Makita Earth Augers
Earth earth auger kits take the back-breaking graft out of boring clean holes for posts, fencing and footings, especially in hard ground.
When you've got a run of fence posts or a few deep holes to knock out, hand digging is slow and it wrecks your back. A Makita earth auger drives the bit properly, clears spoil fast, and keeps hole size consistent so posts sit straight and set quicker. Pick the right diameter and length for your post and ground, then get boring.
What Are Earth Earth Auger Kits Used For?
- Boring consistent post holes for fencing and gates so your posts drop in plumb without you widening every hole by hand.
- Drilling holes for decking supports, pergola legs, and small ground anchors where you need repeatable depth and diameter across a run.
- Working in tough or compacted ground where a spade and post hole digger just bounce off and you end up fighting roots and stones all day.
- Speeding up landscaping and groundwork prep by shifting spoil out of the hole cleanly, ready for concrete or post mix.
- Using a Makita auger drill setup on site jobs where you want cordless freedom and no petrol faff, especially around occupied properties.
Choosing the Right Earth Earth Auger
Match the auger diameter and torque to the ground and the post size, not what looks handy on the shelf.
1. Auger diameter vs post size
If you are setting 4x4 posts, do not drill a tight hole and then fight it for an hour; go wider so you have room to plumb and pack. As a rule, aim for a hole at least 50mm wider than the post, and wider again if you are concreting in.
2. Auger length and target depth
If you are only doing shallow supports, a standard length is easier to control. If you need proper depth for fencing or gate posts, pick a longer bit or an extension so you are not finishing the last 200mm with a spade.
3. Ground conditions and power
In soft soil, most setups will fly through. In clay, stony ground, or rooty areas, you want a Makita auger with proper torque and a bit that clears spoil well, otherwise it binds and you end up wrestling the tool instead of drilling.
4. One-man control vs two-man stability
If you are working alone on tight access, keep the diameter sensible so you can control kick and keep the hole straight. If you are drilling big diameters regularly, plan for more control and safer handling, especially when the bit catches.
Makita Earth Auger FAQs
What size auger for 4x4 posts?
For a 4x4 post, do not drill it tight. Aim for a hole at least 50mm wider than the post so you can plumb it and pack it properly, and go wider again if you are concreting in or the ground is rough.
Which is better, post hole digger or auger?
An auger is faster and gives you consistent holes, especially on a long run of posts or in hard ground. A post hole digger still earns its keep for clearing the last bit of spoil, working around roots, or when access is too tight to safely run an auger.
Will a Makita earth auger cope with clay and stony ground?
Yes, within reason, but expect grab and binding in wet clay and when you hit stones. Keep the diameter sensible for the ground, drill in stages, and clear spoil regularly rather than trying to force it to full depth in one hit.
Do I need an extension bit for fence posts?
If you are setting posts to a proper depth, an extension makes life easier because you can keep the tool upright and finish the hole with the auger, not with hand digging. For shallow holes, an extension just adds wobble and gets in the way.
Is a Makita auger drill easy to control on your own?
It can be, as long as you match the bit size to what you can safely handle and you keep a solid stance. Big diameters in tough ground can kick when they catch, so do not oversize the auger just to save a couple of minutes.
Who Are These For on Site?
- Fencers and landscapers drilling post holes all day, because a Makita earth auger keeps hole size tidy and saves you hours on a long run.
- Groundworkers setting small footings and supports, where consistent depth matters and you cannot be guessing with a shovel.
- Chippies and outdoor maintenance teams doing decking, pergolas, and repairs, because a Makita post hole borer setup makes repeat jobs quick and repeatable.
- Farm and estate teams putting in gates, stock fencing, and signage, because you can get holes done without dragging petrol kit around.
The Basics: Understanding Earth Augers
An earth auger is just a powered screw that pulls itself into the ground and lifts spoil out as it turns, giving you a clean, repeatable hole without endless digging.
1. Diameter controls the finished hole
The auger size is the hole size, so choose it based on the post and the way you are fixing it. Bigger holes make plumbing and concreting easier, but they need more torque and control in tough ground.
2. Spoil clearing is what keeps you moving
A decent auger clears soil up the flights as you drill, so you are not constantly stopping to dig out by hand. In wet clay, clearing matters even more because it packs and binds.
3. Torque and kick are the real safety factors
When the bit hits a stone or root it can grab, so you want a stable stance and a tool that is built to be controlled under load. If you are stepping up in diameter, step up in control as well, not just speed.
Makita Earth Auger Accessories That Keep You Boring
The right add-ons stop you wasting time clearing holes by hand or getting caught short when the ground changes.
1. Spare auger bits in the diameters you actually use
Keep a couple of common sizes on the van so you are not trying to make one bit do every job, especially when the spec changes from fence posts to gate posts.
2. Auger extensions
An extension gets you to proper depth without finishing the bottom of the hole with a post hole digger, which is where you lose most of your time on a run.
3. Extra batteries and a fast charger
Augering pulls steady power, so a spare battery is what keeps the job moving when you are halfway down a fence line and the last pack dies.
Shop Makita Earth Earth Auger Kits at ITS
Whether you need a Makita earth auger for fencing, a Makita post hole borer setup for landscaping, or the right Makita auger drill bits and extensions to match the job, we stock the range properly. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get holes drilled on tomorrow's shift.
