How to Save Half the Time Installing a Fence Using a Skid Steer Auger?
Regardless of whether you’re a first-timer or an expert, installing a fence is generally recognized as one of the most physically demanding tasks in the yard. In fact, merely thinking about digging dozens or even hundreds of fence post holes by hand can make anyone willing to do it go back on their decision. Then again, the whole landscape of hard work has been transformed by the advent of compact heavy machinery like Skid Steer Auger attachment.
The use of a skid steer auger attachment is a major factor behind the conversion of this Herculean task into a smooth, time-saving fence installation process. Powered by hydraulics of a machine such as the TYPHON STOMP mini skid steer, you are able to drill deep straight holes that are also consistent in a small fraction of the time required by manual methods. Here you will learn how to use this heavy equipment skid steer auger attachment to reduce installation time by 50% and at the same time produce professional results.
The Power of the Skid Steer Auger Attachment
A skid steer auger attachment is a hydraulic attachment that delivers great torque and precision to drill straight down into the earth. It is very safe in comparison to handheld gas augers which can suddenly jerk and overstrain user’s arms as it is the skid steer operator whose body is the absorption point of the energy from the unit.
The auger consists of a motor unit and the screw like spiral part which works like a conveyor to move the soil out the ground. Once equipped with a strong machine like the TYPHON STOMP, it becomes a practically invincible weapon against compacted soil, clay, and even frozen ground.
- Massive Time Saving: If it takes a manual post hole digger 20 minutes in tough soil, a skid steer auger attachment can accomplish the task in less than 1 minute.
- Less Wear and Tear on the Body: The machine bears the brunt of the work, thus the operator will feel less tired after work and fewer back injuries will be expected.
- Accuracy and Repeatability: The hydraulic down-pressure option guarantees every hole drilled is of the same depth and diameter to such an extent that the fence line will be perfectly straight.
Planning Your Fence Layout for Machine Access
Even before turning on your skid steer, you have to plan very carefully to make sure the machine will have enough room to move around freely.
Although the TYPHON STOMP has been built to work in tight areas, you have to think of the turning radius as well as the approach angle for each hole as well. The properly marked fence line is like a guiding map for your skid steer auger attachment enabling you to hop from one hole to another without the need to measure and realign all the time.
- Use brightly colored spray paint or stakes to mark the exact centers of your holes.
- Make sure you have a continuous travel path for the skid steer along your fence without any large rocks, debris or branches on the ground.
- Have your utility lines marked before you dig; most areas can be reached by dialing 811.
Selecting the Right Equipment and Skid Steer Auger Attachment Bit
One of the decisive factors in how fast you can get your fence installed is which piece of equipment you decide to go with. Obviously, anyone looking to get a job done quickly should choose a machine that combines both power and ease of handling.
The TYPHON STOMP mini loader is a great example of such as it not only provides the hydraulic power for hole drilling but is also very small and can even be easily taken through the narrowest gates while creating minimum damage to the lawn.
- Then after locating your machine, skid steer auger attachment bit size selection is the next step that will need some attention to ensure your fence post stability.
- Auger bit size should generally be at least 2 to 3 times the diameter of the post if you are using concrete, and slightly larger than the post if you are simply driving it in.
skid steer auger attachment Visual image
Think about the soil and rock conditions:
Match Bit to Post Size: As a general rule, your auger bit should be at least 2 to 3 times the diameter of the post if you are using concrete, or slightly larger than the post if driving it in.
Consider Soil Conditions: For hard and frozen ground you would need a heavy-duty type with carbide teeth whereas standard earth bits would be suitable for loam and clay.
Check your hydraulic compatibility: Your auger attachment should be able to handle your skid steer’s hydraulic flow rate (GPM) to avoid it stalling or overheating.
| Post Size (Inches) | Recommended Auger Bit Diameter | Hole Depth (Approx.) |
| 4×4 Wood Post | 9″ – 12″ | 24″ – 36″ |
| 6×6 Wood Post | 12″ – 18″ | 30″ – 42″ |
| 2 3/8″ Metal Pipe | 6″ – 9″ | 24″ – 30″ |
| Corner/Gate Posts | 12″ – 24″ | 36″ – 48″ |
Step-by-Step Drilling Process
Operating a skid steer auger attachment effortlessly means that you are able to use the power of hydraulics without forcing the bit which may make it become screwed in and then get stuck. Begin by aligning the skid steer to the mark you made such that the nose rests right above it.
Gradually lower the arm until the tip of the bit you intend to use touches the waiting earth. Before we talk about spinning the bit, let me remind you of the important fact, that the bit should be plumb i.e. the auger bit should be perfectly vertical so you can drill a straight hole without difficulty.
- Engage the hydraulics gradually to create a pilot hole; this slow start will help to keep the bit from wandering off the mark.
- Drill down 12-24 inches, then raise the auger slightly while still in spin to throw the dirt out of the hole.
Safety Measures During Operation
Never ignore the safety rules no matter how fast you want to get the job done. Besides, a skid steer auger attachment should always be treated as a potentially dangerous tool capable of causing serious injury if used recklessly.
This is why before the operator starts working, it is essential to explain to the people around what is going on and ask them to keep a 10 ft distance at least. Also, the operator ought to keep the safety bar down or wear the seatbelt while being seated at all times.
- Put on your glasses, ear plugs and boots first of all before you start working.
- Keep your eye on the auger shaft all the time so it does not get tangled with jacket sleeves and fingers.
- Communication should be through hand signals, if working with someone, or radios, this will ensure the operator will be aware of net movement and drilling from a distance and vice versa.
Setting Posts and Finishing Up
The advantage of speed of the skid steer auger will come out really clear once you look back at the row of nice, neat post holes. You can now easily put the posts in, level them, and backfill with concrete or soil. One major benefit of using an auger is that it doesn’t tear up the ground around the hole, thus the fence posts will get solid footing at once. Hence you can go straight on with nailing the rails and putting up the pickets before the time for the manual digging has even come around.
- By inserting the post immediately after the hole has been dug, the post will not have to be fixed again due to falling soil or water filling the hole.
- If soil is used for backfilling, it should be well-tamped in 6-inch layers to make the post firm.
- Besides, it is easy to clean up the unwanted piles of spoil that the auger made with the bucket attachment of the skid steer.
FAQs – TYPHON STOMP Skid Steer Auger Attachment
What is a skid steer auger attachment used for?
Skid steer auger attachment is a multi-functional attachment that can drill holes in the soil in multiple ways. Planting trees, installing fence posts, footings for decks or pergolas, and utility poles are some of the application areas. Therefore, it is possible for you to use such a machine to break through various types of soils that would be hard to dig by hand with the aid of its powerful torque.
How deep can a skid steer auger attachment dig?
Typically, an ordinary skid steer auger attachment bit length is about 4 feet (48 inches), which means you can easily drill to that depth. On the other hand, extension rods are also available in the market, ranging from 12 inches to several feet, and depending on the lifting height and stability of the machine, you can go as deep as 6 feet or even more.
Do I need a high-flow skid steer to run an auger?
For standard fencing around a property, a high-flow machine is not your main requirement. Most normal-flow skid steers, such as the TYPHON STOMP, can provide the needed hydraulic flow (GPM) and pressure to run an earth auger attachment efficiently. The high-flow feature is generally allocated for the use of heavy-duty attachments such as forestry mulchers or large rock trenchers.
Can a skid steer auger attachment dig through rock?
Depending on the bit in use, the answer can be yes. The standard earth bit is primarily used on soil, clay, and loam only. In order to get through rocks, frozen soil or even concrete, one needs to have a bit engineered specially for rock which bit is equipped with bullet-style carbide teeth and a heavy-duty pilot tip. Using a standard bit on solid rock will only damage the equipment.
What size auger bit do I need for a 4×4 fence post?
For a 4 by 4 wood post, an auger bit of 9 or 12 inches is optimal. This will provide space around the post which can be filled either by concrete or tamped soil to hold it firmly. If the bit is too narrow, you will not be able to regulate the post if it got out of alignment; it will be wasteful of labor and concrete if the bit is too wide.
Is it hard to operate a skid steer auger attachment?
Most skid steer augers nowadays are installed with a modern control system that allows for a more intuitive operation, and this is the reason why it is easy enough to understand how to operate one. It would be rather difficult to attempt a clean and straight hole if one didn’t have a steady hand to ensure that the auger bit (which is used for operation) hangs perfectly vertically (plumb) before drilling. After just a little bit of drilling practice, the majority of operators become very efficient and their speed at producing holes is staggering.
How much faster is a skid steer auger attachment than manual digging?
Actually, a skid steer auger works much faster than a human being digging alone. While the fitter of the two might still take 15-30 min to dig a hole of standard size by hand depending on the terrain, it would take only 30 to 60 seconds for a skid steer. That means if the job were to contain around fifty holes, the labor time saved would be counted by days literally.