
Dig post holes, plant trees, and install fencing without buying equipment you'll use once. Find auger rentals near you on RNTR.
Auger Rental Cost: Your Questions Answered
- How much does it cost to rent an auger for a day?
- Daily auger rental rates on RNTR typically run $50 to $150 for a one-man handheld auger, $100 to $250 for a two-man towable unit, and $200 to $400 for a skid-steer or tractor-mounted hydraulic auger. Bit diameter and soil conditions affect what size you need, which directly influences the price. Most homeowners digging standard 6- to 12-inch fence post holes will land in the $75 to $150 per day range.
- Is it cheaper to rent an auger for a week instead of multiple days?
- Yes. Most RNTR providers offer a meaningful discount for weekly rentals compared to booking individual days. A one-man auger that costs $100 per day may be available for $300 to $400 for a full week, saving you $300 or more on a five-day project. If your job spans more than two or three days, asking the provider about weekly pricing almost always pays off.
- What deposit do I need to rent an auger?
- Deposit requirements vary by provider, but most auger rentals on RNTR carry a refundable deposit of $100 to $500 depending on the machine size and value. RNTR also includes up to $2,000 in damage protection on eligible rentals, which gives both renters and owners added peace of mind. All transactions are processed through Stripe, so your payment information stays secure.
- Does the rental price include the auger bit?
- Many local providers include one standard bit (commonly 6 or 8 inches) with the rental. If you need a different diameter, expect to pay an additional $10 to $40 per day per bit. Always confirm with your RNTR provider which bits are included and what sizes they carry before you book, especially if you need larger 12- or 18-inch diameters for deck footings or tree planting.
- Can I get an auger delivered, or do I have to pick it up?
- Delivery availability depends on the individual provider listed on RNTR. Many local rental shops and equipment owners offer delivery for a flat fee ranging from $30 to $100 within a set radius, while others are pickup-only. You can see delivery options and contact providers directly through the RNTR app when you browse listings in your area.
- What size auger bit do I need, and does it affect the rental cost?
- Bit size affects both machine requirements and price. A 6-inch bit works for standard fence posts and small plantings. An 8-inch bit covers most residential fence and mailbox projects. A 12-inch bit is common for deck footings and larger posts. Bits 18 inches and larger typically require a two-man or towable auger and add $15 to $50 per day to your total. Rocky or heavily compacted soil may also require a carbide-tipped bit, which some providers charge extra for.
- How do I find an auger rental near me on RNTR?
- Open the RNTR app or visit rntr.com, enter your zip code or city, and search for 'auger' or 'post hole digger.' You'll see available listings from local rental shops and individual equipment owners near you, along with daily and weekly rates, included accessories, pickup and delivery options, and provider reviews. Booking takes just a few minutes and payments are secured through Stripe.
Auger Rental Pricing by Type and Size
| Auger Type | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Man Handheld Auger (up to 8" bit) | $50 – $100 | $175 – $300 | $400 – $600 |
| Two-Man Handheld Auger (up to 12" bit) | $100 – $175 | $300 – $500 | $600 – $900 |
| Towable / Tow-Behind Auger (12" – 18" bit) | $150 – $250 | $450 – $700 | $900 – $1,400 |
| Skid-Steer Auger Attachment (12" – 24" bit) | $200 – $350 | $550 – $900 | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Tractor-Mounted Hydraulic Auger (18" – 36" bit) | $250 – $400 | $700 – $1,100 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Additional Auger Bit (per size) | $10 – $40/day | $30 – $100/week | Varies by provider |
What Affects Auger Rental Cost?
Several variables determine how much you'll pay when you rent an auger through RNTR. Understanding them helps you pick the right machine and avoid overspending.
Machine size and power. A compact one-man electric or gas auger costs significantly less than a towable or tractor-mounted hydraulic unit. If your project involves fewer than 20 post holes at 6 to 8 inches in diameter, a one-man unit is almost always the right call and the most affordable option.
Bit diameter. Larger diameter bits require more torque, which means a bigger machine. Going from a 6-inch to a 12-inch bit often means stepping up from a one-man unit to a two-man unit, which adds $50 to $100 per day to your rental cost.
Soil conditions. Hard clay, rocky ground, or heavily compacted soil can require carbide-tipped or heavy-duty bits. Some providers charge extra for these specialized bits or require a larger machine to handle tough conditions.
Rental duration. Daily rates are convenient for one-day projects, but weekly rates offer much better value if your job takes more than two or three days. Always ask your RNTR provider for weekly pricing before you book.
Delivery vs. pickup. Providers who offer delivery typically charge $30 to $100 depending on distance. If you have a truck or trailer, picking up the equipment saves money. If you need help hauling the machine, check out car trailer and utility trailer rentals on RNTR to move the equipment yourself for less than a full delivery fee.
Location. Urban markets with more providers tend to have more competitive pricing. Rural areas may have fewer options, which can push rates higher. Searching RNTR with your zip code shows you everything available locally so you can compare.
Deposit requirements. Most providers require a refundable deposit of $100 to $500. RNTR's up to $2,000 damage protection on eligible rentals adds an extra layer of security for both sides of the transaction.
What's Typically Included in an Auger Rental
When you rent an auger through RNTR, here's what most local providers include in the base rental price:
- The auger power head (gas or hydraulic)
- One standard auger bit (commonly 6" or 8")
- Basic operator instructions or a how-to guide
- Safety briefing or printed safety guidelines
- Fuel (sometimes included, sometimes not — always confirm)
What's typically NOT included in the base rate:
- Additional bit sizes (budget $10 to $40 per extra bit per day)
- Delivery and pickup fees
- Fuel if the tank comes empty (gas models)
- Damage beyond normal wear — though RNTR's damage protection covers up to $2,000 on eligible rentals
For larger earthmoving projects that go beyond post holes, it's worth comparing related equipment. A mini excavator rental or skid loader rental may be more efficient if you're tackling trenching, grading, or extensive digging alongside your auger work. RNTR makes it easy to find all of these from local providers in one place.
Tips to Save Money on Your Auger Rental
Getting the most value from your auger rental comes down to planning ahead and making smart choices on the RNTR platform.
Book for the right duration. If your project will take more than two days, ask the provider about weekly pricing right away. Weekly rates frequently come in at three to four times the daily rate, meaning you save one or two full days of rental cost.
Choose the right machine for the job. Don't rent a towable two-man auger for a 10-hole fence project. A one-man unit handles most residential post hole work and costs half as much. Match the machine to the job, not to what seems more powerful.
Confirm bit size before you book. Showing up on-site and realizing you need a different bit diameter means a trip back to the provider and lost time. Know your post diameter, deck footing specs, or planting hole size before you book.
Pick up the equipment yourself when possible. Delivery fees add up. If you can haul the auger in a truck bed or on a trailer, you'll often save $50 to $100. If you don't own a trailer, renting a utility trailer for a day is usually cheaper than paying for equipment delivery.
Read provider reviews on RNTR. Providers with high ratings tend to include more accessories, better-maintained equipment, and clearer instructions, saving you headaches on the job.
Return on time. Late returns often trigger additional day charges. Plan your project schedule with a buffer so you're not rushing, and return clean equipment to avoid cleaning fees.
Looking for auger rentals for a larger construction project? Browse scissor lift and man lift rentals on RNTR if your scope includes elevated work alongside ground-level drilling.