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Keep It Moving

Keep It Moving

Last updated Sep 23, 2022

mechanical auger maintenance

Mechanical Earth Drill Maintenance

When using an earth drill to install fence posts, deck footings or landscaping, a well-maintained machine is key to ensuring productivity. Mechanical earth drills have many moving parts and some simple maintenance goes a long way toward keeping you up and running with every drill component in top-notch shape.

Completing routine, preventative maintenance allows you to achieve the most uptime for your hole-digging projects and keeps your drills moving along.

Preventative maintenance starts with checking wear parts.

1. Transmission/Gearbox

Check the transmission oil level every 30 days or after 40 hours of operation.

Problem Indicators: Inspect the transmission or gearbox immediately if it begins making unusual sounds or experiences extreme heat. An operator can detect extreme heat if they smell burnt oil or feels warmer than usual. Unusual sounds and heat are the first problem indicators, and if ignored, the motor might start to lock up when in use. This could be a sign of low oil. If you spot oil leaks along the top of the transmission, around the bottom seal and the lower output shaft, check the fluid in the gearbox and change the oil if necessary.

2. Flexible Drive Shaft

Examine, clean and grease the flexible drive shaft after every 50 hours of operation.

Problem Indicators: Replace the shaft housing if there are deep cuts or torn wire braids in the rubber casing. Replace the core of the flex shaft if you find broken wires, sharp kinks or if the motor runs and the gearbox will not turn. Doing so ensures the shaft will function properly. Also remember to use caution when applying grease — excessive grease can gum up in the flex shaft, reducing the shaft’s life. Not enough grease can dry out the cable, which will break easily or generate enough heat to burn through the outer housing. If you hit too many hard objects, like rocks, it will result in helixing of the flex shaft. This damage can cause it to lock up or diminish performance.

3. Clutch

Check the clutch every 30 days or when you lubricate the flexible drive shaft. Clean the shoes and drums and replace if any clutch padding is missing.

Problem Indicators: The clutch slipping or the drill jerking while it’s running is a problem indicator. A clutch will continue to run even if no more clutch padding exists, which causes a weaker performance when engaging the auger and accelerating the engine from idle to full speed. If the auger spins at idle or overheats, this might also indicate that the clutch springs need replacing. Also check the bearing in the clutch drum after replacing the flex shaft. Make sure it’s loose and turns easily. A clutch drum that does not turn easily will lock up and cause the clutch to slip.

4. Other Wear Parts

  • Throttle: If the speed and power of the drills seem a little off and the throttle lever doesn’t pull smoothly, try adjusting the throttle wire to minimize slack.
  • Torque Tube: Before each use, inspect the torque tube for cracks. And always check that the spring-button attachment is securely snapped into place and replace it if it’s bent or broken.
  • Replaceable Points and Blades on the Auger: Look at the replaceable points and blades before and after drilling to ensure they’re not excessively worn and replace if necessary. Using worn blades eventually wears down the auger and may cause a tear or damage to the flighting, resulting in a costly repair or the replacement of the entire auger. Failure to replace blades or keep them sharp causes the drill point to taper, and become cone shaped and as a result, it won’t drill effectively.
  • Engine Maintenance: Depending on the model, mechanical drills differ in the engine that powers them. However a good rule of thumb is to check the engine oil level daily and change every 50 hours or annually. Change air filters every 25 hours or annually. Air filters protect the internal engine parts from dirt. Dirt can cause wear to the intake system and contaminate of the oil, which reduces the engine capability. In dusty conditions, clean and maintain the engine wear parts more often. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s instructions for proper procedures and recommended fuel and oil.

For safety reasons never operate drills with damaged or missing parts. If you have a maintenance issue or question, check out Little Beaver’s online parts and operators’ manual and online service videos or contact us for in-house technical consultation.

Hit a Home Run in Fence Construction

Hit a Home Run in Fence Construction

Last updated Apr 28, 2025

4 Tips for Building the Perfect Fence

Mechanical earth auger for fencepost installationYou’ve become an expert in landscaping throughout the region. From planting trees and flowers to installing decks and curb edging, you’ve completed many projects for satisfied customers. Now it’s time to step up your game and add fence installation to your services.

Let these fence-building tips lead you to success.

1. Get Answers.
Start like you would with any project, by working with the homeowner or business owner to establish the size, scope and specifics of the project. To do this, always have a set of questions ready that will get to the heart of the project. What kind of fence does the customer want? What will the layout be? Where do they want gates? How high should you build it?

Check with city building codes and, if applicable, neighborhood association rules, so that the fence specs meet all of the codes. If the city assessor has not surveyed the property recently, you’ll want to coordinate that to ensure the fence is built in the proper location and, depending on the area, you may need a permit. Call 811 a few days prior to digging to have utility companies mark underground utility lines, gas pipes and sprinkler systems.

2. Get Your Tools.
Selecting the right hole digging equipment will help you finish on time and on budget. If it’s a small project, you might use a hand-held posthole digger. If you’re doing more than a dozen holes, though, it will be slow work to muscle each hole clean. To tackle bigger or multiple projects, you’ll want the speed and ease-of-use that comes with an earth drill. A Little Beaver mechanical one-man or hydraulic drill can bore each hole in less than a minute with little effort. It’s equally important is to make sure you select the correct auger, points and blades for the soil type you’re working in. This will help you dig holes faster with less pain.

3. Get it Straight.
You can’t get a straight fence without evenly spaced holes and firmly set posts. Set the spacing by marking and digging all corner and gate post holes first. Run a string from corner to corner and then measure the post spacing along the line.

For chain link fences, space postholes no more than 10 feet apart. For wooden fences, posts usually stand 6 to 8 feet apart. If installing posts in soft soils or windy areas, use a hand posthole digger to flare out the hole, creating a bell shape for more stability. The hole diameter needed is based on the size of the post used. For instance, a 4-by-4 post requires an 8-inch diameter hole. This can be easily achieved with Little Beaver’s snap-on augers that range in diameter from 1.5 to 16 inches. Holes are typically 24 inches deep, but you’ll need to ensure the depth is 3 inches below the frost line to prevent posts from cracking in the frozen ground. In some parts of the northern U.S. and into Canada, that means going as deep as 4 feet. If you’re in windy areas or sandy soil, you may want to dig your posts even deeper.

4. Get the Concrete.
Position the posts so that they are the correct height and plumb; even the slightest lean can create a slanted and potentially unstable fence. Next, shovel concrete into each hole. Avoid touching the post, which could cause it to move. Choosing concrete rather than a dirt and gravel mix will give the fence better stability. Allow 24 hours for the concrete to set, and then attach the chain link fabric or wood framing and face boards. With both types of fences, complete the gates last.

Once you’re done, it’s an ideal time to touch base with your customer on fence maintenance and landscaping recommendations. A job well done here can translate to more work, whether from this customer or referrals, as you continue to expand your landscaping services.

Feel free to contact us for further fence-building tips; or general questions on our full line of augers, one-man earth drills and two-man earth drills. We’re always happy to provide the tools and assistance you need.

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Drilling Deeper

Drilling Deeper

Last updated Oct 16, 2025

Selecting the Best Earth Drill & Accessories for Your Project

Mechanical vs Hydraulic Earth Drill BenefitsAn earth drill is an excellent tool for a variety of projects, from installing fence to planting trees and creating irrigation systems. It can also be used for anchoring mobile homes, large tents and utility poles. Notice the diversity of work that can be accomplished using this singular tool. While these projects may appear similar because they all demand a hole, drill beneath the surface and you’ll find that soil composition makes a big difference in what power option and style of auger is best for the task at hand.

Taking a few minutes to understand the different drill types and components will win you enhanced productivity on the jobsite. You can choose between two types of engine-driven, one-man earth drills: hydraulic or mechanical. They might look alike, but each post hole auger was designed for a distinct purpose.

Hydraulic Power

Hydraulic earth drills are your best option for the toughest layers of sediment, including frozen ground and rocky soil. They have approximately double the torque of mechanical models. Little Beaver’s hydraulic machines have rugged bodies and powerful torque to punch through stony sediment. Precise, low-speed operation coupled with high torque allow the operator to drill clean and accurate holes, even in the most difficult applications.

Hydraulic drills are ideal for single-hole projects such as installing signs and planting trees because they’re compatible with large-diameter augers, some as wide as 16 inches. The torque makes them perfect for quickly anchoring mobile homes. Additionally, the drills typically have a reverse setting so you can safely remove the earth auger if it becomes lodged under a rock or tree root.

Mechanical Speed

Mechanical earth drills are more compact and lightweight, but still pack a powerful punch. When your project needs speed and precision, this drill is up to the task. This transmission-powered unit performs high-speed auger rotations at 360 rpm so you can quickly drill several, narrow holes for a wide range of applications, such as fence post fitting and deck footings, as well as planting flowers. Paired with an effective horizontal boring kit, it can also drill under driveways or sidewalks for a variety of landscaping needs.

Superior Safety

Most drills with 360 rpm speed require two operators to stabilize the unit. Both our mechanical and hydraulic drills have a torque tube that transfers torque from the auger to the power source, drastically reducing the risk of encountering dangerous kickback. This one-of-a-kind invention makes one-man drilling not just possible, but also safe and efficient. The torque tube reduces physical strength on the operator and enables safe operation regardless of drilling experience.

Auger Selection

Once you’ve chosen your drill type, it’s time to pick the auger that matches the required hole diameter. Augers can be as narrow as 1-1/2 inches for smaller jobs like soil sampling, and wide as 16 inches for large applications, such as foundation repair. Little Beaver’s snap-on augers can make changing out the auger or attaching extensions a quick and easy process. They feature a spring-loaded snap button, which secures the auger to the drill head. This reduces set-up and take-down times. This connection method simplifies the process of adding extensions, which enables the operator to dig a few feet deeper without needing to purchase a longer auger.

Little Beaver PointsContractors and landscapers should also look for augers that have swappable points and blades. Standard blades are ideal for loamy soils or areas with few rocks because of the cold-rolled steel and hard surfacing on the edges. Use Little Beaver’s carbide blades for drilling in denser soils. They equip the earth auger to chop hard clay and frozen ground into pieces. Swap out the blades using an adjustable wrench. These modifications enable an auger to drill more than 100 holes in prime soil conditions before needing service.

An Essential Tool

Whether you are a seasoned construction pro or a do-it-yourself weekend warrior, the one-man auger is a timesaving, indispensable companion in your arsenal of tools. Outfitted with Little Beaver’s reliable drill designs, you can tackle drilling projects in a fraction of the time you would with a shovel.

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Your Key to the Perfect Deck

Your Key to the Perfect Deck

Last updated Feb 7, 2023

Footings support the deck’s weightWhat You Need to Know About Deck Footings

Nothing says summer like a backyard barbeque on your new deck. When built correctly, the deck can be a hot spot for many backyard escapes and a refuge for enjoying perfect summer evenings. But it all can come crashing down if the deck doesn’t have proper footings.

Footings support the deck’s weight at different points in the ground, creating a crucial support network that prevents problems, such as sagging and wood rot. Those problems not only make your deck unattractive, but unsafe as well. And to fix them as they surface taps your savings and generates unwanted stress. Without proper footings, the deck will sink into the ground, taking with it any future summer get-togethers.

Laying the Groundwork

When starting a new deck project, choosing the correct footings boils down to two things, loads and codes. The first step you should take is to determine the deck’s size, location and layout. After getting a general idea of what you want the deck to look like, think how will you use it. Will it be the next venue for the neighborhood block party? Or will it be for intimate gatherings of family and friends? Based on your answer, your deck will have different footing requirements because of the weight requirements.

Local building codes also determine the footing style and measurements. Building codes can vary state to state, so it’s crucial to contact local government experts. They can provide information regarding the minimum number of footings needed, spacing requirements and even how deep to dig. For instance, holes need to be dug below the frost line, which can range anywhere between 12-60 inches, depending on where the project is within the U.S.

The Digging Commences

After securing the necessary building permits from city hall and locating underground utility lines, it’s time to dig. When it comes to bringing heavy duty equipment through your yard, let’s face it. You’re not thrilled about skidsteers leaving ruts in your soft, green grass, and fences and narrow side yards limit what type of equipment can even reach the worksite — commonly forcing homeowners to seek out hand augers and mechanical drills.

Mechanical earth drills, which can be rented from a local rental business, can get to the site, not to mention save time when digging deck footings. These earth augers can cut through different soil types, dig clean, consistent holes and quickly set up the beginnings for the perfect deck. Earth drills are compact and offer multiple types of digging teeth depending on the types of soil you have.

Additionally, mechanical drills are more portable than heavy machinery. For instance, some drills feature pneumatic wheels so a single person can pull the drill and carriage to the footing location without forming lawn ruts or dismantling fences. Some manufacturers build models with torque tubes that transfer digging torque to the engine carriage, which allows one person to safely operate the drill. Once in place, the user can drill to the required depth and quickly move to the next footing location.

After the footings are placed and the concrete has set, you can continue building the frame for the deck that will be the hot spot next summer and for many more to come.