Dig into Different Soil

Pairing the proper points and blades with project soil types

Choosing the right points and blades for an earth auger may seem like a small detail, but it’s a critical step in any fencing project. The right choice increases productivity by lessening equipment wear and decreasing maintenance needs. Outfitting an auger with the proper points and blades makes drilling easier and protects the auger flighting from excessive wear.

“Some manufacturers offer multiple styles of points and blades — but not all are the same,” says Joe Haynes, Little Beaver president. “To make sure each fencing project goes on without a hitch, choose the best points and blades for each soil type.”

Haynes offers the following guideline to insure project success:

LOAMY SOIL & DIRT

Loamy soil is a generally soft mixture of sand, silt and a small amount of clay. For this and other soft-ground fencing projects, look for points and blades constructed with cold-rolled steel and hard surfacing around the edges.

Some manufacturers offer points and blades with bolt-on connections. This allows operators to easily switch out the points and blades when soil conditions change or maintenance is needed, offering increased versatility and decreased project downtime. When the blade dulls, some manufacturers offer reversible options. The bolt-on connection makes reversing the blade simple, and the new, sharp edge is used throughout the project.

ABRASIVE & DENSE SOIL

Some soil types are harder to drill into than others. Abrasive soils, compacted soil and loose rock, require stronger points and blades to lead the auger. For these, some manufacturers use carbide, a stronger alternative to steel.

Fencing contractors should pair carbide tip points with hard-faced blades, carbide blades or chisel points with a carbide blade for abrasive soils and soil where impact is possible. A carbide tip point and a chisel point with a carbide blade are optimal for compacted rock. Contractors facing hard pan and frozen soils will find best results with a carbide tip point and a carbide tip blade.

COMPACTED ROCK & HARD PAN SOILS

Points and blades like hard-faced blades, carbide blades or chisel points make drilling through rock and hard pan soil easier. Look for a manufacturer that pours and molds the points and blades as opposed to welded metals. A single poured component is stronger than a welded one and better for harder soils.

And, keep in mind, these points and blades are often paired with a specialty auger, so pay attention to any additional equipment needed. Some manufacturers have multiple blade attachments for their specialty augers, especially those used in heavy-duty applications. An auger with multiple blades chews up the soil more and breaks it down more thoroughly, making it more effective for drilling through harder soils.

Most heavy-duty augers, points and blades also need to be run at a lower RPM than their counterparts for the most effective drilling. Check gear ratios and speed recommendations before starting projects with compacted rock and hard pan soil, especially when using specialty equipment.

Maximize

DRILLING PERFORMANCE WITH THE RIGHT POINTS & BLADES

STANDARD POINTS & BLADES

HEAVY DUTY POINTS & BLADES

Carbide Blades

Choosing the right points and blades can increase productivity by lessening equipment wear and decreasing maintenance needs.