Last updated Mar 27, 2026
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?
Depending 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.
Our 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
Auger 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.
Last updated Mar 27, 2026
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
To 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
Routine 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. Non-ethanol 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.
Last updated Mar 30, 2026
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
If 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.
Mechanical 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.
Last updated Mar 27, 2026
Maximize potential while minimizing expenses
Providing quality services while maintaining a healthy bottom line will forever be high on a contractor’s priority list. Renting drilling equipment is one way to maximize productivity and potential while minimizing expenses. For specialty projects and testing the waters on new services, equipment rental can be a cost-efficient option if you’re looking to provide more without over-investing.
There are endless opportunities that rental centers can help a fencing crew tackle. For example, rental centers offer a range of machines and attachments for safe one-person operation. Availability will vary from center to center, but you can often find our Mechanical and Hydraulic earth drills as well as the Kwik-Trench in a variety of sizes — perfectly scalable for construction and landscape projects.
Drilling Through Soft Soil
Looking for a post-hole auger that is lightweight, high-speed and digs quickly and cleanly? See what your local rental center has for mechanical earth augers. Little Beaver Mechanical Earth Drills power through sand, silt and loam, creating clean 6- to 8-inch diameter holes for applications such as fencing, deck building, landscaping and more. Digging a post hole takes less than a minute, meaning a crew can accomplish a lot with just a two-day rental. Need to bore under something? With Little Beaver’s optional horizontal boring attachments, you can easily rent the equipment to bore under sidewalks and driveways to install landscape lighting, water systems and much more.
Tackling Tough Soil
For tougher soils — like clay, rock or frozen ground — a Little Beaver Hydraulic Earth Drill may be the best choice. These machines offer more power than mechanical drills, and our models still allow one-person drilling. With their extra torque, hydraulic earth drills can handle augers up to 16 inches in diameter and can drill depths of up to 30 feet with the right auger. Little Beaver Hydraulic Earth Drills also include a reversible feature that makes them ideal for quick removal from the ground.
With even more power and potential, UN-Towable and Towable Earth Drills have a balanced torque-free design to enhance operator safety when drilling through uneven terrain. These earth augers are ideal for fencing, landscaping, decks, sign installation and recreational applications.
Effortless Trenching
Mini trencher machines at your local rental center are a great solution for digging trenches. Little Beaver’s Kwik-Trench can dig a 12-inch-deep trench at speeds of up to 30 feet per minute. They make installing lawn sprinklers, electric dog fencing, low voltage wiring, plumbing and drainage lines and wire cable the work of an afternoon. Silt fencing, landscape edging, root pruning and bed preparation also become faster and less backbreaking.
Can Renting Work for Me?
When it comes to one-time projects — those special requests that pop up in conjunction with a current project but aren’t something you’re looking to offer regularly — renting lets crews get the job done without a costly, long-term commitment. Depending on the length of the rental, the team can even knock out several small projects with the same machine, optimizing efficiency. Planning will help ensure you get the most out of the rental.
Repeatedly renting the same equipment can also be cost-efficient, to a point. It’s a great way for small businesses looking to expand their services to test out different machines and attachments before committing. For equipment you don’t plan on using every day, renting rather than buying saves money since the rental center takes on the initial cost of the machine and any maintenance needs. However, it’s important to keep in mind there’s a limit to the cost benefits of renting if your crew is frequently using a specific machine.
When used wisely, renting can be a valuable tool for contractors looking to provide more while spending less. The fastest way to assess rental potential is by taking a trip to your local rental center or talking to the manufacturers who supply their equipment. We’re happy to answer your questions. Contact our team today.
Last updated Mar 27, 2026
Learn how hydraulic drills work and the safest ways to use them
Powerful and reliable, hydraulic earth drills offer a variety of benefits for drilling projects that require breaking through heavy clay or rocky soils. With the additional torque that comes with the hydraulic drill, it’s important to understand the hydraulic power source and how to use a hydraulic earth drill safely.
Why choose hydraulic earth drills?
Perhaps the most obvious question is why choose hydraulic earth drills in the first place? With a durable body and higher torque than mechanical options, a hydraulic drill can bring more power to a drilling project. Hydraulic earth drills can also drive larger diameter augers with extensions available for deeper drilling projects. Equipment longevity is a factor too. Hydraulic earth drills usually require fewer repairs overall, which lowers costs in the long run.
Once you’ve decided the hydraulic drill is right for your project, it’s time to learn more about what a hydraulic drill is and what you need to be aware of to use one safely. Hydraulic pressure is what generates the force behind a hydraulic drill. So, we’ll start there.
What is hydraulic pressure?
The term ‘hydraulic pressure’ refers to the pressure exerted by fluid (whether at rest or moving) on a surface or structure. In the case of hydraulic earth drills, the hydraulic pressure is the force the fluid creates to drive the drill’s auger forward.
The hydraulic system in Little Beaver hydraulic earth drills generates pressure ranging from 2,500 to 2,700 pounds per square inch with operating speeds up to 150 rpm. Little Beaver hydraulic drills have a hydraulic pressure relief valve that reduces the risk of hydraulic power exceeding the maximum pressure the drill is built to withstand. Once the hydraulic pressure reaches a pre-determined point, the pressure relief valve responds and feeds the excess flow from the system back into the tank. To ensure safety, the valve should be set as equal to or less than the rated working pressure of the weakest component in the hydraulic system.
A relief valve doesn’t remove system pressure, it instead works to prevent pressure from rising past the pre-determined level. The valve reacts quickly to protect against damaged equipment, disrupted work and even injury that can come from hydraulic pressure being too high.
How can you increase safety with the hydraulic earth drills?
Little Beaver hydraulic earth drills improve operator safety thanks to the torque tube, which eliminates kickback and allows for safe and productive one-man drilling without sacrificing power. An optional two-man handle is available too. This handle is more convenient when drilling boreholes between 10-16 inches in diameter where two people are needed to steady the auger. The bigger, heavier auger requires two people to handle it and lift it out of the ground.
As with any project, you should follow basic safety precautions with your hydraulic earth drill. Make sure there are no bystanders in the area before you start. Never run the engine inside a building or enclosed space as exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide and can be deadly. Observing your surroundings before you start drilling keeps both you and any bystanders safe throughout the drilling process.
Always contact local utility companies before drilling to determine the exact location of underground services. Inadvertent severing of telephone, fiber optic or community antenna television transmission cables or damaging sewer pipe is costly. Additionally, rupturing gas or water lines can cause serious injury. To locate these lines, call your local utility companies 48 hours in advance of digging to mark the positions.
Know Your Drill
If you’re looking to complete a drilling project for industrial fencing, landscaping, mobile home and light utility anchoring or any other drilling project that needs high power while still requiring maneuverability, a hydraulic earth drill might be right for you. To learn more about how hydraulic earth drills can help in your outdoor projects, consult with the Little Beaver team!
Contact our team today.
Last updated Mar 27, 2026
Optimize Your Earth Drill with Little Beaver
There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing an earth drill. While some features may seem like mere details, the effect on productivity can be significant depending on soil types and applications. At Little Beaver, we offer a variety of customizable earth drill features to maximize drilling performance for each application.
Below, we explain some of our most common drill considerations.
Mechanical vs. Hydraulic
The first step in purchasing an earth drill is deciding between mechanical or hydraulic power. Your drill’s power source influences drilling strength, depth, attachment options and more. Knowing which projects you plan to tackle allows you to choose the drill that works with the accessories and kits you’ll need.
The mechanical earth drill offers high-speed auger rotation to dig holes quickly and cleanly. These models have engines ranging from 5.5 horsepower to 8 horsepower, providing ample power for nearly any project. The mechanical earth drills have a standard gear ratio of 10:1 with the option to purchase a 20:1 or 13:1 gear ratio for applications that require more power at a lower speed. The compact size of our mechanical earth drill makes it great for residential fencing, sign installation, landscaping and other limited access construction projects. With optional wet and dry horizontal boring kits, the mechanical drill allows you to take on even more projects such as boring under sidewalks or driveways.
The hydraulic earth drill offers rugged durability for challenging soils and applications. With engines ranging from 10.7 horsepower to 21.5 horsepower, Little Beaver hydraulic models offer ample power for drilling through heavy clay or rocky soils. We recommend the hydraulic earth drill for industrial fencing, foundation pier holes and groundwater monitoring. The hydraulic drill features an optional anchoring kit to install mobile home and utility anchors quickly and efficiently.
Maneuverability
Our mechanical and hydraulic earth drills come with two different engine carriage options so you can choose the best way to move your drill through the jobsite. The standard option is the rolling wheel carriage that features semi-pneumatic or pneumatic tires with the optional addition of a roll cage.
For additional maneuverability, you can upgrade to a specially designed rick-sha carrier that features 20-inch semi-pneumatic wheels for navigating over rough terrain. A convenient pull handle and transmission cradle make it easy to smoothly move the earth drill to your exact drilling location.
Drilling Handle
Both the mechanical and hydraulic earth drills feature our innovative torque tube. This tube redirects the torque away from the drill by transferring kickback from the auger to the power source. Most drills without torque protection require two operators. However, because our earth drills come with the torque tube, the standard handle on our drills is the one-man handle.
Our hydraulic drills offer additional handle options: a two-man handle for drilling holes that are larger in diameter or extra deep, and the high-torque anchor handle for anchoring mobile homes or light utility work.
Work with a Pro
There are many factors to keep in mind when choosing your earth drill and the features that best fit your application. The good news is that Little Beaver staff is here to help. We have more than 60 years of experience in the earth drill manufacturing business, and we are qualified to help you choose the best drilling equipment for your project. Call us today to get started.
