger
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for rocky, clay-based soil
- Beveled steel carbon head has a 6.21-Inch spread
- Innovative handle design eliminates knuckle collision
- Strong and durable fiberglass construction
- Pointed, tempered blades for maximum soil penetration
- 40% less handle travel distance
- Can dig precise 2×3.5 feet holes
- 90-day return policy
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Not ideal for hard-packed rocky soil
3. Seymour Structron Hercules PD48 Post Hole Digger
Just like its name, The Seymour Structron Hercules Digger is strong and sturdy and as it is built for maximum strength and durability, this powerful post hole digging tool is a great choice for all types of home-based, industrial and commercial applications. Whether you have a lot of fence posts to erect on your property, need to re-organize your garden, or you need a solid digger for a construction site, The Seymour Structron Hercules post hole heavy-duty digger is an excellent choice.
The Seymour post hole digger's 48-inch fiberglass handle with a fiberglass core insert, which reinforces the connection to the head, which is the greatest stress point during the digging process, and the cushioned vinyl grip provides better grip and comfort.
This digger has a wide 6-1/4-inch point spread for good sized holes and it is easy to manage and gives you good maneuverability in tough soil conditions, but it may require a little more effort and attention to dig a precise hole. The metal blades are very sharp and will not have any trouble penetrating into clay-based or rocky soil.
Pros
- Designed for frequent, heavy-duty, professional use
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for home-based, industrial and commercial use
- Well-made
- Solid and durable
- Very sharp blades that can dig into clay-based and rocky soil
- Fiberglass handle with fiberglass core insert for added strength
- Cushioned grip for better grip and greater comfort
- 6-1/4-inch point spread
Cons
- The wider point spread makes it hard to get a precise hole
- Heavy
- Does not capture a lot of dirt
Gas-powered
4. XtremepowerUS V-Type 63CC 2 Stroke Gas Post Hole Digger One Man Auger
If you have a lot of heavy-duty digging tasks like installing a fence on your property, the XtremepowerUS V-Type 63CC Post Hole Digger One Man Auger is one powerful beast of a digger and with a fast and dependable performance, it will be worth every cent you spend on this dynamo digger.
Whatever type of soil you have to dig into, soft, sandy, clay-based or rocky soil, this awesome digger is your number one go-to digging tool for installing fence posts, decks, planting trees and shrubs, and even ice fishing.
The post hole digger is powered by a 2-cycle, single-cylinder, 2.5HP gasoline engine, which is strong and reliable, and as it is forced air-cooled, it will not overheat when you have to use it for tougher digging jobs. Although it is designed for demanding digging applications, the digger is still lightweight and the electric ignition which is located on the handle for quick and easy access will help you to start the machine and the engine generates plenty of torque to dig deep and quickly.
You will need to use 2-Cycle oil with a gasoline mixing ratio of 1:25 for the 1.45-liter gas tank. The digger comes with a sharp auger bit that has a length of 8-inches that can dig 3-feet deep holes and it has double reduction digging speed gears which are perfectly suited for heavy-duty digging.
The handles are very sturdy and give you that much-needed need grip as the digger bores into the ground. The post hole digger is also compatible with a 12-inch auger bit that can create holes that have a depth of 4 feet.
The XtremepowerUS post hole digger is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Very good value for money
- High digging performance
- Very powerful engine
- Super sharp 8-inch auger bit
- Compatible with a 12-inch auger
- Ideal for all types of soil
- Fast
- Works exceptionally well in rocky soil
- Ideal for erecting fences
- Electronic ignition
- Lightweight
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Can be slow to start
5. Earthquake 43cc 2-Cycle 8-inch Earth Auger Post-Hole Digger
With a high digging performance, the bright red Earthquake Earth Auger Post Hole Digger is one efficient machine and will make any digging task super easy. It is well suited for a one-man operation and it is a fast worker and can dig a couple of good-sized holes very quickly.
If you have challenging digging jobs to do in rocky soil, the gas-powered Earthquake 18×5-inch post hole digger is powered by a strong high-performance Viper 2-cycle 43cc, 2 HP engine, which can turn the bit at a maximum of 250 RPM, so it can move a lot of earth quickly and easily. It has plenty of torque, which makes it very suitable for post digging in tough, rocky soil terrain.
You can expect this machine to last as it has a solid and durable steel construction, and as it is very lightweight at 23lbs, it can be easily operated by one person. It is very comfortable to use as the anti-vibration foam grip 16-inch handles are designed to reduce fatigue, which will enhance your comfort for tough working conditions.
For a smooth working performance, the alloy gears are made from solid steel and are heat-treated for extra durability. The 36-inch earth auger has a replaceable spring and bit and the smooth 7/8-inch shaft works with other Earthquake augers.
You will need to mix the gas with oil, but the 25-gallon gas tank is translucent which allows you to see when you are running low on fuel.
The Earthquake post hole digger is covered by a 1-year limited warranty and the engine is covered by a 2-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Outstanding quality
- Great value for money
- Solid and durable steel construction
- Powerful, efficient performance
- Can move earth quickly and easily
- Plenty of engine torque for post hole digging
- Solid steel, heat-treated alloy gears are built for lasting use
- Anti-vibration foam grip handles reduce fatigue
- Works with all Earthquake augers
- CARB compliant
- 1-year limited warranty
- Engine covered by a 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Low in height
Electric
6. Goplus 1200W Electric 110V 1.6HP Post Hole Digger
If you do not want to mess around with gasoline, consider the Goplus Post Hole Digger. It harnesses the power of electricity, which gives this machine a lot of energy for long periods of digging in one area. Whether you need to dig 4 x 4-inch fence holes, post holes for a deck, planting trees, or even cut holes for ice fishing, the Goplus digger offers you a lot of digging versatility and can cut a lot of holes quickly, and as it comes at an affordable price, it is great value for money.
The Goplus has a strong 1200W/110V motor that churns out 200 RPM will no load and a power consumption of 10.9 AMP capacity. For challenging digging jobs, its strong steel 4-inch auger has the capacity to drill into rocky soil and has a drilling depth of 560mm/22-inches and it can clear a lot of dirt. You can also order an 8-inch auger blade for digging deeper holes.
At 26.8lbs, the post hole digger is very lightweight for a one-man operation and it is very easy to start, and even though it has a compact size, it is very solid and sturdy and can be easily positioned on all types of terrain. The machine may come to an abrupt stop and halt when it hits tree roots, so it is a good idea to check the soil or terrain before you start to dig any holes. The post hole digger comes with 1 auger bit, 1 hex spanner, and a manual.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Very affordable
- Loads of energy and power
- Solid and sturdy
- Lightweight
- Easy to start
- Strong engine
- Sharp auger bit
- Fast operation
- Compatible with an 8-inch auger
Cons
- Can come to an abrupt stop and halt when it hits tree roots
- No reverse switch
- Needs to be close to an electric outlet
Our Top Pick for the Best Post Hole Digger
Our top pick for the best post hole diggers is the Earthquake 43cc 2-Cycle, 8-inch Earth Auger Post-Hole Digger. If you have a new fence to erect on your property or a lot of trees to plant, the Earthquake has the digging and earthmoving power that you need and it is a fast worker. With a high-performance motor, plenty of torque, a durable steel construction, and special ergonomic handles, this superbly crafted digging machine is a must-have tool for all sorts of digging applications.
The post 6 Best Post Hole Digger Reviews: Manual, Gas and Electric appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.
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