Set fence posts or deck supports with a rented post hole digger.
To meet every need and budget, rental stores offer a variety of options for digging holes. They rent everything from manual post hole diggers for small backyard projects to the auger attachments for skid steer loaders needed to complete big, construction jobs. Your ARA-affiliated rental store professional can help you make the correct auger rental choice.
- One-man or two-man hand-held post hole auger. Rent a two-man post hole auger for digging larger holes than a one-man post hole auger can dig. One-man augers typically dig holes with diameters of 8 inches or less, whereas two-man post hole augers often dig holes as wide as 18 inches across. Either auger type usually can dig holes as deep as 3 feet. Given their capabilities, the one-man augers handle the light-duty digging projects and the higher torque, two-man augers, the more heavy-duty projects.
- One-man portable post hole auger. This type of post hole auger rental has digging capabilities similar to a two-man hand-held post hole auger, except one person can operate it because the engine rides on a small, wheeled cart instead of on the top of the auger. This configuration makes the auger light enough for one person to handle.
- One-man towable post hole auger. Towable post hole auger rentals take about the same size bits as the portable post hole diggers do. The two augers differ in that you can use a vehicle to tow a towable auger directly to the site where you will use it. In addition, a towable auger often has a hydraulic system.
- Auger attachments. Many skid steer loaders and utility tractors have compatible auger attachments. Rent the correct auger attachment for your equipment, attach it in minutes and then dig holes as large as 36 inches wide.
- Auger drill. When digging smaller holes less than 2 feet deep, an auger drill might suffice. Rent an auger drill when you need to dig holes for planting many flowers at once or to fertilize a planted tree. Some gas-powered auger drills feature variable-speed drilling, as well as forward and reverse operation.
- Manual post hole digger. Even when using a power auger, it usually makes sense to have a manual post hole digger on hand for final touches. Although relatively inexpensive to buy, some people prefer renting this item to buying it to avoid having to store it after use.
- Auger accessories. Make sure to rent the appropriate auger bits, bit extensions, digging bar and other accessories that you will need to complete your project successfully.
Benefits of post hole diggers and augers
Anyone who has dug a post hole manually, pinching one clump of dirt at a time, probably has thought, “There must be a better way.” Advantages include:
- Multiple applications. Dig holes for fence posts, deck footings, tree or bush plantings, ice fishing and sign posts.
- Less time and effort. Save time and effort by switching from manually digging to using a powered post hole auger, which commonly digs a 3-foot hole in less than a minute.
Best practices
Using a rented, power post hole auger takes some strength and instruction. Before you use this equipment, please review the tips below and read all manufacturer warnings and instructions. Your local, ARA-affiliated rental store professional can provide you with complete instructions. Some rental stores offer how-to video instructions for information on using the equipment safely and effectively.
- Read all manufacturer warnings and instructions prior to using a rented post hole auger.
- Follow safe lifting practices when loading and unloading a post hole auger.
- Secure rented post hole auger for transport.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can catch on the rented post hole auger during use.
- Keep onlookers away from the jobsite while operating the rented auger.
- Mark the areas where you will dig the holes.
- Before you dig, call 811 — the national “Call Before You Dig” phone number — to notify utility companies of your digging plans, so that they can send out a locator to mark underground lines for free. You must wait a few days after calling before digging. The exact time requirements for waiting vary by state.
- Check and, if needed, service fluid levels in rented gas-powered augers.
- Allow your leg to rest on rented post hole auger’s leg pad to stabilize auger.
- First, use the rented post hole auger to drill the hole as deeply as you can without an extension. Then, add the extension if you need to dig deeper.
- After digging one third of the hole, lift the rented post hole auger to free it of dirt, but never remove it from the hole while it is running.
- If the rented, power post hole auger gets jammed, operate it in reverse to free it.
Contact your local, ARA-affiliated, rental store for information on available rental products and services to meet your auger needs. To locate the rental store nearest you, use the Rental Store Quick Locator above.
Lawn & Garden Rentals: Post Hole Digger, Stump Grinder, Aerator, Log Splitter, Dethatcher, Skid Steer, Wood Chipper