Posthole Digger Post Hole Digger -- What Auger Size?

[QueBota]

Picking up a new Leinbach L7400 PHD on Friday and have the choice of 9" or 12" auger. Generally speaking which one would be better. Does it make sense to have both?

Initally I will be using it to install approx. 1000' of split rail fence and about 40 deck piers. Also will be planting quite a few small shrubs and trees this fall.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Nasty135]

dpdee, Hi there neighbor.. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'm in dunkirk, Well for my 2 cents... I think it would be easier to fill in a hole that didn't have to be so big, than it would be to scrape the walls of a too small hole to make it big enough.

 

[KenVT]

As a rule, it is better to disturb the least amount of soil possible, your post will be more sturdy that way, Because the soil around it is more compact, and a smaller hole is easier to fill. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif But, for your deck Piers, you may need the 12" for the Concrete forms/Tubes

I currently have a Shaver Post Driver hooked up to my tractor, after 2 days of nuisance issues after the initial hookup, 1st was a blown hose spaying hydraulic fliud all over my face and my 2 vehicles, I now hope to try slamming a few in... soon as I get a new hose, and I shouldn't have to fill any holes after, but there is a lot of ledge around...

Wish me luck
Ken

 

[Gatorboy]

I guess it depends on how big of posts you are putting in. I would recommend a 9" auger for the fence posts -- no need to tamp all that extra dirt around 4" posts.

Trees, well, what is the size of the root ball? That will dictate the size of the hole you will need. If you don't have that many small shrubs to plant, you could always use a shovel, and save the cost of buying a bigger auger bit. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Nasty135]

OK ,I guess I should qualify my reasoning , If I could only get one it would be the one that I would have the most use for ... If it was for fencing yes the small one ,then if I had to scrape out a few holes to make them larger so be it.. But if I was going to use it more for larger holes then the bigger auger would be nice. But then you may have to tamp more ,Hmmm would you rather scrape or tamp "That is the question"

I agree with the smaller hole for stronger tighter posts but if limited to one ??? You may want a 6" for fencing rather than a 9" and a 12" for other items... Well since I'm spending your money go ahead and get two augers /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Stoneseller]

I bought a Befco 300 PHD, and took a 9" augur when I brought it home. I'm putting 6" x 6" posts in on my current project. The 9" was fine initially, when doing the corner posts & posts along short runs of fence.
I did have a problem keeping my lines nice & straight when I started on long runs of fence, found myself having to trim every 9" hole to get the post exactly where I wanted it. Now I own a 12" also, and it makes the job way easier. The 12" has also come in quite handy for breaking the ground in some new flower beds I made up for my DW.

 

[KenVT]

Not to change the subject,

Gatorboy.......Why is your head blue? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif


Ken

 

[755inNY]

Only 1! Well that just ain't right. I have both a 9" and 12" auger.

The 9" works best for 6" round or 4x4 posts.
The 12" is needed for 6x6 posts.

If your need to dig holes for shrubs, you can always use the 9" auger and drill 3 holes close together in a triangular pattern. Then dig out the center by hand.

Shrubs like bigger holes. Fence post don't. Having more loose soil around a post is not a good thing.

Jeff

 

[OkeeDon]

I recently bought a Leinbach from Corriher in NC. It came with a 9" auger. Their price was so good I just went ahead and bought the 6" and the 12" auguers at the same time. I haven't used it yet, but I plan to use the 6" auger on the 3" round posts for a wire fence, the 9" auger for the 7" round posts for corners, etc., and the 12" auger for landscaping.

 

[QueBota]

Thanks for all the input guys, I picked it up on Friday and went with the 9" auger. Seems like it will be the best all around auger size until I come up with some cash for the 12", although I might buy the 14" instead.

If we can get a day below 90° I am going to get started on my fence work.

Thanks,
Dave