Auger: Buy or rent

[drjay9051]

I'm ready to fence my ten acres here in Ocala area. A post every 8 feet means a lot of holes! I have a 25 HP Kioti tractor. Any thoughts on buying a PTO auger vs renting an auger for the weekend? Has anybody used those hand held augers with the small engine on top? They look like alot of work. Anything beats the post hole digger. Also, if I do not plan on a top board but just fencing can I spread out the posts to say one every 15 or 20 feet?

Thanks for the help.

Jay

 

[ultrarunner]

I had to buy one... none of the CA Rental yards I contacted in the SF Bay Area have small 3 point post hole diggers... only available for Bobcats and such.

I was told it's a liability issue.

 

[paulyny]

I just rented one last week from Home Depot to dig 9 12" holes 4' deep. Since i had no reliable help i opted for a big tow behind model. Machine was brand new and must cost a few thousand bucks. I rented it for $70.00 or so for 24 hours. Had to be about 15 feet long. Worked very well, especially if working solo. It had a honda engine driving a hyd pump. Nice feature was reverse, which i am hand helds dont do. Helped if i got stuck on a root. No worries of ripping your arms off either. I also considered buying a 3 point model for future projects as well. But it didnt make sense for me to own and maintain another piece of equipment for the amount of use. Ten acres (linear)of posts ! If your going to need to rent for the week then you might as well buy one. Best of luck.

 

[radioman]

posts 15-20 ft apart ? that is a little nuts. that is a good way to have alot of repairs coming up in your future. build it right the first time, you spend little if any time on the fence in the future. You will see alot of saggin too.

 

[kennyd]

I think for that amount of holes it would be justified to buy a 3PH model PHD. TSC sells a decent one for $500 or so.

And, keep the post's at 8' !

 

[LBrown59]

Has anybody used those hand held augers with the small engine on top? They look like alot of work.
Jay

Use one and you'll find out u r rite.

Nice feature was reverse, which i am told hand helds dont do. .

Yes thay have reverse.

 

[john_bud]

The 3 pt auger is the least used attachment I own. It will go for years at a stretch sitting. Worth it when it's needed, but a thing in the way 363+ days a year.

jb

 

[MarkV]

Jay I would buy if I were you. You are going to find that to fence 10 acres is more than a weekend of drilling holes. I have used the "augers with the engine on top" and without help they can beat you to death. If you catch a root there better be another person hanging on with you.

MarkV

 

[bigdad]

Curious... If you justify buying a PHD and there are others that need fences or at least the holes dug, what would a guy charge per hole?

 

[afish]

I would keep an eye on craigslist for a used one that way you could buy one and if you find you have no use for it you could resell it and make back most of your money. Its probably cheaper to do it that way instead of renting one.