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Augers, Points & Blades Wear Issues

Augers, Points & Blades Wear Issues

Nov 22, 2024

Maximize Drill Performance

Earth auger blade replacement

Operators sometimes forget that points and blades need regular maintenance just like an earth drill does. Too often, these small pieces are forgotten in the day-to-day shuffle of drilling projects. However, forgoing routine maintenance on these critical parts can lead to a decline in drilling performance or even a complete breakdown on the jobsite.

Proper maintenance and replacement of common wear parts keeps your earth auger operating at peak performance. Like the drills they are mounted on, augers, points and blades require routine maintenance.

  • Check the placement of the points and blades every day. Misalignment might cause the auger to vibrate excessively or “walk” during use.
  • Ensure you’re using the right points and blades for the soil. Standard options work for loamy soils or areas with few rocks while hard clay or frozen ground requires carbide blades. Having the right points and blades will protect the auger from damage and make your drilling project easier.
  • Replace worn attachable points and blades before they reach the auger flighting. Operators can replace these parts quickly with basic hand tools, such as a wrench or ratchet set. To learn more, check out our video below.
  • If the blades wear down far enough to damage the flighting, operators will need to repair the auger flighting by welding the material or replace the entire auger.
  • A good rule of thumb is to never operate a drill with damaged or missing parts, which includes the auger.
Heavy-Duty Auger Point

Heavy-Duty Auger Point

Our earth augers feature abrasive-resistant steel and hard surfacing on the edges of the points and blades. Another benefit of working with Little Beaver is that our points and blades are reversible, which means you get twice as much work out of one point or blade.

The time put into maintaining smaller wear parts protects against larger repair costs if the drill is damaged or breaks. Keep an eye on maintenance schedules to prolong the life of your Little Beaver earth drills.

 

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Choosing the Right Earth Drilling Equipment for Your Project

Choosing the Right Earth Drilling Equipment for Your Project

Nov 15, 2024

Whether you’re a DIY’er looking to complete one simple backyard project or a contractor tackling customer jobs, choosing the correct drill type and auger for a project significantly increases the ease and efficiency of your drilling job. Let’s explore which choices are the best for your project.

Mechanical or Hydraulic?

Horizontal Boring Tips and Best PracticesDepending on the project, you might find that a mechanical earth drill performs better than a hydraulic earth drill. However, the best option comes down to a few different factors including borehole diameter, soil type and maneuverability needs.

Our Mechanical Earth Drills are ideal for drilling relatively small holes, ranging from 1.5 to 12-inch diameters, in sandy or loamy soil profiles. You might use this drill for landscaping, erecting signs or installing fence posts. DIY’ers often find the Mechanical Earth Drill to be the superior option for home improvement projects. With additional kits, these drills extend past simple post hole drilling. Little Beaver Mechanical Earth Drills offer the option to pair with a horizontal boring kit to bore up to 50 feet under driveways, sidewalks and parking lots.

Fencing with Hydraulic Earth DrillOur Hydraulic Earth Drills have twice the torque of our mechanical models, which makes them better for tasks demanding larger holes up to 16 inches. This could include projects like building a pole barn or monitoring groundwater. These high-powered machines are optimal for use in frozen soil, clay and rocky sediments.

Both earth drill options feature compact, lightweight designs that give them a small footprint and allow them to reach areas where larger models and skid steers can’t go.

Hydraulic Earth Drills can take mobility one step further. Our Towable Earth Drill conveniently attaches to a trailer hitch for hauling to and from the jobsite while the UN-Towable can fit in the back of most SUVs and pickup trucks. They’re also able to drill right next to buildings and other structures. For the toughest jobs, we offer the Big Beaver. Rental centers often choose to stock both mechanical and hydraulic earth drills to appeal to a wider audience of users, including DIY’ers and contractors.

Selecting an Auger

Little Beaver PointsAuger selection can be just as important as drill selection. Roughly 80% of projects will use a standard auger with standard points and blades, which work best in loamy, sandy soil profiles. Typically, these augers range in size between 1.5 to 16 inches, reaching depths of up to 36 inches. Some manufacturers offer additional points and blades that help to expand the use of the standard auger. For example, a carbide blade is best for the toughest types of ground, such as asphalt, dense clay and frozen dirt.

When there’s harsh, rocky terrain underfoot, you need an equally rugged auger. Heavy-duty augers are designed with features like larger flighting and tougher cutting blades. Little Beaver also has heavy-duty points and blades to slice through harder ground, like gravel.

To choose the best auger for your project, it’s important to understand the terrain you will be drilling in. It’s also important to recognize if you’re going to be using the same drill for more than one project. While a post hole might be drilled in an area with loamy soil, a sign might be installed in harsher soil conditions, which will require different auger types and, possibly, different auger diameters.

Making the Best of Your Project

Little Beaver offers an expansive library of informational resources to help you make your project a success. In the FAQ section of our website, you can find detailed answers to questions that may arise as you drill deeper into a project. We’re also happy to have you contact us directly by email or phone.

Safe Storage

Safe Storage

Oct 16, 2024

Store Your Earth Drill Properly this Winter

Most contractors and rental centers that employ earth drills will experience an approximately 3-4 month winter period in which the equipment is not being used. Before storing your Little Beaver earth drill for the season, take some time to thoroughly examine the drill and ensure that all components are in working order. The simple steps below will ensure your machine is ready to go in the spring.

Hydraulic Hibernation

Little Beaver Hydraulic Drill maintenanceTo prepare a hydraulic model for storage, remove the shroud between the tank and the engine to inspect the coupling component. Make sure the rubber spider is not worn or missing pieces. Check for hose leaks or loose connections and look for any cuts or cracks that might be causing them. Additionally, lock the drive head into the “storage” position by pivoting the handle.

Don’t leave your machine out in the cold all winter. Hydraulic oil thickens as it becomes cold, which could damage the hydraulic system and the hoses. The hydraulic oil needs to be changed every three months or 100 hours of use, so it’s more efficient to simply drain the oil for the storage period; just don’t forget to replenish it in the spring. You should use premium mineral oil with anti-wear and anti-foaming additives. If you are using the drill in frigid temperatures, we recommend ISO VG 32-grade oil (46 for normal temperature operation and 68 in warmer climates). 

Year-End Mechanical Maintenance

Little Beaver Mechanical Earth Drill TransmissionRoutine maintenance during active drilling periods of the year keeps your machine primed for the most rugged applications. This includes inspecting, cleaning and lubricating applicable parts for every 30-40 hours of use. But when your drill’s hard work is done and it’s time for its seasonal slumber, ticking off some end-of-the-year checkboxes will make sure it’s ready to go next spring.

Store the drill so that the flexible shaft is stretched straight and not curled up; check for cracks or wires on the outer housing. Look for rust on the push button connector and if you find any, wipe it down with WD-40. Check out the throttle cable as there’s a good chance you’ll need to take things apart to clean it. If frayed, it should be replaced.

Ready for Spring

Some storage preparation steps apply to both hydraulic and mechanical units. There are a couple of options for winterizing the gasoline-powered fuel system of your mechanical or hydraulic drill. The simplest is to completely drain the gas tank. You can also add fuel stabilizer solution, which forms a protective layer by bonding with gasoline to prevent evaporation. It also stops the buildup of sticky resins that can destroy a carburetor and remains effective for up to one year.

Fuel stabilizer is recommended any time a gas engine, especially an older one, will be out of use for three weeks or more. Fill up the rest of the tank upon taking it out of storage, as this will diffuse the stabilizer. Nonethanol gasoline is best for this type of equipment, especially when putting it away for storage or filling up in the spring. Ethanol’s corrosive effects increase the longer the machine sits idle, and the blend doesn’t always mix well with stabilizer. Once this is done, grab a couple wrenches and tighten up all bolts, as they can become loose through the course of routine drilling and transportation.

Always store earth drills in a warm, dry space. Left to the elements in a high-moisture area, the steel will eventually develop rust. Make sure to keep them in a space that doesn’t get heavy foot traffic so it won’t get knocked over or otherwise disturbed, especially if there is a chance of animals or small children being nearby.

Don’t leave the blades dull or rounded since drilling with them can damage the flighting of your auger. Install new blades if they are replaceable or sharpen your carbide blades. Sharpen with a carbide bench grinding wheel tilted to a 5-7 degree relief angle. Clean your blades with warm, soapy water. Do not use a pressure washer, which is too abrasive and can cause damage.

Your Little Beaver Needs a Little Love

Properly storing your earth drilling equipment will keep it running smoothly for many years to come. For any maintenance questions, reference your owner’s manual, check out our online service videos or contact us for direct consultation.

Groundbreaking Stability

Groundbreaking Stability

Sep 5, 2024

Little Beaver’s Efficient Tool for Tent Anchoring

As anyone in the event industry knows, there are several different ways to anchor a commercial tent. Weighted options include sandbags and water barrels, as well as concrete and iron blocks. These methods are best deployed when setting up in a parking lot where driving metal anchors into the ground is not feasible; or on soft sandy beaches where an anchor might not hold. Stakes are ideal for smaller outings like tent camping or setting up a backyard canopy to host a family barbecue.

But for those looking to put up a large tent in dense soil covered by grass, gravel or plain dirt, auger anchoring is the best option. It goes without saying that screws hold better than nails. Earth auger anchoring is the most economical and efficient way to secure such a tent.

Unmatched Speed and Efficiency

Tent Stake Driver for tent anchoringAchieving stable tent placement demands effective options. That’s why we offer a tent anchoring adapter for our Hydraulic Earth Drill. We paired this adapter with a hydraulic drill because it has the torque needed to power through tough sediment. When done properly, each anchor can be set up in as little as two minutes. Our hydraulic drill also offers a reverse option to quickly remove the anchors when the event is over.

Offering this tent anchoring adapter is a no-brainer for rental centers. If you already have a Little Beaver Hydraulic Earth Drill, adding this attachment to your lineup brings excellent potential for a high return on investment, particularly in warmer seasons. It requires minimal upkeep, so you’ll have very little concern until a rental opportunity arises — which probably won’t take long considering how many businesses and organizations use huge outdoor tents for special occasions.

Stand Out from the Crowd

Anchoring adaptors are perfect to set up large tents for county fairs, carnivals, weddings, car shows, outdoor expos and many other types of gatherings. Additionally, many of these venues have the potential to be regular annual customers. Providing a quick setup option will attract new customers for a niche product, keeping your rental center one step ahead of the competition.

To learn more about our earth drills and other equipment, give us a call today at 936-327-3121 or fill out our online contact form and one of our team members will reach out to you.

So, You Want a Fence… Who’s Going to Install It?

So, You Want a Fence… Who’s Going to Install It?

Aug 20, 2024

Fences keep children and pets inside your yard while keeping intruders or unwanted critters out. They can also be useful for privacy and noise reduction. Once you’ve decided that you want to build a fence, the biggest question is: do you hire a contractor or do the work yourself?

Do it Yourself, with the Right Equipment

Fencing with mechanical earth drillIf you choose to install a fence yourself, make sure you have more than enough time to work on it. There’s bound to be unexpected obstacles, so project completion will likely take longer than anticipated. You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with any local zoning ordinances that regulate fencing.

If you go your own way, see if you can find a neighbor, friend or relative who has completed a similar job so you can lean on them for advice and maybe a helping hand. For any DIY fencing project, it is imperative that you call 811 to have underground utilities marked. This will minimize your liability and help keep you safe from dangerous digging accidents.

Fencing is hard work, but it’s easier when you have the right equipment. Little Beaver earth drills are versatile, and you may want to consider buying one if you anticipate more projects, such as running wires under your sidewalk for lighting, running pipe under your driveway for irrigation, planting a garden or installing drain tile. But if you only foresee needing an earth drill for this single task, there are rental centers nationwide that offer our equipment.

Fencing with Hydraulic Earth DrillMechanical earth drills are the most popular choice among fencing contractors, as they offer swift speed and light weight. This model is ideal for sandy or loamy soils with few obstructions.

Hydraulic earth drills are best for areas with exceptionally rocky sediment or hard clay. Little Beaver Towable Earth Drills can be a convenient option for pulling the equipment right up to your work area, while our UN-Towable Earth Drills can be stowed in the back of a pick-up truck or SUV. Both are hydraulic.

Mechanical and Hydraulic Earth Drills speed up the fencing process as they can drill a hole in less than one minute with minimal effort. Our models also make drilling safer for one person. Little Beaver’s steel torque tube protects the operator from dangerous kickback by transferring that kickback from the auger to the power source.

Hire a Contractor

Naturally, contractors know where to find the highest quality materials, so you’re more likely to get a top-notch product in that regard. Their many years of experience equip them to handle difficult scenarios with ease. Is the area you seek to fence flat or hilly with a steep terrace? This may be difficult to navigate on your own.

Ask yourself if this fence is a temporary fix or a structure that you hope will last for many years to come. An error made during a DIY installation might compromise the integrity of the rest of the fence. Given their level of experience, a contractor is more likely to get it right the first time. If the fence will be especially large or one that requires going deep underground, you might be better off hiring a professional. Read online reviews and seek recommendations from friends to ensure you hire someone who is safe and reliable.

Fencing Finale

There are many factors to consider when deciding between DIY and hiring a contractor for your fencing project: your time, budget and handyman abilities. If you do the work yourself, Little Beaver Earth Drills will help you achieve your project goals effectively. We also have a vast library of informative blogs on our website to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have. If you have questions, contact us directly by phone or email.