Best Post Hole Digger: How To Pick One And Which To Buy

Ed Wike
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Post Hole Digger is used to dig holes in the ground for general purposes such as setting fences and signposts or planting trees. In operation, the tool is jabbed into the ground with the blades in the open position. The handles are then operated to close the blades, thus grabbing the portion of soil between them. The tool is then pulled out and the soil is deposited by the side. The process is repeated until the hole is deep enough.

A quality post-hole digger is essential for anyone who takes gardening seriously. While there are many different choices, it can be challenging to figure out which one is right for you.

NameCategoryProduct
Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth AugerBest OverallHiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger
Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger PD48Budget PickSeymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger PD48
Southland SEA438 One Man Earth AugerUpgrade PickSouthland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger

1. Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger

Our rating: 9 / 10

Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger

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Pros:

  • Heavy-Duty Performance
  • Powerful 1200 Watt motor delivers up to 900 Foot-Pound Max Torque
  • 200 RPM Max speed is great for digging applications and projects
  • Simple to use powerhead
  • Comes with an anti-vibration handle
  • Allows you to work comfortably even with one hand
  • Versatile auger bit included

Cons:

  • Without proper care, gears can quickly wear down
  • Hole size may not be adjustable
  • Only use on soft ground, it gives a violent kickback the moment it hits a tiny rock

This Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger post hole digger/drill is perfect for installing fence posts, decks, planting trees, and many other lawn applications in-home or industrial improvement. It includes one 4" x 30" auger bit that is ideal for a wide range of home applications such as installing fence posts, planting, and other lawn applications. The high-performance motor is ideal for outdoor application.

Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger’s powerhead is equipped with a safety lock function that prevents any accidental triggering for added security. The rubberized grip allows you to work comfortably while providing a nonslip grip with reduced hand fatigue for long use.

2. Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger PD48

Our rating: 7 / 10

Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger PD48

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Pros:

  • Designed for frequent, heavy-duty, professional use
  • Fiberglass handle with fiberglass core insert for added strength
  • Cushioned grip for better grip and greater comfort
  • 6-1/4-inch point spread
  • High Quality/Heavy Duty construction that gets the job done in short order
  • Takes on small embedded rocks with no problem

Cons:

  • A bit on the heavier side

The Seymour Structron Hercules post-hole digger provides maximum strength for the most demanding industrial and commercial digging applications. Built for extra durability, its fiberglass handle has a fiberglass core insert, which reinforces the connection to the head, the point of greatest stress. A cushioned grip provides better grip and comfort. The digger has a 6-1/4-inch point spread.

3. XtremepowerUS Post Hole Digger

Our rating: 6 / 10

XtremepowerUS Post Hole Digger

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Pros:

  • Powerful 63cc 2-stroke gasoline engine
  • Drill multiple holes in quick succession
  • Built-in translucent fuel tank lets you easily check when you need to refill
  • Engineered with a manual recoil start easy fuel delivery system that allows for a quick-pull start action
  • Plenty of power to efficiently dig and bore through holes for decks, fence posts, tree planting, and more
  • Made adaptable with most standard auger bits with a shaft size of 3/4 inch
  • Easy-to-grip finger throttle and switch control on the handlebar for enhanced user power and speed control at your fingertips
  • Package Includes – 63CC Gas Powerhead Auger Digger with 8" inch Auger Bit Kit

Cons:

  • A bit heavy at over 50 lbs
  • The pull-start is very stiff to pull if you are not used to it
  • The instructions are not very detailed and can be confusing to follow
  • The price is a bit much for a post hole digger

The XtremepowerUS One-Man V-Type Gasoline Auger with Auger Bit gives you plenty of power to efficiently dig and bore through holes for decks, fence posts, tree planting, and more. This post-hole digger powerhead features a powerful 2-stroke 63cc gasoline engine enabling the drilling of multiple holes in quick succession.

Earth bits feature alloy steel blades and screw bits for maximum digging performance and versatility. Steel Jobsite handlebar frame provides secure protection for the engine against damages. Ergonomic handlebars with fingertip throttle trigger give you enhanced power and speed control.

Rocky soils and tree roots may slow down excavation, but our posthole digger can handle it with ease.

4. Southland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger

Our rating: 5 / 10

Southland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger

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Pros:

  • Manual recoil easy start fuel delivery system
  • Includes Gas Powerhead with 8” Auger Bit; 6-inch bit available and sold separately
  • Direct gear with a solid steel driveshaft
  • Wide detachable butterfly handles for better balance and convenient storage
  • Depending on soil conditions, the maximum depth using the 8 inch bit is 2.5 feet
  • Fuel Tank Capacity is 32 gallons
  • 2-year limited warranty
  • EPA and CARB certified

Cons:

  • The auger blade and the fishtail point wear out rendering it useless
  • Replacement parts unavailable on Amazon

Say goodbye to manually dig post holes thanks to the Southland earth auger. This auger is lightweight, powerful, and easy to use. With easy assembly and convenient manual recoil start, the Southland earth auger can start drilling holes in no time.

The auger features a 43cc engine with a bit speed up to 316 RPM for quick and efficient drilling. An 8 inch (SEAB8) drill bit is included with this auger. The auger head (SEA43) can be purchased separately. This auger is outfitted with a translucent fuel tank that lets you easily keep an eye on fuel levels.

The Southland earth auger helps with simplifying your outdoor workload. It is perfect for digging holes for fence posts and plants and digs through even the toughest soil.

5. Landworks Earth Auger Power Head One Man Post Hole Digger

Our rating: 5 / 10

Landworks Earth Auger Power Head One Man Post Hole Digger

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Pros:

  • The Gas Auger has sustained rigorous testing and is EPA Certified
  • A powerful 3Hp 52cc Gas 2 Stroke Single Cylinder OHV Engine
  • Excellent power to torque ratio performance
  • 1.3kW, Max Rotating Power of 7000RPMs
  • Max Output Power of 235RPMs at a 30:1 reduction gear ratio
  • Fast and efficient in the field of work or on your own personal land
  • Great for Garden and Lawn applications in burrowing, digging post holes, dirt removal, soil cultivation, planting bedding, bulbs, seedlings or fertilizing shrubs, water aeration, weed control and root removal

Cons:

  • Not for use for rock, stone or metal surfaces/debris
  • Poor design
  • Too hard to start

Landworks single-person Earth Gas Augers are the perfect machine that will empower you to have ultimate control over your land. It is made of Carbon Coated Steel, providing durability and rust resistance. This auger includes a Fishtail for precise centering.

The alloy steel blades are replaceable, to maximize digging performance; The Push Bolt and R-Pin Clip design allow for the auger to be securely locked in place, eliminating loose or slop/play in the connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best post hole digger?

Regardless of why you’re digging a post hole, your needs are generally the same. You want to dig a clean hole to a particular depth that’s wide enough for your post and possibly cement. Luckily, several tools exist to make this job much easier.

In our view Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger is the best post-hole digger. It is perfect for installing fence posts, decks, planting trees, and many other lawn applications in-home or industrial improvement. It includes one 4" x 30" auger bit that is ideal for a wide range of home and outdoor applications.

What is the best Auger?

A solution to all the hole-digging troubles is a post-hole digger. The best post hole diggers can make excavating appropriately sized holes at the proper depth a faster and less arduous task.

Whether you choose a powered or manual option, these tools will enable you to dig straight down into the soil without digging out large, round craters that require refilling once you finish. They’ll save you both time and stress on your back.

What is the difference between an auger and a post-hole digger?

The most obvious difference between an auger and a post-hole digger is that an auger has cutting edges. The cutting edges are positioned at the end of a long, cylindrical shaft inserted into the ground. Then the cutting edges take care of the rest and cut or loosen the earth.

On the other hand, post-hole diggers require more manual work, i.e., you need to push the shovel end into the ground. There are also digging handles with ergonomic grips, which you can push and pull the blade into the ground. This type of hole digger is better suited for digging deeper holes or holes with a diameter wider than 8 inches.

How do you use a power post-hole digger?

The power post hole digger is a powerful tool that has a rotary action. They’re usually lightweight, but they do need to be operated with a good amount of strength. The correct way to use a power post hole digger is to place it on the ground and then position the post next to it. Hold the post in place by pushing against it and rock the handle back and forth to dig the hole. This rotation moves the blade, expanding the soil as it moves.

Conclusion

Purchasing a post-hole digger is a big deal. You must know what you're looking for and what you want the tool to be able to do before you buy it. Several features are available on different models that will increase the efficiency and usability of the tool.

There are several aspects that you should look for before you buy a powered post-hole digger. Some diggers will produce holes of a single size, and then some will produce two or three different holes. Some will increase and decrease the size and give you many options. If you find you will be working with various materials, you will want to make sure you can change the size.

As any home improvement enthusiast will tell you, getting the tools and equipment you need for a big job is crucial. First, getting the right gear will help you do the work much quicker and easier. Second, it will help you do it without any injuries or errors.

Our review will help you find the best post-hole digger for your gardening needs.

Our Recommendation

NameCategoryProduct
Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth AugerBest OverallHiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger
Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger PD48Budget PickSeymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger PD48
Southland SEA438 One Man Earth AugerUpgrade PickSouthland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger