With so many options on the market, choosing the right auger drive for your machine can seem overwhelming at times. Here are 5 pro tips to make the right purchase every time, no matter the machine or application.
1. Know your machines auxiliary hydraulic flow and PSI
Knowing your machines auxiliary hydraulic flow and PSI will narrow down your options for auger drives that will work well with your machine. The more hydraulic flow you have, the higher RPM you can get and the more PSI you have, the more torque you can get. Most mini skid steers and excavators operate at 10-20 gallons per minute (GPM) and a maximum pressure of 3,000 PSI. When choosing the best auger drive for your machine, it is important to keep in mind that not all will perform the same on your machine as they will all have different gear ratios and motor sizes to allow for maximum performance in different brands and models. It is always best to look at the specifications of the various auger drives to see how they will perform based on the hydraulic specifications of your machine. If you’re ever in doubt, always be sure to ask an experienced dealer and they can narrow down your options based on the machine you have and its auxiliary hydraulic flow and PSI.
2. Know the ground conditions in which you will be operating
The ground conditions you will be operating in are a crucial deciding factor, as downhole diggers/auger drives are built with different flow and pressure specifications to suit different ground conditions. For example, hard terrain and rocky conditions will require a higher torque, lower speed model (higher PSI, lower flow), while soft ground conditions would require a higher speed, lower torque model (high flow, low PSI).
3. Learn what mounting options are available and which will work best for you
With all these different auger units, the mounting options can seem endless at times, but there are a few critical things to consider when selecting the best auger stand for you. First, you need to know which machine you will be using the auger drive on. Second, you’ll need to consider how much control and adaptability you’ll need. Third, you should look at the amount of reach you will need, especially if you will be using extensions for applications such as shoring.
There are excavator mounts, backhoe mounts, telehandler mounts, miniature mounts, and truck crane mounts. Excavator and backhoe mounts are very similar – quick attach or direct attach options are available for both. Quick attach options will allow you to remove the auger faster and switch between other attachments without removing the pins, while the attach option will attach directly to the machine post and require more work to remove. Fastening options are usually cheaper, but the convenience of a quick coupler should be considered. Miniature stands come in a variety of configurations to accommodate both mini and full size models. Mini-skid steers most commonly come with a gimble mount and mini-skid steers usually use a 4-way swing mount with a cradle. Along with these options, there are side shift and extension supports to allow for more flexibility. The telehandler mounts come in a variety of configurations and are very similar to the miniature mounts, but the telescoping mount is usually not necessary as it can be done with the telehandler boom. A variety of truck crane auger mounts are also available with 2-way swing, 4-way swing and cradles. The common piece in all these mounts is the direction of the swing – the 2-way swing will only allow forward and backward movement, but the 4-way swing/Gimble mount will allow 4-way movement, which is great for drill in uneven terrain.
You need to consider your application to find a solution that allows you maximum flexibility while being aware of how each option differs in price. Check with a dealer or manufacturer to make sure you are familiar with each mounting solution and the possible custom options available if needed.
4. Choose the right auger bits
Auger bits can be selected based on the diameter and depth you will be drilling along with the soil conditions you will be dealing with most often. The four most common types of auger bars include, soil augers, combination soil/rock augers, dedicated rock augers, and tree planting augers. All of these types are available in a variety of diameters to best suit your application, but the size of the auger drive must also be considered. For example, miniature auger drives for machines such as a Toro Dingo will not work well with auger bits larger than 24 inches because the torque required to drill with that bit diameter exceeds the drive torque specifications of the auger The main difference in the dirt, dirt/rock combo, and dedicated rock augers are the driver and tines. The teeth are the ones that will require the most wear and therefore must be selected carefully to avoid downtime and unnecessary repairs to auger bits.
5. application
Whether you’re drilling fence post holes in soft ground or drilling hard rock for shoring, there’s an auger drive that will achieve optimum performance in your specific application. The type of soil you will be drilling in most often will determine the required torque of the auger drive, as well as the types of auger bits you will use, taking into account the specifications of your machine. For example, if you are drilling fence post holes in a soft soil type, your best choice would be a low torque model that will increase your drilling speed and job completion time. How much use your auger unit will get is another thing to consider, as there are heavy duty and light duty gearboxes on auger units that will perform better for different periods of time. For day-to-day commercial use, we strongly recommend that you choose a heavy-duty auger drive with good torque to withstand a variety of working conditions without breaking. Consult your local dealer if you are ever in doubt as to which option works best for your specific needs.
By keeping these 5 points in mind, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about which auger unit to use and which option will give you the trouble-free drilling experience you need. A good quality accessory can add tremendous value to your machine and increase your productivity on the jobsite, saving you time and money on labor. With some of our tips and tricks, along with a little research on your machine, you can go into the season confident in your equipment and its abilities to get the job done on time every time.
