How to choose an auger attachment for a skid steer?
Among many skid steer attachments, an auger is a very specific tool. Its main purpose is to dig holes in the ground. Thanks to the skid steer hydraulic power, or rather its rotational force, the auger attachment can turn and break through the earth with its cutting teeth. There are many types of augers available on the market but the choice of the appropriate one should be based not only on the individual circumstances but also on the skid steer augers' features.
Skid steer auger features
Augers have many features that one should take into consideration before choosing the perfect tool. What is more, the skid steer compatibility with skid steer auger attachment is also of great importance. Below are a few features one should pay attention to while choosing an auger attachment:
Hydraulic flow
One of the most important factors is the hydraulic flow. Auger drives are designed for a set number of gallons per minute of hydraulic flow. If too high of a flow runs through the drive, the drive unit can become damaged. On the other hand, if the flow is not sufficient, the auger will be underpowered and therefore not work as desired.
How can you use that knowledge while choosing your skid steer auger? Compare how much GPM your skid steer loader auxiliary hydraulics produce to the ratings of a skid steer auger attachment you are planning to purchase. If the skid steer produces 16 GMP you should choose among auger attachments rated at 10-20 GPM.
Size of the skid steer auger drive unit
Auger drives can have different sizes therefore the auger you choose must have a head of the same size as the drive. The size of the head is also connected with the torque so the higher the torque the larger the diameter of the final drive. If the torque is high the auger needs to be heavy-built, whereas when the torque of the drive unit is lower, the larger auger will not work efficiently. However, do not worry if you happen to make a mistake buying a wrong-sized attachment. There are also adapters available that can connect the auger and the drive.
Skid steer auger flight
The flight is one of the most important yet possibly the most fragile among auger bits in all skid steer auger attachments. It is the spiralling ribbon welded onto the skid steer auger shaft. Its function is simply to lift the material out of the augured hole. What a buyer needs to pay attention to is the weld connecting the augers' flight to the shaft. A weak weld means a higher risk of an auger failure. There are augers with single or double flights on the market, but a single flight is sufficient to manage loose soil.
Skid steer augers' length
The depth of a dig depends directly on the length of the auger. Standard skid steer augers available on the market are 48 inches long. There are also accessories that help your auger dig deeper holes, such as auger extensions. Thanks to them you can dig even up to 72 inches deeper.
The type of work auger must perform
Digging holes is not enough of a specification to choose the perfect skid steer auger. Some augers dig holes in the dirt (for example post holes), in rocks and some grind stumps. If the material you dig into is hard, you must choose a heavy-duty auger. The difference between the augers is in the build of the auger bits (for example the arrangement of the teeth).
The best skid steer auger equipment on the market
To help you purchase your dream skid steer auger attachment we prepared our top three picks among auger equipment. All of them are chosen from the skidsteers.com assortment and can be purchased in our shop. Get your attachment now and never worry about digging holes again!
EXTREME DUTY AUGER from BLUE DIAMOND designed with high-grade materials and innovation
If you need the ultimate performance, quality, and cost-effectiveness, the new Blue Diamond Series 2 Extreme Duty Auger is a perfect choice for you. Designed with high-grade materials and innovation, this piece of equipment allows the gearbox to go down the hole, maximizing drilling depth while eliminating downtime. The Blue Diamond® Extreme Duty Auger Series 2 drives are perfect for drilling and augering in most ground conditions.
FEATURES:
- Compact high torque manufactured gearbox
- Eaton motor with integrated PRV eliminating the need for bulky valve blocks and reducing potential leak points
- 2-piece shaft design ensuring maximum side load ratings
- 5-yr gearbox warranty, 3-yr motor warranty, and lifetime shaft pull-out warranty
- Available in 6 models with different GPM
- Price: between $3500 and $4500 (depending on the model)
HEAVY DUTY ROCK AUGER BIT for drilling into solid rock and concrete
FEATURES:
- For works in solid rock and concrete
- Cast tooth pockets
- Drive-in carbide bullet teeth
- 3/4" thick boring head
- 4' standard length
- Available in 9 different diameters
- Price: $1200 - $5300 (depending on the model)
HEAVY DUTY AUGER BIT WITH CAST HEAD for difficult ground conditions
FEATURES:
- Cast steel head
- Hardened drive-in teeth; standard includes gauge teeth in the outside position, chisel teeth in the inside position
- Hardened fishtail point
- Heavy duty double flighting
- 2" hex, 2 9/16" round, and 2" round collars available
- 4' standard length; 3', 5', and 6' lengths available
- Available in 14 different diameters
- Price: $600 - $5600 (depending on the model)