Buying a Post Hole Digger

Find the right post hole digger for your business
By Angela Kovalyak, Freelance Writer/Editor Kovalyak Editorial, Ltd. If you are a contractor, landscaper or fence builder, then you will need a post hole digger at some point in time. The questions you need to ask are:

1. How often will I use the post hole digger?
2. What type of hole digger do I need?

The type of post hole digger you need depends on the jobs you do. If you need to dig shallow holes, then a handheld post hole digger will do the job just fine. If you need to dig deep holes, then you probably want a gas-powered post hole digger or a tractor post hole digger.

Here are a few things to remember when buying post hole diggers:

1. Research the different types of post hole diggers.
2. Buy new if you can afford it.
3. If you buy a used post hole digger, ensure that the product is in good working order and replacement parts are still available.

Research different types of post hole diggers

The type of company you have and the amount of holes you dig will determine the type of post hole digger(s) you need. Do some research to find out what different products offer.
Try:  John Deere has a great comparison chart for the post hole diggers they sell. Shaver Manufacturing Company offers a hydraulic post hole auger as well as a PTO post hole digger. This website compares both product lines. Another way to compare different types and brands of post hole diggers is to visit websites like NexTag, Inc.

Buy post hole diggers directly from the manufacturer

Buying from manufacturers can have advantages and disadvantages. You have to buy the product new. This means it will cost you more money; however, manufacturers usually have better prices on their products than retail stores. Manufacturer buying also helps you with warranties and product replacement.
Try:  Leinbach Machinery is a manufacturer of post hole diggers. Their products are online, but you need to contact them for pricing. Green Manufacturing offers a selection of the post hole diggers they manufacture. On this website, you can find a hydraulic post hole auger as well as a tractor post hole digger.

If you can afford it, buy new post hole diggers

Buying new is always the way to go, if it is in your budget. A new product offers a warranty, and a new post hole digger is no exception. These products are pricey but much more reliable.
Try:  PostHoleAuger.com has everything from a one-man post auger to a gas post hole digger auger. Northern Tool + Equipment also has a large selection of products. Wikco.com, Inc. has a tractor post hole digger for every tractor. For handheld post hole diggers, visit Swartz Tools.

If the post hole digger you need is too expensive, consider buying used

Obviously a used product is going to cost less than a product that is new. You can get some great deals on used post hole diggers.
Try:  Used Field Tractors has everything from a tractor post hole digger to a post hole digger that comes with a post auger. eBay also has a nice selection.

• If you buy a post hole digger that uses an auger, check to see if the auger comes with the digger. This may end up being a separate purchase.
• If you do not use post hole diggers that often, consider a post hole digger rental. Most hardware stores offer rental equipment for fees much smaller than the purchase price.