Digging holes by hand to set fence posts, install signs, plant trees or whatever else has you out in the hot sun instead of watching the game on TV is slow, hard work. So why would anyone do that? The customer in front of you now has just asked himself that question. Now the question is which tool to use in order to get the job done well and done fast.
Anyone who has attempted to dig holes in the ground using a shovel or a manual post hole digger can appreciate the value of power auger equipment. Power augers are popular rental tools.
This article covers power augers designed to dig vertical holes with diameters of up to about 14 inches. The big earth-auger equipment used to bore larger-diameter horizontal holes for installing utility lines and water, sewer and drainage pipe is not within the scope of this column. We're talking about the guy who just wants to get a hole in the ground for a fence post, let's say, and doesn't want to twist a hand auger all afternoon in order to get that to happen.
The suppliers who helped Rental Management with this article make equipment for digging holes from 2 to 14 inches in diameter at depths of up to 4 feet, and some models can be adjusted to dig at an angle or horizontally. Of course, attachments for construction equipment can dig much larger and deeper holes.
The kinds of portable augers we are talking about here are used to dig all sorts of holes - holes for posts and pole barns, holes for trees and shrubs, holes to fertilize trees already in place, holes to take soil samples and more.

Compact, portable power augers are available as hand-held models. Some are designed to be operated by one person; other models require two. Models also come in larger, towable units and as powerful attachments for loader-backhoes or skid-steer loaders. Some small models are powered by mechanical linkages, others by hydraulics - as in the case of augers that are attached to construction equipment.
Basically, an auger is a steel shaft with a hardened steel pilot point for starting the hole, replaceable cutters and flighting that carries spoils from the hole and deposits loose dirt around the hole as digging progresses. Most equipment is reversible, to help free the auger if it gets stuck in the hole. Augers are available for various soil conditions - important, because conditions vary widely.

Who rents augers?
Contractors of all kinds - general contractors, contractors specializing in plumbing, electrical installations, landscaping and utility construction; also fence companies, nurseries, agricultural operations, utility companies, public works crews, street and highway departments and government and military facilities. Homeowners represent an excellent market for smaller models.

Operation and safety
The idea of boring a hole in the ground may seem simple enough, but the truth is that a hand-held auger may be a challenge for an inexperienced renter. Go through the basics. Show customers the correct way to start a hole and how to control the auger during operation. Let the customer try it himself - that will build confidence and also give you an chance to correct mistakes and offer pointers. Give the customer an operator's manual - and above all, stress safety.
Let's not forget, this thing has a sharp edge that's going around under power and it's designed to go through blackjack and hard-packed clay. How long would it take to chew into your customer? Augers rotate more slowly than other types of power equipment and may not appear to be as dangerous as saws or other tools. But auger equipment develops tremendous force. Never wear loose clothing that could become entangled in the turning auger.
Do not allow helpers or bystanders near equipment while it is in operation. Stress safety.
Ask your customer how the equipment will be used. Power augers should not be expected to do the impossible. While different augers are designed for use in various soils, including rocky conditions, there are formations that are not drillable, especially with lightweight hand-held units.
Use video presentations whenever you can. If the customer is renting an auger on a host machine, show how to make hydraulic connections. And don't forget about the host vehicle - make sure the renter knows how to run it, too. Don't pass up any opportunity to help a customer.
And again, stress safety: extreme caution must be exercised when using power auger equipment. Consider what the auger is going through down there. Augers can cut through live electric cables, natural gas lines, telecommunications cables and water pipes. They can interrupt utilities service and cause a public hazard. So before work begins, all buried utilities must be located and marked. Most areas in the country have toll-free numbers to call for free location of all underground utilities. Requests must be made at least 48 hours beforehand. Look up the numbers in the Yellow Pages or call any utility company.
Hand-held equipment can be difficult to handle while a hole is being started. Extremely hard surfaces make it difficult for the pilot point to penetrate the surface, and there is the danger of losing control of the unit. Even though a unit has a shock-absorbing system, striking a rock or other buried object may make the machine difficult to hold.
Users should wear safety work boots while operating auger equipment. Never attempt to guide the auger with a foot or other object. Do not allow helpers to attempt to hold an auger in position with a foot or hand tool.
Shut off the power source before making repairs or adjustments and before moving between work locations.
In addition to operating auger attachments safely, observe all safety procedures for the host machine.

Maintenance on the job
Other than adding fuel, equipment rented for short-term periods should not require maintenance during the rental. Augers out for longer periods also may require lubrication and replacement of cutters. Explain maintenance responsibilities to customers. Make certain customers know what type of fuel to use, where the fuel cap and lubrication points are located and how to change cutters. Manuals describe maintenance requirements.

Comments from the industry
Compac Equipment Manufacturing, Woodville, Ontario, Canada, Charles Poley: "Auger equipment is ideal for installing and removing auger anchors for tents and recreational vehicles."
Tioga, Minneapolis, Mike Lewis: "Instruct every customer how to maneuver and start the machine, and explain basic drilling instructions."
Ground Hog, San Bernardino, Calif., Lee Carlson: "Refueling and blade replacement are the only maintenance required on most rentals. In addition to specific cautions associated with augers, follow warnings associated with operating any gasoline-powered equipment."
McMillen Construction Equipment Attachments, Fort Wayne, Ind., Michelle Jimenez: "Worn teeth slow production. Send extras with customers and tell them to use them as necessary. Let the auger do the digging, never force it. Never attempt to use an auger to pry objects."
Medart, Fenton, Mo., Ken Erickson: "Rocky soils require a good, heavy dusty auger with special cutting teeth to get under rocks in order to lift them out of the way. Users also should be careful not to auger down too far before clearing the auger. Otherwise, it may become embedded in the earth."
MTA Distributors, Whites Creek, Tenn., David Ace Harrington: "Problems will be encountered if augers are used for jobs other than the applications for which they are recommended."