Many people are intimidated by the prospect of operating a manual post hole digger. It looks like the job of a bulldozer and it does a lot of the work, but there is a lot more to it than just pounding holes. Here are some of the things you need to know about the digger before you get started. You want this machine to work right the first time, so take the time to learn how to operate it safely and effectively.
Most manual post hole diggers do have long handles which allow you to dig down into the soil with a full four-foot depth. However, it is important to keep in mind that these augers come equipped with a limited reach. A full depth of four feet will bring you well below the frost line even in the colder climates. This means that you can only use the augers on soft soil that is not frosted or frozen.
The other important feature to check is that the excavator is powered by electricity, gas, or water. All three types of excavators have their benefits and pitfalls, and using one kind can mean having to change the dirt and move it elsewhere after each use, especially if the site is large. On the other hand, gas and electric diggers require little work to use and have no moving parts, so they are easier to maintain. However, if the site you are excavating has a lot of clay, you will need to use a gas post hole digger to dig those holes. However, you will be able to get an even deeper hole with an electric auger, but there is nothing else to slow you down.
Gas and electric post hole diggers are more likely to destroy the surrounding soil as well as do damage to the topsoil. This can make landscaping more difficult because you have to completely re-dig the area where the new hole is going to be located. On the other hand, the manual option has no such problems because the auger will do its job burrowing right through the dirt to get to the desired location. This leaves the area just like it was before, offering you no challenges other than changing the area and making some minor repairs if you feel that the digging job needs a bit more work. However, if you do choose the manual option, you should make sure that you get an excavator that is of good quality and will give you years of service if you take care of the machine.
One other important factor is the digging itself. Many people think that a really good quality machine will be able to handle any situation that you throw at it, but this is not always the case. There are some important factors to consider when it comes to a digger of this type, and you will want to pay special attention to these factors before you commit to one model. One of the most important factors is the frost line. You will want to ensure that the post hole digger will be able to handle digging in the frost line, so make sure to look for models that are designed for this area.
Another important thing to consider is whether or not an auger will offer a variety of attachments. Most augers will come with a few tools including a trowel and auger augers, but there are also many other attachments that can be purchased separately. This is important because you may require a different auger depending on the soil conditions where you are working. For example, a trowel attachment is great for light soil where you would typically use a shovel, and a scoop attachment is perfect for clay soil where you would most likely use a bulldozer or a loader.