6 Tips & Tricks For using a post hole borer

In this guide, we’ll cover the 6 tips and tricks you’ll want to know when it comes to using a 2 person post hole borer and a step by step guide on how to get the best result out of your equipment. We’ll also cover tips for using it safely and correctly so you get perfect post holes every time. Let’s get started. 

Hire a post hole borer 

Unless you’re in the business of digging post holes often, it’s unlikely that you have a post hole borer in your tool shed waiting to be used. For most people, it’s more cost-effective to hire a post hole borer from Hirepool, along with any other fencing, decking and retaining equipment you might need for the job. We also hire trailers, so if you’re picking up a few bits of gear or building materials at the same time, that can come in handy.

To book your post hole borer, simply head to the equipment hire page, choose the borer that’s best for your job and book it online for when you need it. Then swing by your local branch to collect it when you need it. It’s a good idea to book gear online so it can be ready and waiting for you when it’s time to dig those holes. Unsure which post hole borer you need? Check out our handy guide on the post hole borer range at Hirepool. 

Read the instructions

When you hire a post hole borer from Hirepool, you are required t read our instructions for use sheet, which can be found either on our website, attached to your contract or found by scanning the QR code on the green tag attached to your gear. Always take the time to read the instructions for hire equipment thoroughly and follow all safety steps. 

Not all borers are the same, so even if you have used a post hole borer before, take time to familiarise yourself with the user instructions for the model and make you will be operating. 

Clear and prepare the area before digging 

Before you start the borer, you need to ensure any obstacles have been removed from your digging area and you have a clean and tidy workspace. Make sure you are also aware of the main hazards that can sit underground when using a post hole borer. You can find these by contacting your local council, or beforeudig.co.nz which is a free service to locate wires and pipes. Power cables, water pipes or tree roots and rocks can sit anywhere in the area where you wish to dig, so do a thorough check before you start. It’s a good idea to mark with spraypaint the location of underground hazards as well as where you plan to dig. 

Wear appropriate safety gear

This should go without saying for any DIY project, but be sure to always wear the appropriate safety gear, such as protective eyewear, gloves, sturdy and covered footwear and hearing protection before operating. As a post hole borer has moving parts, it’s also recommended to avoid loose-fitting clothing and tie hair up and out of the way. 

Know how to start and stop your post hole borer

Before you start, you want to set up your post hole borer. With a two-person post hole borer, you should not have the auger attached before starting. However, on a one-person post hole borer,  you can fit the auger first before the starting procedure. 

1. To start, switch on the machine by hitting the on/off switch with the choke lever pulled out. The choke is only required until the engine fires. 
2. The operator should stand over the machine with one hand holding the recoil grip, with the other hand holding the frame by the throttle lever. The borer should be on the ground, supported by the operator's foot and knee to ensure the unit is secure.
3. Give the starter rope a few swift pulls until the engine fires briefly, then disengage the choke lever. Re-pull the starter rope to allow the engine to start and then push to full throttle to ensure the engine idles at the correct rate.

Troubleshooting if the engine won’t start 

If you continue to pull the starter rope with the post hole borer still on full choke after the engine fires briefly, you may flood the engine and it won’t start. If this occurs, it means too much fuel has entered the engine. You will have to wait for the fuel to drain out of the post hole borer before you can start the process again. This should only take five minutes. 

1. Once the engine has started, let the unit idle for several minutes to warm up, before attaching the auger.
2. To attach the auger, ensure the post hole borer is laying on its side, with the engine running at idle speed. Position the auger, making sure the end of the auger properly engages the drilling spindle's coupling. Lock the auger in the drilling spindle by rotating the clamp ring one quarter turn counterclockwise. 

Once the Auger is attached and you’re ready to operate the borer!

Always dig in 6-inch increments 

To begin digging your holes follow these steps. 

1. Make sure you and the person you are working with are holding the handles firmly on each respective side of the borer. Position the borer above the spot you plan to dig. 
2. Lift the borer into the air and lower it from a height to dig the auger into the earth. Start slow and let the borer start digging into the ground while applying downward pressure onto the machine until you’ve reached a depth of around 6 inches or 150mm.  Be sure to keep the borer level, and bend with the knees as you drill deeper to avoid straining your back. 
3. Once you’ve reached the first 6-inch depth, remove the auger from the hole by lifting slowly to clear the excavated earth.
4. Continue digging in 6-inch increments, clearing the excavated earth as you go until you reach the desired depth of your hole. Keep the auger vertical to ensure a clean post hole. 
5. When you’re finished digging, turn off the ignition switch and stop the engine. Allow the engine to cool down for two minutes­ before removing the auger from the machine.

Troubleshooting if the auger jams 

If the auger jams, shut off the engine immediately and turn off the ignition switch before moving the interlock lever to the left. The interlock lever is designed to block the gearbox so that with the machine off you can rotate the whole machine counterclockwise to unwind the auger from the ground. If that doesn’t work, you may need to dig it out by hand. It’s important that if you get stuck, you do not continue to try and dig, as this may result in injury or cause damage to the machine. 

Get started with Hirepool 

Follow these handy tips for using a post hole borer and you’ll achieve the perfect holes safely, every time. Get your DIY jobs done smarter with professional-grade gear and trusted advice from Hirepool. Book gear online for a convenient collection from your local branch today.

In this guide, we’ll cover the 6 tips and tricks you’ll want to know when it comes to using a 2 person post hole borer and a step by step guide on how to get the best result out of your equipment. We’ll also cover tips for using it safely and correctly so you get perfect post holes every time. Let’s get started.