Skid Steer Auger Attachment Guide
The auger is one of the most time-saving skid steer attachments — drilling a 300mm fence post hole that takes 20 minutes by hand takes under 2 minutes with a skid steer auger. But choosing the wrong bit specification leaves you either underpowered or damaging the machine.
Auger Motor Types
Low-flow auger motor (50–70 L/min): Compatible with most compact skid steers and track loaders. Sufficient for bit diameters up to 400–500mm in medium soil.
High-flow auger motor (80–120 L/min): Requires high-flow auxiliary hydraulics. Needed for larger diameter bits (500mm+) or for drilling in hard clay, caliche, or rocky soil.
Always match the auger motor's required flow range to your machine's actual hydraulic output — check your skid steer's specs carefully before purchasing.
Bit Diameter Selection
| Diameter | Common Uses |
|---|---|
| 100–150mm | Sign posts, small fence posts, planting plugs |
| 200–250mm | Standard fence posts, deck posts, tree planting |
| 300–400mm | Large fence posts, power poles, large transplanting |
| 450–600mm | Concrete piers, large-diameter foundations |
| 900mm+ | Large diameter foundation piers, soil testing |
Bit Design for Soil Type
Standard earth bit: For general soil, topsoil, sand, light clay. The default choice for most applications.
Clay bit: Wider, more aggressive flighting clears clay from the hole as it drills — clay tends to pack and bind on standard bits.
Rock bit: Carbide tooth inserts for drilling in rocky soil, caliche, limestone, or compacted shale. Much slower drilling rate but will penetrate where an earth bit would be destroyed.
Frost bit: For frozen ground — additional carbide cutters at the tip break through frost-hardened soil.
Bit Length
Standard bit lengths: 600mm, 900mm, 1,200mm. Extensions available in 600mm increments. Match bit length to required hole depth — using a full-length bit for shallow holes is awkward. Extensions allow progressive depth increase as required.
FAQ
How do I handle a skid steer auger hitting rock?
Don't force it. Stop rotation, reposition slightly to find a softer zone, resume. Persistent rock layers require a rock bit. Continuing to force a standard earth bit into rock destroys the bit and can damage the motor gearbox.