Over 60 fence posts dug with this beast in the hard West Texas dirt/rock. It has done a beautiful job and has performed well for over a year now. Be sure to go easy on your pull cord, in addition to using the right fuel additive and make sure you do proper maintenance and cleaning between uses. Store it properly and you'll get a lot of mileage out of it.
Just what I needed to see, someone else that deals with TEXAS clay. We're more south so we get that hard black clay but we got it easy for now. It's been raining and hot so the clay is pretty much a consistent mush which will help with diggings with less force.
@@builderspluscustomhomesand2146 Yeah, where we live, it's just that hard, red caliche and a LOT of rock. This little beast plowed right through it. If you break your pull cord, they're only 8.00 on Amazon and instead of trying to repair them yourself (or spending the bucks at a local lawnmower and small engine repair shop) order them on line. I broke two, replaced them within days and keep a couple of spares in the garage. Haven't used them yet because I've learned that with just the right grip, the right fuel mix and priming, my toy will fire up quickly and efficiently. Like I said, clean it, store it properly and she'll keep on kicking. Since my last post, I have built 4 carports using 4x4 posts 2 feet deep and this Auger has been up for the challenge with no issue. Damned good purchase, regardless of what some folks say.
Mine had the carbide tips brazed too far back from the edge . It wouldn't cut the hard clay it just tried to wear in a hole . I had to grind a point on the flat face bar carbide. It was a pain carbide dosn't grind well. After I got somewhat of a sharp edge it dug better.
Tip: if you drill a series of holes (garden, to revive a tree whose roots are compacted) and then fill them with shredded wood chips (or cardboard, leaves, etc. ) the worms will distribute the organic material sideways and, eventually, the whole area will become much looser for the penetration of water and, more importantly, oxygen. It will also become a better loam with the distribution of the organic material; more fértil and easier for routes to penetrate.
Ive hand dug four posts in the last two days, first time doing it. The posts ended up being out of square and I have to dig them up and start over. Im going to HF first thing in the morning. My back thanks you for this review! 👍
I bought one just this past monday and used it yesterday and it worked perfect. It even cut through small 1" roots. Only down fall is the impeller it has to cool cylinder head is that it blows exhaust fumes in your face. So wear a good gas mask.
Test it out when you get it and make sure you got a good one. I've heard a few complaints about long term durability but, mine's still going strong. Good luck!
I just unboxed one of these, and then decided to watch a couple videos. 😃 I also bought a 8” bit. I think it looks like it does a pretty good job. I have several of the Predator things from HF. For the money, so far I’m impressed with all of them. I say that, even though for some reason HF bugs me. I can’t explain why, because I really don’t know. One thing I’d recommend. Let it idle for maybe 45 seconds when you start it, to warm up a bit. That allows the different type metals inside the engine to warm up and expand. To easy to cease a piston cold starting and boring a hole right away. (In this case) Other then that, can’t wait for spring to get here so I can use mine.
Was looking to buy one and found your video to get a review. Being here in Georgia, I really didn't want to get out there with a set of post hole diggers. Thanks for the upload and now I have to go get me one.
I rented one of the commercial ones at HD and the soil was so dry and hard it didn't work worth a can of beans! So I had to manually do it. It was a heck of a lot of work. So I think it really depends on the soil. The soil in the video looks fairly loose compared to what I was dealing with.
the Bottom line this thing is weak it will not work for most of you. By the time you confirm that fact, and take it back Harbor Freight will slap you with a 20% 0r restocking fee. yep the guy who posted the review did not mention the restocking fee.
Hey guys my friend got into a accident on Monday, his legs got Caught in one of these and had to get a foot removed, he might have to get the other amputated too, please send prayers to Jed.
I didn't call dig right on two of many projects...I will always call before I dig. Found a 6 inch service pipe in the middle of my field by chance just putting a tree in the ground
My analytics say your vid has mine as the most suggested, couple others are close behind. What is with the bump over the past few days do you know? Pest performance on the channel ever so far. Hope your vid helped others too, it's good!
Trash bought 2 of these and cant even get it to start.. one start and worked for half hour, turn it off.. next day never start again.. exchange it and new one never starts. Gave me 2 blisters pulling the starter string.. it feels like the string is somewhat stuck.. sonetimes trying to pull it real hard and it stuck causing pain on your fingers..
Great video thanks for sharing. Is this good for rocky type of land? We are planning to put some privacy trees in our back and want to buy an augur to dig holes. We have small river rocks in ground upon digging. What would you suggest and which drill bit would be better for this?
Good review. I'm planting 10-12 Salvia shrubs in a small patio at my rental property. The soil is very compacted San Fernando gray clay that would kill my back trying to dig planting holes in, so going to pick one of these up at Harbor Freight tomorrow; on sale with one of their coupons for $179.99. Someone asked about the mix ratio; are you using 25:1 or 40:1? Also, have you tried it with a larger 8-12" bit? This Predator stuff looks decent for the price and interesting that Consumer Reports recently gave their Inverter Generator a "Best Buy" over the much more expensive Honda and Yamaha. Thanks again for your review.
Yes this should do the job. You may want to soak the ground a day or two before you dig. I am running everything at 40:1 no problems so far. I haven't tried the larger bit. I think it would work well, but probably slower. Good luck and thanks for commenting.
@Chase Likely the cost to value ratio is better for Predator products. Some people that have money to burn say “Save up and get the Honda.” With as often as I use gas powered tools, I could go through 2-3 of the Predator products and still save money compared to 1 of the Honda products for the same duration of time. But of course if I had the money I’d rather buy the Honda brand.
Hi. I’m in the northeast. Ground tends to be rocky. What happens when the auger hits a rock or thick root. Sheer pin I’m guessing? Thanks for any input.
It probably has a sheer pin but I don't know, I've never sheered one. It will stop the auger bit if you hit a root and the engine will bog down. It's not powerful enough to twist out of my grip. You kinda have to lift it out of the hole and rev it up to get it drilling again.
@@TheHandsOnChannel : yes I checked with them first thing. They didn't have. Says on box 7/8" is the "standard" for shaft size on auger bits. Have already considered welder. Thought I'd check with you first to see what you might know. Thanks so much.
Lol started fresh for 30 sec and making it overwork for applying pressure. Like putting a brand new engine together and redline it. Score the cylinder fast on 2 cycles. Always warm up for 5 mins at least . Ask any small engine mechanical.
Did you follow the manual's 25:1 gas mix ratio or use the industry standard 40 or 50:1? I hear the engine not "cleaning out" which tells me it's running rich (better than lean) and you're not getting full power output.
Great video, thanks! You mentioned that you use it for gophers. Can you elaborate? Do you use it to find the tunnels? Asking because I'm not winning the battle with the critters LOL
For gophers I found using a HF propane weed burn torch works pretty well, I spin off the burn tip, and stick the wand in the hole and put about 30 seconds of raw propane in their tunnels. I think Propane is heavier than air so it sits in the P traps until they try to run out then breathe in n it suffocates them. I had to do it twice but they gone.
Any tips on removing extensions once you've had it on and used it for augering? I've soaked in WD40 for days and pounded on it with a rubber mallet and can't get it off.
I'm not sure to be honest. It would depend on the wind load at your location. If it's for a privacy fence that is continuous then I'd say you need 8'' if on the other hand you have air gaps between the boards I think 6'' will be fine. Hope that helps.
The diagonal dimension of a 4x4 (which is really a 3.5x3.5) is about 5". A 6" diameter hole will only give you 1" cover at the corners, which is where you are most likely to get cracking - concrete tends to crack when it is poured around a sharp corner. Bottom line, a 6" hole will work, but it will be flimsy. If you're going to use a meaty piece of lumber, you might as well take full advantage of its strength and give it a meaty base with an 8" hole.
Only two complaints about the auger that customers should be aware of, one being important: the drive shaft is 7/8" in ID, not the industry standard of 3/4" for this class of auger; that means you can't use any of the larger 8-12" aftermarket bits since Harbor Freight only sells the 6" model this comes with. I searched high and low through the Internet and there just aren't any larger bits available with a 7/8" female input and the only adapter I could find was configured the opposite of what you need, that is, a 3/4" female to 7/8" male. Therefore, you are stuck with a 6" bit. If anyone out there locates larger bits with a 7/8" female input collet - PLEASE let us know! I'm not sure if the other brands listed on Amazon that look like they all come from the same Chinese factory and are similarly priced use 3/4" drive shafts, but I suspect they do. Why Predator chose to utilize the 7/8" shaft is a mystery. Second, the bit would be nice if it had a recoil spring; I hit a few rocks and roots and the bit will just stop while doing a number on your wrists and back. otherwise, it's a good machine for the price.
larger and smaller augers are on amazon. I think these brands all use the 7/8 size Thunderbay, Earthquake, Harbor Freight, Echo, Dolmar, and Maruyama Augers www.amazon.com/8-Inch-Earth-Auger-ThunderBay/dp/B017OBQWHW/ref=sr_1_44?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3PLnBRCpARIsAKaUbgt0u4SuUIbXzZipNBm5YoRewt0SzlKTXtg1SfhRp5SDQqVwKvF2_WwaAgXoEALw_wcB&hvadid=177787712544&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010831&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5072317756482853449&hvtargid=aud-646118600766%3Akwd-10797676527&hydadcr=1609_9901453&keywords=7%2F8+auger+bit&qid=1560087458&s=gateway&sr=8-44
@@TheHandsOnChannel Thnak you for replying, Our soil upstate NY is not gravel size rocks, those can be stony & wet soil (it rains a lot) ...which is why I've asked and wonder if anyone has dealt with this kind of soil (thank you in advance)
Thanks for the video; it is great. I do have a question: I live in Tucson AZ and would like dig holes to plant trees in my backyard. Our soil is mostly caliche. Do you think this tool can handle digging in such soil?
IDK but I'm going off grid to the Rockies soon and I plan to take the auger to see if it'll handle rocky soil. I'll let you know when I get back. I'm assuming caliche is a mix of rock/sand?
@@TheHandsOnChannel Yes. I found this picture that looks very much like what I am dealing with: www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/images/2014_04/RG-Common-Soils/soil-desert-1.jpg
IDK if they have an extension bar for this unit. I would say it would all depend on your soil. I think it would struggle to go much deeper in my clay soil. Good luck.
Go much deeper and you're going to have fun digging the loose dirt out of the bottom of the hole. In my experience, I go down the 2-1/2 foot max depth and still have to dig a foot of loose dirt out by hand.
I got one. It works OK, but developed a couple of problems after a few uses. Chalk it up to poor build quality control in the factory, I suppose. First, the on/off switch quit working.... It wouldn't turn the unit off. To get it to stop I would have to put the choke in the start position and pull the throttle to make it stall. This turned out to be a bad wire connection on the on/off switch. After stripping and re-crimping that was fixed. The other problem was that it got harder and harder to start, and eventually would stall after it was started or wouldn't start at all. The carburetor mounting plate bolts had loosened up and allowed air to get in under the seal. Tighten the bolts back up and it works great.
I like Harbor Freight if you’re handy for this exact reason, cheap shit for beat em up projects but now if you were the “green homeowner” whos never even stripped and crimped a wire what the hell are they going to say when they encounter your situation? Its cheap so it draws in non tool people but i say harbor freight is a better resource for the people that know tools good and bad and can work around the little quality fuck ups.
the problem with mine is that the idle runs too fast and if I hit a root and I lose grip andit comes out of my hands it keeps spinning even though I don't have my hand on the trigger
Hmm, you might try to adjust the idle screw. Oh and check to make sure the throttle cable is not sticking. Sometimes a little spray lube down the cable helps. It certainly shouldn't do that, sounds dangerous. Also if you haven't had it more than 90 days you can exchange it for a good working unit. Good luck.
@@TheHandsOnChannel , thanks, your reply caused me to take a close look at the carburetor and I noticed that the bolts that hold the carb to the nylon spacer were loose. Also the bolts that hold the spacer to the intake port were also loose. So I put medium blue loctite on them and tightened them up. My auger is running perfect now!!
Why can't you get electric versions of these? I can easily get power to where I need to use one of these and it would be a much simpler and low maintenance piece of equipment.
IDK a small framed woman would probably struggle. I'd say if you are pretty strong and no back issues you can run it. It is a little heavy if you are carrying it long distances, but when running it the weight rests on the auger bit. The twist motion of this digging into a root or hard rock can be more difficult to handle, until you get used to it. If caliche is gravely soil then yes it will work. No big rocks. Hope that was helpful.
@@TheHandsOnChannel Very helpful, thank you. Caliche is more like hitting a layer of concrete, not a whole lot of anything goes through it very well, sometimes jack hammers. It is the AZ soil. Thanks .
biggest thing I noticed that helped was cleaning the oil out before the first use. metal shavings came out of mine and after cleaning those out and adding good oil mine ran well! I also replaced my pull line with a better one because I figure that would be the point that fails haha
Hi. Great video. We are thinking of renting one to dig post holes and have never used one. I have read that if you hit a large rock or tree root (quite likely in our case) it can be dangerous for the operator. More so on the type that you need two people to use. Your thoughts? Thanks.
It shouldn't be a problem on a one man auger. At least with this one I have, it will stop the auger from rotating before it would hurt you. I'd be careful with the 2 man type as they are much more powerful. Good luck.
Dont forget to put some engine oil in the fuel tank...i usually skip the 2 stroke and dump frsh synthetic left over from oil change to my cars, works fine.
Over 60 fence posts dug with this beast in the hard West Texas dirt/rock. It has done a beautiful job and has performed well for over a year now. Be sure to go easy on your pull cord, in addition to using the right fuel additive and make sure you do proper maintenance and cleaning between uses. Store it properly and you'll get a lot of mileage out of it.
Just what I needed to see, someone else that deals with TEXAS clay. We're more south so we get that hard black clay but we got it easy for now. It's been raining and hot so the clay is pretty much a consistent mush which will help with diggings with less force.
@@builderspluscustomhomesand2146 Yeah, where we live, it's just that hard, red caliche and a LOT of rock. This little beast plowed right through it. If you break your pull cord, they're only 8.00 on Amazon and instead of trying to repair them yourself (or spending the bucks at a local lawnmower and small engine repair shop) order them on line. I broke two, replaced them within days and keep a couple of spares in the garage. Haven't used them yet because I've learned that with just the right grip, the right fuel mix and priming, my toy will fire up quickly and efficiently. Like I said, clean it, store it properly and she'll keep on kicking. Since my last post, I have built 4 carports using 4x4 posts 2 feet deep and this Auger has been up for the challenge with no issue. Damned good purchase, regardless of what some folks say.
I was looking for this too!!
Mine had the carbide tips brazed too far back from the edge . It wouldn't cut the hard clay it just tried to wear in a hole . I had to grind a point on the flat face bar carbide. It was a pain carbide dosn't grind well. After I got somewhat of a sharp edge it dug better.
Tip: if you drill a series of holes (garden, to revive a tree whose roots are compacted) and then fill them with shredded wood chips (or cardboard, leaves, etc. ) the worms will distribute the organic material sideways and, eventually, the whole area will become much looser for the penetration of water and, more importantly, oxygen. It will also become a better loam with the distribution of the organic material; more fértil and easier for routes to penetrate.
Ive hand dug four posts in the last two days, first time doing it. The posts ended up being out of square and I have to dig them up and start over. Im going to HF first thing in the morning. My back thanks you for this review! 👍
You will dig it, thanks for commenting.
I bought one just this past monday and used it yesterday and it worked perfect. It even cut through small 1" roots. Only down fall is the impeller it has to cool cylinder head is that it blows exhaust fumes in your face. So wear a good gas mask.
You just helped a tools company make money off me. After watching your video, picked up one straight away for my project. Thanks for posting.
Test it out when you get it and make sure you got a good one. I've heard a few complaints about long term durability but, mine's still going strong. Good luck!
I just unboxed one of these, and then decided to watch a couple videos. 😃 I also bought a 8” bit. I think it looks like it does a pretty good job. I have several of the Predator things from HF. For the money, so far I’m impressed with all of them. I say that, even though for some reason HF bugs me. I can’t explain why, because I really don’t know.
One thing I’d recommend. Let it idle for maybe 45 seconds when you start it, to warm up a bit. That allows the different type metals inside the engine to warm up and expand. To easy to cease a piston cold starting and boring a hole right away. (In this case) Other then that, can’t wait for spring to get here so I can use mine.
Was looking to buy one and found your video to get a review. Being here in Georgia, I really didn't want to get out there with a set of post hole diggers. Thanks for the upload and now I have to go get me one.
Excellent, no nonsense review. Thanks!
On the one I got from Harbor Freight, the marks for the choke on and off are reversed. beyond that it drills Michigan sandy soil just fine.
I rented one of the commercial ones at HD and the soil was so dry and hard it didn't work worth a can of beans! So I had to manually do it. It was a heck of a lot of work. So I think it really depends on the soil. The soil in the video looks fairly loose compared to what I was dealing with.
It's moist red clay. When it's bone dry, forget about it. Get a hose and have a couple of beers while you wait.
thanks, using one tomorrow! these look even better than I thought!
the Bottom line this thing is weak it will not work for most of you. By the time you confirm that fact, and take it back Harbor Freight will slap you with a 20% 0r restocking fee. yep the guy who posted the review did not mention the restocking fee.
That thing is slick! I can’t imagine that wouldn’t be worth the money.
Still working great and totally worth the price.
mine broke on the second hole. the throttle cable disconnected and the little ball on the end was no where to be found.
@@dustinyoung19 fishing weight would fix that right up
@@dantheautoman3821 that is a genius idea!
must be nice to have soft soil. I need dynamite base 5"
Thank you for doing this in real time looks great
Well I’m sold, waiting for them to go on sale again. Harbor Freight should send you a check!
You shouldn't have to wait long. Thanks for the feedback!
Hey guys my friend got into a accident on Monday, his legs got Caught in one of these and had to get a foot removed, he might have to get the other amputated too, please send prayers to Jed.
Wow. Sorry to hear that. I see it was 6 months ago. How is he doing now? Did it slip on him or were his legs too close?
You’re using an ice auger bit (black, with screw point and no spring shaft). The soil auger is different (red, fishtail point, spring shaft and knife)
Good price! In Oregon, they go for $180!
I didn't call dig right on two of many projects...I will always call before I dig. Found a 6 inch service pipe in the middle of my field by chance just putting a tree in the ground
I've never seen one of these until I saw one in the game 7 days to die, I thought they only existed in the game then I found all these videos.
My analytics say your vid has mine as the most suggested, couple others are close behind. What is with the bump over the past few days do you know? Pest performance on the channel ever so far. Hope your vid helped others too, it's good!
Very helpful video - much appreciated!
Thanks bud, it's still going strong.
Trash bought 2 of these and cant even get it to start.. one start and worked for half hour, turn it off.. next day never start again.. exchange it and new one never starts. Gave me 2 blisters pulling the starter string.. it feels like the string is somewhat stuck.. sonetimes trying to pull it real hard and it stuck causing pain on your fingers..
Maybe its just got really good compression
You can get 21"extensions for it. Low clay soils will work faster.
On sale now $169.99
179.99 I'm still impressed with it.
Ooops, correction. I meant the powerhead drive shaft is 7/8" OD, not ID, as I stated in my "complaint" comments.
Thanks man I didn't know that it wasn't a standard size.
Great video thanks for sharing. Is this good for rocky type of land? We are planning to put some privacy trees in our back and want to buy an augur to dig holes. We have small river rocks in ground upon digging. What would you suggest and which drill bit would be better for this?
If the rocks are small and not too packed down it will go through them. If you hit a place it wont go through just move over a couple of feet.
I recently bought this HF power auger on sale to install a Ligustrum privacy hedge. It is a beast!
How would this work in New England soil thats rocky? Wait for a rain before using it?
Thanks for the great review!
Good review. I'm planting 10-12 Salvia shrubs in a small patio at my rental property. The soil is very compacted San Fernando gray clay that would kill my back trying to dig planting holes in, so going to pick one of these up at Harbor Freight tomorrow; on sale with one of their coupons for $179.99. Someone asked about the mix ratio; are you using 25:1 or 40:1? Also, have you tried it with a larger 8-12" bit? This Predator stuff looks decent for the price and interesting that Consumer Reports recently gave their Inverter Generator a "Best Buy" over the much more expensive Honda and Yamaha. Thanks again for your review.
Yes this should do the job. You may want to soak the ground a day or two before you dig. I am running everything at 40:1 no problems so far. I haven't tried the larger bit. I think it would work well, but probably slower. Good luck and thanks for commenting.
Predator is essentially a Honda knockoff
@Chase Likely the cost to value ratio is better for Predator products. Some people that have money to burn say “Save up and get the Honda.” With as often as I use gas powered tools, I could go through 2-3 of the Predator products and still save money compared to 1 of the Honda products for the same duration of time. But of course if I had the money I’d rather buy the Honda brand.
@@J_Trask could not have said it better
Hi. I’m in the northeast. Ground tends to be rocky. What happens when the auger hits a rock or thick root. Sheer pin I’m guessing? Thanks for any input.
It probably has a sheer pin but I don't know, I've never sheered one. It will stop the auger bit if you hit a root and the engine will bog down. It's not powerful enough to twist out of my grip. You kinda have to lift it out of the hole and rev it up to get it drilling again.
Reckon you can get an extension or longer auger bit ,I have to go 4' down. Any help or improvised ideas would help
IDK if harbor freight sells an extension for this but I bet with some sucker rod and a welder one could be made.
@@TheHandsOnChannel : yes I checked with them first thing. They didn't have. Says on box 7/8" is the "standard" for shaft size on auger bits. Have already considered welder. Thought I'd check with you first to see what you might know. Thanks so much.
@@johnhora4644 I wish they would make an extension, seems like they'd sell a lot of em. Good luck.
@@TheHandsOnChannel thanks
Lol started fresh for 30 sec and making it overwork for applying pressure. Like putting a brand new engine together and redline it. Score the cylinder fast on 2 cycles. Always warm up for 5 mins at least . Ask any small engine mechanical.
Did you follow the manual's 25:1 gas mix ratio or use the industry standard 40 or 50:1? I hear the engine not "cleaning out" which tells me it's running rich (better than lean) and you're not getting full power output.
Great video, thanks! You mentioned that you use it for gophers. Can you elaborate? Do you use it to find the tunnels? Asking because I'm not winning the battle with the critters LOL
Yes I use it to find the tunnels. Although they are winning the battle.
For gophers I found using a HF propane weed burn torch works pretty well, I spin off the burn tip, and stick the wand in the hole and put about 30 seconds of raw propane in their tunnels. I think Propane is heavier than air so it sits in the P traps until they try to run out then breathe in n it suffocates them. I had to do it twice but they gone.
I saw a comment about electric auger? Is that with an extension cord or do you mean battery operate?
Any tips on removing extensions once you've had it on and used it for augering? I've soaked in WD40 for days and pounded on it with a rubber mallet and can't get it off.
You may have to twist the bit in the opposite direction to get it to let loose. If that doesn't work you could try to heat up the outside piece.
Will a 4 x 4 post fit using this Machine trying to do a wood fence
Yes, this will work perfect for 4'' post.
Where can I find an extension for this bad boy? I need to dig 36" holes and this alone just doesnt get me there.
IDK if they sell one but I'd try to make something out of an old axle.
@@TheHandsOnChannel a former colleague of mine has an extension for his predator earth auger. Just do not know where he found it.
@@tyler1776. Might be a standard size, one size fits all?
@@TheHandsOnChannel yeah probably
auger is 39 in long I don't see why it wouldn't take you down to 36
Nice, was there any little rock in the ground?
No just clay/sand in this location. I am going to take it to the Rockies and do some experimenting. I will let you know how it does w/rocky soil.
@@TheHandsOnChannel Did you ever get a chance to try that? How was it?
@@MediaFilter Yeah bud, check this out. th-cam.com/video/Ou9hUUV9bBw/w-d-xo.html
Great video. I'm a believer.
Thank you for pulling it out.
Earth auger, earth auger
Will you be mine?
My darling dear
Love you all the time
I'm just a fool
A fool in love with you
Your Muffer was Red Hot cheery red 7:00-730
Thanks, these tend to run lean.
He says pump it 3 or 4 times, or 5 or 6... then pumps it 21 times😂😂
Great video, thanks.
You're welcome, thanks for commenting.
I can plant tulip bulbs with this correct?
Yeah I tried hitting that clay with the shovels. I gave up. After being able to flip my whole backyard in michigan with a shovel.
I was going to use it on digging hole for 4x4's to build a fence. Is the 6" diameter bit large enough for setting 4x4's or would I need a 8"
I'm not sure to be honest. It would depend on the wind load at your location. If it's for a privacy fence that is continuous then I'd say you need 8'' if on the other hand you have air gaps between the boards I think 6'' will be fine. Hope that helps.
The diagonal dimension of a 4x4 (which is really a 3.5x3.5) is about 5". A 6" diameter hole will only give you 1" cover at the corners, which is where you are most likely to get cracking - concrete tends to crack when it is poured around a sharp corner. Bottom line, a 6" hole will work, but it will be flimsy. If you're going to use a meaty piece of lumber, you might as well take full advantage of its strength and give it a meaty base with an 8" hole.
Go with an 8 inch if using a 4x4
Wow! I am buying one TODAY!!!! I am not digging with post hole dogger!
I hear that. I hate those clam shell diggers.
does that auger have a slip clutch on it so it doesn't twist your arm off?
No, I believe it has a shear pin. You have to hang on tight and modulate the throttle.
Only two complaints about the auger that customers should be aware of, one being important: the drive shaft is 7/8" in ID, not the industry standard of 3/4" for this class of auger; that means you can't use any of the larger 8-12" aftermarket bits since Harbor Freight only sells the 6" model this comes with. I searched high and low through the Internet and there just aren't any larger bits available with a 7/8" female input and the only adapter I could find was configured the opposite of what you need, that is, a 3/4" female to 7/8" male. Therefore, you are stuck with a 6" bit. If anyone out there locates larger bits with a 7/8" female input collet - PLEASE let us know! I'm not sure if the other brands listed on Amazon that look like they all come from the same Chinese factory and are similarly priced use 3/4" drive shafts, but I suspect they do. Why Predator chose to utilize the 7/8" shaft is a mystery. Second, the bit would be nice if it had a recoil spring; I hit a few rocks and roots and the bit will just stop while doing a number on your wrists and back. otherwise, it's a good machine for the price.
larger and smaller augers are on amazon. I think these brands all use the 7/8 size Thunderbay, Earthquake, Harbor Freight, Echo, Dolmar, and Maruyama Augers www.amazon.com/8-Inch-Earth-Auger-ThunderBay/dp/B017OBQWHW/ref=sr_1_44?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3PLnBRCpARIsAKaUbgt0u4SuUIbXzZipNBm5YoRewt0SzlKTXtg1SfhRp5SDQqVwKvF2_WwaAgXoEALw_wcB&hvadid=177787712544&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010831&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5072317756482853449&hvtargid=aud-646118600766%3Akwd-10797676527&hydadcr=1609_9901453&keywords=7%2F8+auger+bit&qid=1560087458&s=gateway&sr=8-44
Harbor Freight now sells the 8” 7/8” shaft, and an 21” extension, FYI.
That's strange the store asked me if I wanted an 8 inch or 6
Are using a 200mm??
Is there any way to extend it?
Can you recommend a commercial grade auger that i can use daily? Thanks for the video.
Id look for a stihl, husky, or may be a dr brand.
I bought one from Harbor Freight yesterday. Pulled the cord twice and it broke.
Mine's still going strong. You probably got a lemon. With HF products I always give them a shakedown run to make sure I don't get a lemon. Good luck.
How is on Rocks? pretty rocky upstate NY
If it's gravel sized rocks it will work but it's slow.
@@TheHandsOnChannel Thnak you for replying, Our soil upstate NY is not gravel size rocks, those can be stony & wet soil (it rains a lot) ...which is why I've asked and wonder if anyone has dealt with this kind of soil (thank you in advance)
Can you add extension bars?
Yes, but IDK where you'd buy one to fit this unit. I'm sure you could adapt one or make one.
Yes, you can add the extension bar. I am a earth auger manufacturer from China.
Does the auger have 3/4 inch coupler for the auger bits?
IDK sorry, I've never taken the bit off.
Thanks for the video; it is great. I do have a question: I live in Tucson AZ and would like dig holes to plant trees in my backyard. Our soil is mostly caliche. Do you think this tool can handle digging in such soil?
IDK but I'm going off grid to the Rockies soon and I plan to take the auger to see if it'll handle rocky soil. I'll let you know when I get back. I'm assuming caliche is a mix of rock/sand?
@@TheHandsOnChannel Yes. I found this picture that looks very much like what I am dealing with: www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/images/2014_04/RG-Common-Soils/soil-desert-1.jpg
@@davidsaldate1562 did it work for you?
@@hectorsanchez2524 I ended up digging the holes with a digging bar, pick and hands removing rocks and stuff :(
Can it be be used horizontal?? Going through muck and clay
IDK but i guess if you made sure the fuel lines were submerged it should work.
Can you make a wider hole with the same drill bit? I see its 6-7" but can it go to 10" min?
No I don't think it would work unless you have a 10' auger bit.
Any chance the extension bars can take this deeper. Much deeper?
IDK if they have an extension bar for this unit. I would say it would all depend on your soil. I think it would struggle to go much deeper in my clay soil. Good luck.
Go much deeper and you're going to have fun digging the loose dirt out of the bottom of the hole. In my experience, I go down the 2-1/2 foot max depth and still have to dig a foot of loose dirt out by hand.
Price went up almost double in 3 years. Yikes!
just bought one for 189 and that's about as cheap as they come now
nice harbor freight predator auger powerhead 2 hp 52ccc
I got one. It works OK, but developed a couple of problems after a few uses. Chalk it up to poor build quality control in the factory, I suppose.
First, the on/off switch quit working.... It wouldn't turn the unit off. To get it to stop I would have to put the choke in the start position and pull the throttle to make it stall. This turned out to be a bad wire connection on the on/off switch. After stripping and re-crimping that was fixed.
The other problem was that it got harder and harder to start, and eventually would stall after it was started or wouldn't start at all. The carburetor mounting plate bolts had loosened up and allowed air to get in under the seal. Tighten the bolts back up and it works great.
I like Harbor Freight if you’re handy for this exact reason, cheap shit for beat em up projects but now if you were the “green homeowner” whos never even stripped and crimped a wire what the hell are they going to say when they encounter your situation?
Its cheap so it draws in non tool people but i say harbor freight is a better resource for the people that know tools good and bad and can work around the little quality fuck ups.
Sounds like your Oil/Fuel Mixture is wrong which led to your Spark Plug needing an upgrade
It is awesome if you follow instructions to the tee
Man, that just looks like a back killer……was it bad on the back?
Yeah it can be. If you have a helper they can hold the other side. It's still easier than a spade shovel on my back.
@@TheHandsOnChannel ain't that the truth!!!
what's the largest auger bit diameter you think you could handle?
I think it would run a 10'' defiantly an 8''.
the problem with mine is that the idle runs too fast and if I hit a root and I lose grip andit comes out of my hands it keeps spinning even though I don't have my hand on the trigger
Hmm, you might try to adjust the idle screw. Oh and check to make sure the throttle cable is not sticking. Sometimes a little spray lube down the cable helps. It certainly shouldn't do that, sounds dangerous. Also if you haven't had it more than 90 days you can exchange it for a good working unit. Good luck.
@@TheHandsOnChannel , thanks, your reply caused me to take a close look at the carburetor and I noticed that the bolts that hold the carb to the nylon spacer were loose. Also the bolts that hold the spacer to the intake port were also loose. So I put medium blue loctite on them and tightened them up. My auger is running perfect now!!
How do u think this tool will do with roots?
If they are smaller than your thumb it will usually cut through them. Any bigger and you will have to dig/chop them out.
Hello, I have a similar hole digger for sale on Amazon. Can I borrow your video to share it?
Sorry, no
can you ADD attachment to the auger?
The only attachment is a 21” extension
كام السعر وهل يوجد وكيل في العراق
I cant read that.
@@TheHandsOnChannel he said how much this and did this available in Iraq I know sounds funny why he write Arabic in English video
أعتقد موجود بالعراق
Why can't you get electric versions of these? I can easily get power to where I need to use one of these and it would be a much simpler and low maintenance piece of equipment.
I really don't think you can get the power you need for most soils with an electric version.
How does this do with rocky/slate soil?
If it's gravely soil it will work but larger rocks, it wont cut it.
Could an average woman use this? How well would it do with caliche ?
IDK a small framed woman would probably struggle. I'd say if you are pretty strong and no back issues you can run it. It is a little heavy if you are carrying it long distances, but when running it the weight rests on the auger bit. The twist motion of this digging into a root or hard rock can be more difficult to handle, until you get used to it. If caliche is gravely soil then yes it will work. No big rocks. Hope that was helpful.
@@TheHandsOnChannel Very helpful, thank you. Caliche is more like hitting a layer of concrete, not a whole lot of anything goes through it very well, sometimes jack hammers. It is the AZ soil. Thanks .
@@septemberswisper Oh, yeah this aint gonna go through that.
Can it be used for trenching by dragging it
Not easily, but you could dig a line of holes.
Use non ethanol gas and and stabil storage
biggest thing I noticed that helped was cleaning the oil out before the first use. metal shavings came out of mine and after cleaning those out and adding good oil mine ran well! I also replaced my pull line with a better one because I figure that would be the point that fails haha
cleaned the oil out before the first use and adding good oil? It is a 2-stroke gas.
Gear box oil
I think the ones they’re selling now at HF are sealed and you can’t change out the grease in the gear box, unfortunately.
What about when you hit rocks?
Big rocks are a no go but it can handle some gravel.
What's the diameter of the bore holes?
6-8'' depending on soil type.
Thanks for the video
4:00
Wow, never seen dirt that color before.
Some of the lakes around here are the same color. It will stain your tighty whities red dirt pink, lol.
let her eat! nice video. thanks man!
It works pretty good
Video starts at 3:58
can it go through tree roots?
Only if they are smaller than your thumb. Large roots will stop it in it's tracks.
Hi. Great video. We are thinking of renting one to dig post holes and have never used one. I have read that if you hit a large rock or tree root (quite likely in our case) it can be dangerous for the operator. More so on the type that you need two people to use. Your thoughts? Thanks.
It shouldn't be a problem on a one man auger. At least with this one I have, it will stop the auger from rotating before it would hurt you. I'd be careful with the 2 man type as they are much more powerful. Good luck.
Just good old motor oil on that pull cord to stop that fraying before it begins.
What if soil is rocky?
As long as the rocks aren't too big it will work. Here is a test in the Rocky mountains th-cam.com/video/Ou9hUUV9bBw/w-d-xo.html
no rocks, no roots...no problem
I wonder if the motor would bolt right up to a certain variety of chainsaws.
That thing paid for itself on the first hole.
Skookum as frig. It really chooches!
How big of Algiers can you get for this
It comes with the 6'' IDK if other sizes are available.
What's an algier?
@@mwilliamshs lol i just noticed that.
Algiers is the capitol of Algeria, a country in North Africa. So no, you can’t have it, and personally I wouldn’t want it.
Drill bit size??
6"
Dont forget to put some engine oil in the fuel tank...i usually skip the 2 stroke and dump frsh synthetic left over from oil change to my cars, works fine.