Rent the right auger for your project, not the most expensive one
Understanding the Two Types of Augers
Handheld augers (also called one-man or two-man gas augers) are engine-powered units carried and operated on foot. A single operator manages a one-person model; two-operator units share the torque load. Common bit sizes run from 6 inches up to 12 inches in diameter. These machines are compact, easy to transport in a truck bed or trailer, and ideal for smaller jobs with a manageable number of holes.
Skid steer auger attachments mount directly to a skid steer loader's hydraulic quick-attach plate and draw power from the machine's auxiliary hydraulics. They handle bit sizes from 6 inches up through 30 inches or more, can penetrate rocky or heavily compacted soil that would stop a handheld unit cold, and allow an operator to drill dozens of holes in a single day without physical fatigue. If you need a hydraulic skid steer auger, local rental providers list them on Rntr with available bit sizes specified in the listing.
Mini skid steer auger attachments occupy a middle ground. Units like the Bobcat MT50 auger package deliver more power than a handheld tool while still fitting through standard fence gates and into tight yards. Rntr listings include 12-inch, 18-inch, and 24-inch auger bits for the Bobcat MT50, so you can match the bit to your post or footing diameter.
When a Handheld Auger Makes Sense
Small to medium fence projects. Installing 10 to 30 fence posts in average soil is well within what a gas-powered handheld unit handles efficiently. A 1-man general post hole digger with an 8-inch auger covers most residential fence post diameters without requiring a skid steer on site.
Tight spaces. Fenced back yards, narrow side yards, and sloped terrain where a skid steer cannot maneuver safely are natural fits for handheld equipment. The operator carries the unit in and positions it precisely.
Lower rental cost for short jobs. Handheld auger rentals typically run $60 to $120 per day depending on engine size and bit configuration. A skid steer auger setup, including the machine rental, runs considerably more. For a half-day fence repair, the math strongly favors the handheld option.
Light to medium soil conditions. Loamy or sandy soil with minimal rock content is where handheld augers perform best. Once you hit heavy clay, dense caliche, or rocky ground, physical strain increases quickly and progress slows.
What are the disadvantages of using a hand auger? The honest answer is torque. When a bit catches a root or rock, the machine tries to spin the operator rather than the other way around. Two-person models reduce this risk, and an 11 HP two-person auger gives you more power and control than entry-level single-operator units. Even so, rocky or root-heavy ground makes any handheld auger a slow, tiring tool. Depth is also limited: most handheld units max out around 36 to 48 inches without extensions, and hitting a subsurface rock at 24 inches can end the job entirely.
When a Skid Steer Auger Is the Better Choice
Large-scale fence, deck, or foundation projects. If you are setting 50 or more posts, or need multiple large-diameter footings, a skid steer auger pays for itself in time savings alone. Rental rates for a skid steer post hole digger generally run $250 to $500 per day depending on your region and the included bit sizes, but the production rate, 50 to 100 holes per day in good conditions, makes that cost reasonable on larger jobs.
Rocky or compacted ground. This is the single biggest reason contractors choose a skid steer hydraulic auger over a handheld unit. Rock auger bits rated for harder formations require the consistent hydraulic pressure only a skid steer can supply. Handheld units simply do not have enough torque or downforce to handle serious rock.
Large-diameter holes. Deck footings, fence corner posts, and retaining wall anchors often need 16-inch, 18-inch, or larger diameter holes. Rntr providers list 16-inch and 18-inch skid steer auger bits as separate rentals, so you can match the bit diameter to your actual spec.
How deep can you dig with a skid steer auger? Standard single-flight auger bits reach 36 to 48 inches. With auger extensions, most skid steer setups can reach 8 to 10 feet, though practical depth depends on soil type and whether you encounter rock. Contractors frequently go to 5 or 6 feet for frost-depth footings in northern climates.
What are the common problems with skid steer augers? The most frequently cited issues are auger bits binding in clay or rocky ground, hydraulic flow mismatches between the attachment and the host machine, and operators underestimating the time needed to clear spoil from each hole. Binding usually means the bit size is too aggressive for the formation. Hydraulic flow issues are avoided by confirming that the skid steer you rent is compatible with the auger attachment specs listed by the provider. Skid steer auger attachments are not one-size-fits-all, so always verify flow rate and coupler compatibility before pickup.
Does a mini skid steer auger work very well? Yes, within its design limits. A mini skid steer auger like those built for the Bobcat MT50 is genuinely capable in medium-density soil and handles bit sizes up to 24 or even 30 inches. The tradeoff versus a full-size skid steer is lower hydraulic flow, which slows penetration in hard ground. For residential fence and landscaping projects where a full-size machine cannot fit, a mini skid steer auger is a practical and effective solution.
Handheld vs Skid Steer Auger: Side-by-Side Comparison
Use this table to compare the two rental options across the factors that matter most for your project.
| Feature | Handheld Gas Auger | Skid Steer Auger Attachment |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Bit Sizes | 6" to 12" | 6" to 30"+ |
| Max Practical Depth | 36" to 48" | 48" to 10 ft with extensions |
| Soil Suitability | Loam, sand, light clay | Clay, caliche, gravel, rock |
| Operator Effort | High (physical fatigue on long jobs) | Low (machine does the work) |
| Access to Tight Spaces | Excellent | Limited to skid steer width |
| Typical Daily Rental Rate | $60 to $120/day | $250 to $500/day (machine + attachment) |
| Setup Time | Minimal | 20 to 40 minutes (attach + confirm hydraulics) |
| Production Rate | 10 to 40 holes/day | 50 to 100+ holes/day |
| Transport | Truck bed or small trailer | Requires equipment trailer |
| Best For | Residential, small fence projects, tight access | Large projects, hard ground, big-diameter holes |
Renting an Auger on Rntr: Common Questions Answered
- Can I rent just the auger attachment without renting a skid steer separately?
- Some Rntr providers rent the auger attachment as a standalone item for customers who already own or are separately renting a compatible skid steer. Others rent the attachment and machine together as a package. Check the listing details or contact the provider to confirm what is included before you book.
- How much does it cost to rent an auger per day?
- Handheld gas augers typically rent for $60 to $120 per day depending on engine size and bit diameter. Skid steer auger attachments (attachment only) generally run $100 to $200 per day. When you factor in the skid steer machine rental, total daily costs for a skid steer auger setup often land between $250 and $500. Rates vary by location and provider, so browse current listings on Rntr to see actual pricing near you.
- What bit size should I rent for fence posts?
- Standard 4x4 fence posts fit in a 6-inch hole; 6x6 posts typically need an 8-inch hole. If you are setting posts in concrete, size up by 2 to 4 inches to allow for the pour. Most rental providers offer multiple bit sizes, and some list bits as separate add-ons so you can rent the exact diameter you need.
- Is a deposit required to rent an auger?
- Most equipment rental providers require a credit card hold or a refundable cash deposit at pickup. Deposit amounts vary by provider and equipment value, but expect $100 to $500 for handheld units and more for skid steer packages. Deposit details are listed on each individual Rntr listing.
- Can I pick up an auger rental or does it require delivery?
- Both options exist on Rntr. Handheld augers are easy to transport yourself in a truck bed. Skid steer machines require a flatbed or equipment trailer, and many providers offer delivery for an additional fee. Check each listing to see which options the provider supports in your area.
- How far in advance do I need to reserve an auger?
- For handheld augers, same-day or next-day availability is common at most locations. Skid steer auger packages can book up on weekends and during peak spring and fall landscaping seasons, so reserving two to five days ahead is a good practice for those larger setups. Browse Rntr to see real-time availability from local providers.
- What happens if I hit rock and can not finish the job with the rented auger?
- If you rent a standard earth auger and encounter solid rock, you generally have two options: rent a rock auger bit rated for harder formations (some providers carry these), or switch to a skid steer rock auger attachment that provides the hydraulic torque needed to penetrate dense material. Contact your Rntr provider before your rental period ends to discuss swapping equipment if conditions are harder than expected.
Auger Sizes and Which Projects They Match
6 to 8 inches: Residential fence posts (4x4 or 6x6), sign posts, mailbox posts, small tree planting. These sizes work on both handheld and skid steer setups.
10 to 12 inches: Deck footings for moderate loads, larger sign installations, planting balled-and-burlapped shrubs. A 10-inch post hole auger for skid steer covers most deck footing specs in residential construction.
16 to 18 inches: Heavy deck footings, pergola posts, residential concrete piers. These diameters are essentially skid steer territory, since handheld units rarely offer bits this large.
24 to 30 inches: Commercial footings, large retaining wall anchors, agricultural post work. A 30-inch auger for the Bobcat MT50 is one example of a large-format attachment available through Rntr providers for heavy-duty residential or light commercial applications.
Always confirm local frost depth requirements with your municipality before finalizing hole depth for structural footings. In northern states, frost lines can reach 48 inches or more, which affects both depth requirements and equipment selection.