Just about anywhere there’s soil or sediment, there’s an application for earth drills and augers. They’re a critical tool for efficiently drilling holes for projects like deck building, sign installation, tree planting and fencing.
One big consideration for contractors and homeowners is the decision between a one-man or two-man earth drill. The choice depends on the soil and sediment profile, job type and climate. One-man drilling can put the operation one step ahead for smaller projects in easy-to-drill soil, but there are some scenarios where two-man drilling is necessary.
One-Man Drilling
Drills featuring a steel torque tube transfer kickback from the auger to the power source, so you only need one person to maintain control. By neutralizing the kickback, Little Beaver can produce Mechanical Earth Drill models that operate at up to 360 rotations per minute — twice the speed of most competing options. This setup is beneficial for homeowners looking to get something done quickly, and contractors who want to boost efficiency by eliminating the need for a second operator to help with drilling.
Little Beaver Hydraulic Earth Drills also feature a torque tube to make one-man drilling safe in tougher soils. Hydraulic drills operate at a lower rpm but offer additional torque for drilling in clay or rocky soil. Our hydraulic drills feature a forward and reverse lever that lets you easily remove the auger from the ground if it is caught on an obstruction, like a rock or tree root. One-man drilling with a hydraulic drill can be a good solution for industrial fencing, landscaping projects, soil sampling and groundwater monitoring.
Two-Man Drilling
Some manufacturers offer mechanical and hydraulic drills without a torque tube. These typically require a two-man team to keep the drill steady and avoid injuries in the case of kickback. In these cases, a Little Beaver Mechanical or Hydraulic Earth Drill cuts back on labor costs and instances of injury.
However, for those cases when operators are required to drill larger-diameter (10 to 16 inch) holes or extra deep holes, we also offer a two-man handle for our Hydraulic Earth Drill. This option is a great solution for jobs that require a second operator to lift a drill that’s fitted with a larger auger size.
Making the Choice
Although the torque tube makes Little Beaver models safer for one-man drilling, there are certain applications for which a second operator is preferred or even necessary. When considering one- vs. two-man drilling, think about the size of your operation, the soil where you’ll be drilling and the hole size required.
Lighter applications such as making holes for fencing, gardening and putting up signs can usually be accomplished by one person. Using the correct augers, points and blades for any given job make both one- and two-man drilling much smoother, so be sure to factor those into this equation as well.
For more information about Little Beaver and our products, check out our website or contact us directly.