11 · Lawn & Garden

Post Hole Digger

Also called Earth auger · Power auger · One-man auger · Posthole digger

Digs deep, narrow holes for fence posts, deck posts, signs and tree planting.

2-stroke petrol

Sizes & models we rent

Show all models
4" auger6" auger8" auger12" auger18" augerLargest two-man augerHydraulic towableTowed behind a vehicle, for many holes

Selected model

Post Hole Digger · Hydraulic towable

Towed behind a vehicle, for many holes

View the Hydraulic towable in the catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

A post hole digger is an engine-driven auger: a screw bit that turns into the ground and carries the spoil up out of the hole, leaving clean straight sides instead of the cone you get with a spade.

We rent bits from 4 in up to 18 in, the largest being a two-man auger, plus a hydraulic towable unit for jobs with a lot of holes to get through.

Fence posts, deck, mailbox and sign posts, flagpoles and trellises, and planting trees and shrubs are the usual reasons.

Hold on with both hands and a wide stance. If the bit catches a root or a rock the bit stops and the handles try to keep turning. Lift it out every few inches to clear the spoil rather than driving straight down.

Best uses

  • Fence posts
  • Deck, mailbox and sign posts
  • Planting trees and shrubs
  • Flagpoles, trellises and light posts

Troubleshooting

Bit binds, stalls or kicks

Checks to try, in order

  1. Release the throttle immediately.
  2. Lift the bit slightly and let it clear, then feed down more gently.
  3. For roots or rocks, clear the obstruction by hand with the engine off.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Bit won't bite into hard ground

Checks to try, in order

  1. Soak very dry ground with water and try again later.
  2. Worn cutting teeth or a worn point need replacing.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Engine won't startShared · 2-stroke petrol

Likely causes

  • Wrong fuel mix
  • Flooded engine
  • Stop switch
  • Fouled spark plug

Checks to try, in order

  1. Confirm the fuel is 2-stroke mix (petrol with 2-stroke oil at the ratio on the tool's label). Straight petrol will seize the engine.
  2. Set the stop switch to RUN.
  3. Press the primer bulb until fuel is visible, then set the choke for a cold start.
  4. After the first 'pop', move the choke to half/off and pull again.
  5. If it's flooded (strong fuel smell): choke off, throttle fully open, pull several times to clear it.

If there's no compression or the rope won't pull, return it to the workshop — don't keep pulling.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Lacks power, bogs down or smokes heavilyShared · 2-stroke petrol

Likely causes

  • Dirty air filter
  • Incorrect fuel mix
  • Blocked spark arrestor screen

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the air filter and clean it if dusty.
  2. Too much oil in the mix causes heavy smoke — drain and refill with correctly mixed fuel.
  3. Let the tool do the cutting — forcing it bogs the engine down.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Call for utility locates before you dig.
  • Keep your body out of the handle's swing path in case the bit catches.

For 2-stroke petrol

  • Refuel with the engine off and cool, away from where you'll start the tool.
  • Wear eye, ear and hand protection, and cut-resistant gear where the tool calls for it.
  • Keep bystanders well clear of the cutting area.

Videos & links

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