Digging through soil is a backbreaking and time-consuming task when done by hand. Traditional tools such as picks and shovels can do the job; but it gets tougher as the hole gets deeper and particularly when the diameter of the hole is small, such as the ones used for fence posts. For faster drilling, an auger drill is a better choice of equipment for the job.
So what is an auger? It is a machine that can move material from one point to another by means of a rotating spiraling screw that is called a “flighting.” As it rotates, the materials are dragged along the shaft of the screw as it turns, moving in one uniform direction. It is used for a wide variety of applications including moving lose materials such as grain and rocks as well as liquids. One of its most common uses is for earth-boring operations.
Although this piece of equipment is made up of several moving parts, the parts that do most of the drilling work are the power head and the helical shaft or “flighting.” During operation, the power head generates the rotating motion. The tip then loosens the soil and the spiraling screw-like cylinder move the dirt up and out of the hole. As it rotates, it creates a straight circular path on the ground. The size of the hole is relative to the diameter.
The use of an auger for any type of drilling operation involves various factors. Listed below are a few factors that should be taken into consideration before beginning such an operation.
Sizes and Types
- Hand Augers – This is one of the smallest types and is usually controlled by one or two operators. It frequently takes two operators to drive the hand variety because it requires sufficient force to resist its twisting motion. They are suitable for drilling small diameter holes roughly around 6 to 12 inches in diameter. This is the type that is used for fencing. They are usually powered by a small gas motor or an electric motor.
- Hydraulic Augers – For heavy drilling operations, the hydraulic version is best suited for the job. It is used as an attachment on heavy equipment such as skid steers, tractors and backhoes. Its parts are similar to the hand variety but with larger proportions, and the power head utilizes a hydraulic system for rotating. For heavy-duty digging, the diameter can go up to 30 inches.
Speed and Torque
Another important thing to consider when choosing an auger is the power head’s speed and torque. For small diameter drilling operations, a high-speed power head can be used. This means the equipment can
diameter drilling, a high torque power head should be used. Although high-speed power heads have a low rpm, they also apply a higher amount of force per rotation making them suitable on compact types of soil.
To dig holes that are beyond the length of the machine, an extension can be used to customize it to certain lengths. An extension is an important add-on if the projects destined for this equipment are for things such the deep drilling required for wells.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing this piece of equipment, it is important that the specifications match the job requirements in order to complete the job safely and accurately. These are some of the important things to consider when choosing a suitable used auger for the job.
Christopher Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. If you are interested in learning more about Used Augers, go to the link shown here.
