How to Choose the Best Auger Attachment for a Skid Steer

TL;DR

• Skid steer auger attachments leverage rotational hydraulic power to break through soil, rock, or concrete for drilling applications.
• Key selection parameters include matching the drive's rated GPM to the machine's auxiliary hydraulic output and ensuring collar size compatibility between the head and final drive.
• Structural elements such as the flight weld strength, standard flight configuration (single or double), and auger length directly influence operational depth and durability.
• Premium models, like the Blue Diamond Series 2 Extreme Duty, feature high-torque gearboxes, integrated pressure relief valves, and robust side load shafts to maximize efficiency and depth.

Among many skid steer attachments, an auger is a very specific tool. Its main purpose isto dig holes in the ground.Thanks to the skid steer hydraulic power, or rather its rotational force, the auger attachment canturn and break through the earth with its cutting teeth. There aremany types of augers availableon the market but the choice of the appropriate one should be based not only on the individual circumstances but also on theskid steer augers' features.

Skid Steer Auger Features

Augers have many features that one should take into consideration before choosing the perfect tool. What is more,the skid steer compatibility with skid steer auger attachmentis also of great importance. Below are a few features one shouldpay attention to while choosing an auger attachment:

Hydraulic Flow

One of the most important factors isthe hydraulic flow. Auger drives are designed for a set number of gallons per minute of hydraulic flow. If too high of a flow runs through the drive, thedrive unit can become damaged. On the other hand, if the flow is not sufficient, the auger will beunderpowered and therefore not work as desired.

How can you use that knowledge while choosing your skid steer auger?Compare how much GPM your skid steer loader auxiliary hydraulics produceto the ratings of a skid steer auger attachment you are planning to purchase. If the skid steer produces 16 GMP you should choose among auger attachments rated at 10-20 GPM.

Size of the Skid Steer Auger Drive Unit

Auger drives can havedifferent sizestherefore the auger you choose must have ahead of the same size as the drive. The size of the head is also connected with the torque sothe higher the torque the larger the diameter of the final drive. If thetorque is highthe auger needs to be heavy-built, whereas whenthe torque of the drive unit is lower, the larger auger will not work efficiently. However, do not worry if you happen to make a mistake buying a wrong-sized attachment. There are alsoadapters availablethat can connect the auger and the drive.

Skid Steer Auger Flight

The flight isone of the most importantyet possiblythe most fragileamongauger bitsin all skid steer auger attachments. It is the spiralling ribbon welded onto the skid steer auger shaft. Its function is simplyto lift the material out of the augured hole. What a buyer needs to pay attention to is theweld connecting the augers' flight to the shaft. A weak weld means ahigher risk of an auger failure.There are augers with single or double flights on the market, buta single flight is sufficient to manage loose soil.

Skid Steer Augers' Length

The depth of a dig depends directly on the length of the auger. Standard skid steer augers available on the market are 48 inches long. There are alsoaccessories that help your auger dig deeper holes, such as auger extensions. Thanks to them you candig even up to 72 inches deeper.

The Type of Work Auger Must Perform

Digging holes is not enough of a specification to choose the perfect skid steer auger. Some augers digholes in the dirt(for example post holes),in rocksand somegrind stumps. If the material you dig into is hard, you mustchoose a heavy-duty auger. The difference between the augers is inthe build of the auger bits(for example the arrangement of the teeth).

The Best Skid Steer Auger Equipment on the Market

To help you purchase your dream skid steer auger attachment we prepared ourtop three picks among auger equipment.All of them are chosen from theskidsteers.comassortmentand can be purchased in our shop. Get your attachment now and never worry about digging holes again!

EXTREME DUTY AUGERfrom BLUE DIAMONDdesigned with high-grade materials and innovation

If you need theultimate performance, quality,andcost-effectiveness,the new Blue Diamond Series 2 Extreme Duty Auger is a perfect choice for you. Designed withhigh-grade materials and innovation,this piece of equipment allows the gearbox to go down the hole,maximizing drilling depthwhileeliminating downtime. The Blue Diamond Extreme Duty Auger Series 2 drives are perfect fordrilling and augering in most ground conditions.

Features:

- Compact high torque manufactured gearbox
-Eaton motor with integrated PRV eliminating the need for bulky valve blocks and reducing potential leak points
-2-piece shaft design ensuring maximum side load ratings
-5-yr gearbox warranty, 3-yr motor warranty, and lifetime shaft pull-out warranty
- Available in 6 models with different GPM
- Price: between$3500 and$4500 (depending on the model)

HEAVY DUTY ROCK AUGER BIT for drilling into solid rock and concrete

Features:

- For works in solid rock and concrete
-Cast tooth pockets
-Drive-in carbide bullet teeth
-3/4" thick boring head
-4' standard length
- Available in 9 different diameters
- Price: $1200 - $5300 (depending on the model)

HEAVY DUTY AUGER BIT WITH CAST HEADfor difficult ground conditions

Features:

- Cast steel head
-Hardened drive-in teeth; standard includes gauge teeth in the outside position, chisel teeth in the inside position
-Hardened fishtail point
-Heavy duty double flighting
-2" hex, 2 9/16" round, and 2" round collars available
-4' standard length; 3', 5', and 6' lengths available
- Available in 14 different diameters
- Price: $600 - $5600 (depending on the model)