Skid Steer Augers / Bits

An auger is a device that is used to drill holes or dig down into a variety of different materials like rock, sand, dirt, ice, and Wood. The auger is made up of a long spiral-shaped bit that is turned by a drive unit fixed to a shaft. The bit pulls the material up and out of the hole, but at the same time cuts into it as the auger turns each time it goes down. It's common for augers to be used for tasks that include drilling post holes, planting trees, sampling soil, and extracting minerals in the drilling, farming, gardening, and building industries.

Finding the right auger attachment that suits your needs requires being aware of the possibilities for making a purchase. A typical skid steer auger attachment consists of three basic parts, of which the auger bit is only one. Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of each of the main components that make up an auger attachment.

Mounting Frames

It's critical that you select the correct mounting frame based on your needs. Most of this depends on the landscape you will be drilling into, take this into account before selecting the mounting frame for your auger.

• Standard Auger Mounting Frames: These are traditional quick attach auger mounts. While simple, they may not allow you to raise the auger high enough at ground level for deeper holes.
• Extension Mounting Brackets: These brackets extend the reach of your auger attachment, allowing for better vertical drilling in difficult terrain.

Drive Units

Drive units are the motors that power your auger bit. Investing in a quality drive unit can greatly improve job speed and efficiency. The drive unit compatible with your skid steer vehicle depends on the engine's horsepower and the hydraulic flow rate. Check your owner’s manual if you're not sure.

• Standard Skid Steer Auger Drive Units: Typically operate within the 10-30 GPM range.
• High-Flow Skid Steer Auger Drive Units: Designed for high horsepower machines, offering greater torque output for tougher jobs. These drive units will operate between 25 and 45 GPM depending on the specific model.

Auger Bits

Choosing the right auger bit is essential for completing your job correctly. If you're not sure what type of soil you'll be digging into ahead of time, you may want to bring more than one type of auger bit with you to your next project.

• Earth Auger Bits: Ideal for jobs without rock layers, perfect for agriculture and forestry.
• Rock Auger Bits: Built to break and grind rock for removal.
• Earth/Rock Combination Auger Bits: General-purpose bits with teeth for rock and efficiency for earth.
• Tree Planting Auger Bits: Tapered shape with a wide base for planting trees, making it ideal for forestry.