Last Updated on June 9, 2023 by Georgie Smith
If you need to install a new deck, a fence, set up a mailbox and planting trees, you need to have a post digger. These are excellent tools for all types of burrowing applications. The best Post Hole Digger helps create the right sized holes so that you can quickly complete your gardening projects.
You can either operate the post digger manually or automatically. It has a solid metal head that has two blades for drilling. The blades get into the soil and loosen it and make the holes you need to erect the fence posts.
See Also:
- Best Garden Fork: Digging Fork vs. Spading Fork vs. Border Folk (2023 Reviews)
- Best Folding Shovels: 2023 Unbiased Reviews (Top Picks) and Guide
- Best Demolition Hammers for Tile Removal/Digging: 2023 Reviews and Guide
It is a tool that is precise and powerful, and that will make the work easier. All your digging tasks get done faster and more accurately. Choosing an auger is not easy. There are numerous types and options available. This best Post Hole Digger for rocky soil review ensures that you will make the right decision.
Top 7 Best Post Hole Diggers for Rocky Soil
| Picture | Product Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
 | XtremepowerUS V-Type 55CC 2 Stroke Gas Post Hole Digger | – 2-stroke, air cooled engine – 2.5ft deep – 6”bit |
 | XtremepowerUS 43cc Gas Posthole Digger | – 280 RMP maximum speed – 2-cycle, 43cc engine – Anti-vibration handle |
 | – Electronic ignition – High-capacity tank – 63CC 2 Stroke – 2.5HP/2200KW/ 7500 R.P.M | – 183RPM rotation speed – 63cc, 2-stroke engine – 4″ Bit |
 | V-Type 63CC 2 Stroke Gas Post Hole Digger | – Electronic ignition – High capacity tank – 63CC 2 Stroke – 2.5HP/2200KW/ 7500 R.P.M |
 | XtremepowerUS 1200W 1.6HP Electric Post Hole Digger | – Electronic ignition – 200RPM rotation speed – 1.6HP; RPM 200 – 10.9AMP |
 | Southland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger with 43cc | – Manual recoil start – Solid steel construction – 3cc, 2 Cycle – Full Crankshaft Engine |
 | Titan 30HP HD Steel Fence Posthole Digger | – Safety shields gearbox – High-speed rotation – Gearbox rate: 2.92:1 |
XtremepowerUS V-Type 55CC 2 Stroke Gas Post Hole Digger One Man Auger
With this xtremepower gas post hole digger, no ground will be too hard for you to penetrate. This tool operates with high power to ensure that you dig numerous holes within a short period. Additionally, this tool will provide that the hole-digging work is easy due to its high-power mechanism.
Unlike when using manual power, this gas tool will guarantee that you cover a wide range and still save your personal energy. The powerful drilling ability allows you comfortable penetration even in harsh soil conditions.
It is lightweight, so it is portable. Therefore, you can take this product with you to places where the job is comfortable. It has an easy-to-use design to ensure you do not waste time trying to figure out how it operates. The tool has a convenient tank that will stock enough gas to complete the job effortlessly. The handle is ergonomic and feels comfortable on your hands.
With this tool, you are sure to make standard holes for uniform planting. You can also use this tool for installing fence posts or planting trees.
Pros
- Easy to start
- Lightweight design for portability
- Convenient for all types of hole digging
Cons
- Does not have replacement parts on the market
Buy from Amazon
XtremepowerUS 43cc Gas Posthole Digger One Man Auger w/ 8″ Bit
Drilling holes can be messy; it can be trickier if you use the wrong instrument to do the job. However, this job can be as exciting as any other as long as you get the right tools. With this one man auger posthole digger, you will enjoy taking the job to the next level. It has convenient handles on both sides to ensure you have a perfect grip even when the machine is running.
The translucent oil tank gives you the privilege of directly monitoring the oil as you work. Therefore, you will not run out of gas while in the middle of work without your knowledge. When working on soft soil, the machine operates with high power to ensure you use minimum time possible. It has an easy to use design with the on/off button right at the handle.
Also, the speed adjusting button is on the handle for convenience of use. This machine comes in parts, however, assembling it is easy. It takes few minutes to set it up and once assembled, it does an excellent job.
Pros
- Durable material construction
- Comes with a manual
- Lightweight design
- Easy to start
Cons
- It needs to be warm for it to work perfectly
Buy from Amazon
XtremepowerUS 2 Man 63CC 2 Stroke Planting Gas Post Hole Digger
Having trouble with attending to your job due to lack of suitable machine? Relax, xtremepowerUS have you and ease of digging in mind. Stroke planting gas posthole digger will help you work like a pro in all your outdoor activities. It is suitable for installing a fence, planting trees as well as any other massive holes.
The machine provides you with high rotation speed to ensure minimum working time. It has a convenient engine that guarantees the device is active and easy to use. The air cooler keeps the machine in a safe and sound working condition.
The 4” bit size gives you a convenient and uniform hole size, which is suitable for all types of use. It has a transparent oil tank, therefore making it easy for you to monitor the oil as you progress.
Pros
- High-speed rotation
- Quality material construction
- Easy to start
- Convenient for all-time use
- Ideal for fence installation posts
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Buy from Amazon
V-Type 63CC 2 Stroke Gas Post Hole Digger One Man Auger With 8″ Auger Bit
Stop wondering around thinking of how you can make even holes in a fence around your compound and try this dependable machine. It has what it takes to give you quality and reliable results effortlessly. This machine has a top quality design, which guarantees you longevity even with every time use.
It has a start button that makes it easy for you to start. However, in case the start button fails, you still can ignite the machine and get it to work. It has a high-speed rotation to ensure it only takes you a few minutes to get the job done. This tool has high power and will work perfectly on any soil regardless of how soft or hard it is.
With this item at hand, you will quickly see how you can get your ground-digging jobs finished with little trouble. The bit is at least 8” wide and 28” long. It is an ideal size for not only planting trees but installing fence posts.
The width and length will ensure your fence is secure and stable to last longer. The tank holds a capacity of 1.45l, and this will keep the machine running for a considerable period. Additionally, it is transparent, which gives you a natural ability to monitor how the fuel is burning.
Pros
- Electronic ignition
- Convenient tank capacity
- High-speed rotation
- Ideal bit length
- Comfortable handles
Cons
- Highly expensive compared to others
Buy from Amazon
XtremepowerUS 1200W 1.6HP Electric Post Hole Digger w/ 4″ Auger Bits
It is not easy digging enough holes to set up fence posts, plant shrubs, and trees, install decks, ice fishing and any other holes for home improvement. Doing all this work manually will take you more than a day or two especially if you are doing it all alone.
However, with an accurate tool at hand, this will only take you a few hours. It is even easy for you to dig more than enough holes as the tool will make the work enjoyable and straightforward. Therefore, instead of using the same traditional method, why not invest in this competent product?
It has a lightweight design, which guarantees portability and efficiency of use. The machine has an easy-to-start quick ignition with the help of a button. It features top-quality material construction to ensure the durability and stability of the device.
This electric post-hole digger is easy to clean and does to occupy excess space in storage, therefore, with it in your arsenal; it will be easy to use and store without rearranging all you have in your storage space.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Highly portable
- Durable construction
- Drills through tough soil conditions
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Clutch slips over any obstacles as you drill
Buy from Amazon
Southland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger with 43cc
Are you on a mission of installing a fence but you are not sure which tools will help you do the job right? Southland one-man earth auger is the direction to follow. It has ergonomic butterfly handles that are comfortable and will protect your hands from blisters and other forms of injuries. With this tool, you can easily penetrate through the soil to the depth you require.
The instrument has an easy-to-start design to ensure smooth operations. The product has a heavy-duty material construction for durability and stability. This material guarantees you that you can use it anywhere and still achieve the same excellent results.
Additionally, the material is lightweight for the comfortable and convenient portability of the machine. It comes with a 2-year warranty against material and mechanical defects. This warranty gives you the freedom of using the auger comfortably under various circumstances.
Pros
- Ergonomic butterfly handle
- Heavy-duty construction material
- 2-year warranty
- Penetrates through tough soil
Cons
- Not suitable for hard, dry clay soil
Buy from Amazon
Titan 30HP HD Steel Fence Posthole Digger
For reasonable home construction and digging jobs, you will require more than one tool. All these tools work together to ensure the results are a success. Additionally, the different working tools give you preference in your work. Maintaining all your equipment at no extra cost is manageable. The best thing about this Titan posthole digger is that you can integrate it with other machines.
It drills with high speed, which allows you to cover a wide range within a short period. The digger has convenient bit sizes that pierce up to 24” depth. Therefore, you are sure you will get the right holes to secure even the tallest poles on your fence. Additionally, the size will guarantee the roots of the trees you are planting will be firm to hold whatever height it will reach.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Heavy-duty construction material
- Ideal for digging through tough soil
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Compared to other augers on the market, It is slightly expensive
Buy from Amazon
Factors to Consider Before Buying
Type of pole hole diggers
One of the first things you need to think about is the type of digger you need for your tasks. While some diggers are excellent, they may not work well for rocky soil.
Manual
Manual hole diggers are fantastic for people who do not mind using a little muscle to get the perfect hole. If your ground is extremely rocky, these may not be the best choice. However, they are great if you want to plant a small tree or are extending your irrigation trenches it will work great for your needs.
They have a pair of curved blades on two handles that you push to the soil. The curved blades will then cut down into the earth. The handles are pulled outwards and take a deep bite off the ground. It then lifts the soil, and you can pull it out.
Gas Diggers
These are perfect for people who need deeper holes, or the ground is too rocky. Gas augers are handheld and are capable of digging the right size and adequate holes. They can dig through even the hardest-packed clay.
Even if you have a fifty-foot fence, your work will be a breeze. The powerful motor makes it great for rocky ground as it quickly removes rocks from the hole.
They are typically made of steel and have a wide range of blade sizes. Most of the augers available on the market can only dig up to three feet. This depth is enough for most home projects.
Electric
These are almost similar to gas augers. Their main difference is the source of fuel. Therefore if you do not like the fumes and smell of kerosene, this is a great option.
If you are close to a power source, these will work better because they also tend to be quieter than other augers. They may, however, be difficult to operate because it may be hard for you to spread power all over your piece of land.
| Gas | Manual | Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Use kerosene for power | Uses muscles and strength to work | Use electricity to work |
| Have powerful motors | Do not have motors | Have excellent motors |
| They tend to be very noisy | Do not produce much noise | Are silent as they work |
| You have to refill them often | Not great for people with back issues | Not great for areas without an outlet |
What Types of Jobs Will You be Doing?
This crucial question is one you must ask yourself before you begin shopping. You have to determine whether you mostly engage in light, medium-duty, or heavy-duty tasks. Light to medium projects such as repairing a small fence and digging a mailbox hole can be done using a manual auger.
However, if you have large-scale projects such as planting trees and installing a new fence, you need a tool that is agile and powerful. The type of terrain you will be working on will also determine how sturdy your digger should be.
Manual diggers can dig holes that are up to 4 feet deep. However, they only work best with soft and loose soil. People who will be working on rocky soil need electric or gas augers.
The Handles
You also need to consider the size of the handles. Handles allow you to get leverage on the maneuverability of the digger in the soil. Manual diggers have handles that are 47-60 inches long.
These work well for both short and tall people. Each handle should also be sturdy to give you a firm grip despite the vibrations produced by the digger. The best diggers come with anti-vibration grips which reduce fatigue.
The Weight of the Tools
You need a machine that is lightweight. Remember that you may have to carry it for some time as you work and while you move around. If the terrain is challenging, you may need two people to control the machines. Due to this, you will also need to keep in mind the equipment and the combined weight you will need to work.
Depth
How deep do you need your holes to be? If you need the shafts to be thicker than 4 feet, you will need hardcore, professional augers. However, if you are drilling 4X4 post holes, the standard augers on the market will do the trick.
The Blades
The materials used to make the drill will dictate how fast they work and how durable they are. Most companies use carbon steel which is durable and has extra strength for digging the rocky ground.
Unlike manual diggers, automatic diggers usually have interchangeable 4,6,8, and 12-inch blades, so you have the versatility you need. With the right strength, it will move fast, and you will get your job done in the shortest amount of time possible.
The Motor
The strength of your engine is enough to dig through any material. A motor that has a horsepower of between 2 and 2.5 are often enough to ensure that you get the job done.
How to Easily Dig Holes in Rocky Soil
Digging holes in loose and loamy soil is not always easy. The presence of rocks makes the task drawn out and tiresome. Once the blades come in contact with the stones, your work will be more difficult than just removing shovels of soil.
- Mark the location of the holes. These markings require you to use a spade to dig a pilot hole. That will help the auger tip not to wander off.
- Position the auger in the pilot hole. Newbies may want to start out with a helper whose job will be to keep the machine steady.
- Start out slowly. As the device begins spinning, let it bore into the ground and throttle as needed.
- Pull the throttle up. This action will remove the soil. Jiggle off the dirt and set it next to the hole. You can place the extra soil on a tarp to ensure that the area nearby looks clean.
- Use the extension rod to extend the holes. At the last hole, extract the shear pin and lift the power head off.
- Be careful not to over-dig.
When was Post Hole Diggers Invented?
During the Paleolithic times, there are pieces of evidence that man used shells, teeth, and bones to dig holes. Two methods were used to drill holes during those times. One was using sharp points while the other was grinding the object under the stick and twisting it between one’s palms.
About 2800 years ago, during the Iron Age, they discovered the first auger. This auger was spirally flighted which the blacksmiths made. However, they only made them in large scale in the 19th century.
Care and Maintenance
- Rub your digger with a rag to remove all the debris and dirt
- Never allow the soil to build up as it will stiffen the joints of the machine and make it ineffective
- Oil the moving parts frequently. Also, oil the metallic parts during storage to prevent rust
- Varnish all diggers that have wooden handles to give them extra protection.
- When you are not using the auger, make sure you keep it in a dry place to prevent rusting issues
FAQs:
Q: How sturdy is the drill?
A: Your drill is only as active as the material used to make the blade and the motor. If your engine is not strong enough to handle rocky ground, you may not be able to get any job done.
Q: Can one go beyond 4-5 feet in the ground?
A: Yes. You can always buy extensions that go more in-depth.
Q: How do you know how long your machine will last?
A: The best way to know whether the product you buy will last is to ensure that it has a warranty.
Conclusion
As the market expands, users get more options. You get more brands, more features, and more extremely affordable prices. Even with these incredible options on the market, you need to ensure that you are making the right choices. The best pole hole digger for rocky soil will make your work easier and much faster so that you will not feel as fatigued.
Do you know a couple of people who need to buy augers? Was this article informative for you? If yes, feel free to share it with your friends on social media. Ensure that everyone has the best experience digging holes and that they buy the best post-hole diggers for rocky soil.
