For large-scale projects, the best tractor auger is highly recommended. If you’re working a large landscaping job or even if you’re just installing cattle fencing, you’ll need more than a handheld auger.
These highly unique tools are more of a necessity than a convenience for people with large properties.
Best Tractor Auger Quick Chart
Best Tractor Auger Reviews
4 Best Hand Augers: Editor's Choice
Digging holes with the heavy duty unit from Tool Tuff has never been easier. If you have a powerful tractor, this is the unit your need to drill all those holes.
Always read the instructions before using a tractor auger, this one has special directions for drilling in rocky soils.
As with any tractor auger, you will probably need 2 people to install this unit without damaging the auger bit.
Pros
Cons
If you've got a ton of holes to dig, the Titan 60HP Tractor Auger will get it done without a ton of effort on your part.
If super easy to use, even for beginners. The heavy duty steel construction can handle more difficult soil. Of course, the more powerful your tractor, the easier difficult soil conditions will be.\
As always, you must load the gearbox with grease and also grease up any moving parts when you receive it and before use.
Pros
Cons
If you've got a smaller tractor and need a tractor auger, this beauty from Titan is compatible to use with tractors up to 30HP.
You can get it in 3 different diameter sizes, making it customizable for whatever work you have planned. You are limited to drilling holes up to 3 feet in depth with this little unit.
Good news is if you already have PTO attachment capability, you can buy a Titan attachment (listed below) and increase that depth to 4 feet. Just message the seller and ask for details.
Pros
Cons
This Titan attachment is one of the deepest drill bit available at 48 inches or 4 feet. If you already have a PTO then this would be the perfect addition for your tractor.
It's lightweight so you can most likely attach this yourself to your 3 point.
There are 4 diameters available so you can find exactly what you need: 6", 9", 18" and 24".
Unfortunately the round to hex and hex to round converters are sold separately but ask the seller for details.
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Cons
Best Tractor Auger Buyers Guide
If you’re looking for the safest and easiest solution to boring holes all around your property, it’s time to consider the best post hole auger for tractors. Even though they are more costly than other types of augers, their efficiency and ease of use are unmatched, once installed.
How to Choose the Best Tractor Supply Auger: Quick List
No matter if you are buying your own post hole auger for tractor, or if you’re renting one, you’ll want to make sure it has the best features for its cost. A few of the most important things to look for include:
- Auger Length and Diameter
- Alignment Handle
- Down Pressure Kit
- Quick Disconnect
- Multiple Attachments
Post Hole Auger for Tractors: The Details
Auger Length and Diameter
Depending on how deep you want to dig, make sure the length of the auger bit will accommodate your project. Equally as important, make sure the bit has the perfect diameter for the hole size you need to achieve.
Alignment Handle
As you won’t have as much hands-on control as you would with a manual auger, having an alignment handle installed on your post hole auger for tractor is essential. This component allows you to have better control over guiding the auger from the comfort of your tractor.
Down Pressure Kit
Typically found in hydraulic tractor augers, a down pressure kit is highly recommended if you need to reach deeper depths. It hydraulically provides more force to the auger so that the bit travels deeper more quickly.
Quick Disconnect
To help make uninstalling your auger easier, especially if you’re renting one, a device with a quick disconnect feature is invaluable. With proper installation, you should be able to remove the auger fully with limited steps.
Multiple Attachments
Based on the terrain you’re working with, it’s best if you have access to multiple attachments so that you can easily bore into the earth. For example, a rock auger is a great option for dealing with rocky soil. There are also specialized rock heads recommended for boring through pure rock.
The Pros and Cons of a Tractor Auger
A tractor supply auger captures the bulk of the advantages of most other augers, as the tool itself is highly versatile. However, it’s large size carries a couple of disadvantages as well, but it all depends on the project you’re working on. Not all landscaping and agricultural jobs require as big of a device as a tractor supply auger.
Tractor Auger Pros Tractor Auger Cons Limited Labor Larger Cost Weightless Operation Hard to Install Less Risk Not Very Maneuverable More Efficient Heavy
Pros of a Tractor Auger
Limited Labor
There’s no other auger as easy to use as one that is attached to the front of your tractor. In fact, the only thing that will use the most manpower is getting it installed, though you can opt to have this done professionally. You will have full control of the auger using the in-house controls added to your tractor instead of having to hold the auger yourself.
Weightless Operation
One of the most difficult parts of using an auger, especially without a reverse function, is lifting it out of the hole once you’ve dug as deeply as needed. With a tractor supply auger, on the other hand, the tractor handles all of the load for you. You won’t have to exert any excessive force or have to deal with prying the bit free of debris in the hole.
Single-Person Use
Although there are one-man augers available, with larger projects, you’ll undoubtedly need more workers on a two-man one. With a tractor auger, you will be able to tackle any size task on your own without any additional help. This is what makes it ideal for families with one person who maintains the land.
Three-Point Design
Depending on the terrain you’re dealing with, having a three-point auger is far preferable as it has much more weight. This added weight not only makes it easier to dig deeper but to work through heavier materials such as roots and rocks. The average three-point auger has thousands of pounds of power, whereas a two-man auger may have a few hundred.
Less Risk
Especially for beginners and novice users, using a powered auger by hand can be dangerous. Not only are you at risk for the jarring experience of hitting a rock or root, but there’s also the chance your clothes could become stuck in the bit. With a tractor auger, you don’t have to face the brunt of impact nor is there much risk apart from operating the tractor.
Improved Efficiency
The first advantage you’ll experience with a tractor auger is its ability to dig numerous holes in the amount of time it takes to do three to four with a handheld auger. It is by far the most preferable option if you have to dig multiple holes and are working under time constraints.
Cons of a Tractor Auger
Larger Cost
Even though you’ll be able to save time when digging multiple holes, as well as save on labor costs, you’ll be spending a large sum on your tractor auger. Compared to other variations, they can be two to three times more expensive. The higher quality the auger is, the more expensive it’s likely to be.
A great alternative to investing in your own tractor supply auger is to consider renting one. The vast majority of tractor supply stores will have an auger bit available for you to rent for a reasonable length of time for a much lower cost.
Heavy
Tractor augers are heavy duty. They are built to tackle tough soil conditions and grind out a ton of holes in a row. So that means that are built of sturdy quality materials. Because of this, they are much heavier than your standard post hole auger that is meant to be used by one person.
Difficult Installation
Unless you have experience installing augers, it can take a lot of time and effort to put one on the front of your tractor. Most people choose to have it installed professionally because of how difficult it can be. This can increase the total cost of the machine, as you’ll have to pay extra for labor.
Poor Maneuverability
For projects where you need to get into tight spaces, opting for a tractor supply auger might not be the best choice, as it’s more difficult to maneuver. Instead of being able to stand in tighter spots, you’ll need to clear an area for the tractor to fit into, which can be frustrating at times.
How to Attach Your Tractor Auger
Installing a tractor auger attachment will take you some time and requires thorough instructions. By using these steps, the installation process should be simpler. Each tractor auger attachment is designed differently.
For the perfect installation, you should refer to the specific instructions for your auger for your tractor, as some steps may differ than noted below.
Lubrication
Out of the box, the gearbox for your auger for tractor likely won’t have lubricant. Ensure that you fill the lube compartment until it reaches just below the maximum level to prevent overflowing. You’ll likely have to replace the lubricant after 40 to 50 hours of use.
Attaching the Boom
Next, you’re going to want to attach the boom to the mounting bracket on your tractor. You’ll need a lunch pin and a top link pin to thread through the hole at the bottom of the boom.
Connecting the Frame
The next step is to connect the frame to the lift arms on your tractor with the help of pull pins, nuts, and lock washers. Connect the boom to your desired hole, depending on how you want the auger to be angled.
Attaching the Gearbox
Using a boom pin, connect the gearbox to the boom of your tractor. Once you’ve found the perfect placement, lock it in place using cotter pins.
Attaching the Auger
Next, you’re going to begin attaching the auger to the gearbox, focusing on the output shaft. Using lock washers, hex nuts, and cap screws, attach the auger accordingly making sure you tighten the nuts.
Connecting the Driveline
Take the driveline and connect it to the input shaft of the gearbox using hex cap screws, lock washers, and hex nuts. Similar to the previous step, ensure all of the nuts and screws are tightened.
Attaching to the Tractor
At this point, you’re going to need to attach the tractor PTO shaft to the tractor’s side of the driveline. Once you have secured the outer collar onto the shaft, it can be released.
Checking Tightness
The last step of installing a tractor auger attachment is to check the tightness of all of the nuts and screws. If you notice the auger sways too much for your comfort, tighten the stabilizers accordingly.
Get Drilling: How to Use Your PTO Auger
After you’ve made your way through the installation process, it’s time to learn how to use your new auger for your tractor. Once you’ve finished your first hole, you’ll realize how convenient a tractor auger is and likely never go back to a manual auger again.
1. Call Before You Dig
Even if you think you know everything about your property, it’s relatively impossible to know what’s underneath the ground without calling for assistance.
Make sure that you call the proper authorities prior to digging anywhere on your property so that you avoid hitting power lines and gas lines. Once you have placed your call, you can mark the areas that are safe for you to dig.
2. Maneuver the Tractor Auger
With your auger attached and in a raised position, move your tractor to the first area you have marked. Once you’re positioned accurately, use the leveling crank to lift the auger into a vertical position.
Then, slowly lower the auger until it touches the ground. Continue to move the tractor until the auger is perfectly positioned above the marked area.
3. Start to Dig
Put your engine to idle and engage your PTO, gradually increasing the speed so that your auger begins to penetrate the ground. Continue to drill while lowering the three-point hitch, making sure the hole is perfectly vertical.
4. Clearing the Hole
Once you’ve reached the desired depth, raise and lower your auger two to three times to clear away any excess dirt. You can then remove the auger, turn off the PTO, and maneuver the tractor to the next dig site.
Conclusion
By using the best tractor auger, projects around the farm and your house will become incredibly simple. You will be able to dig deeper holes for planting trees, installing fences, or even building gazebos in the backyard.
