I bought one of these. I learned a couple of important lessons in using it. One is that it can be extremely dangerous if it does catch a root or a rock. The instructions say don't put downward pressure on the machine, use max throttle and let the machine do the work. That will work in hard, dry soil or clay, since it is taking small amounts of soil as it advances, it will bounce on the root or rock obstruction. BUT in soft or wet soil the auger is advancing too fast and will grab and lock on the obstruction and instantaneously rotate the machine 90 degrees in you hands and rip your shoulders apart. You need to go slow/part throttle in soft soil to not injure yourself. It's very dangerous in soft soil. The second thing I learned is that the machine needs to be started every couple of months and/or the 25-1 gas/oil mixture goes bad and needs to be replaced. The directions say to store it with fuel in it, and use fuel stabilizer. But that only holds for a few months. Then you have to start over. Another problem I encountered was the inability of the fuel tank pickup to suck gas. My machine had to be at least 3/4 full to keep running. Otherwise it would start and die. I don't know if this is a problem unique to my machine or a design issue. Another maintenance item for storing is to remove the spark plug, pour a small amount of oil into the cylinder and rotate the piston with the pull start to lubricate the cylinder prior to storage.
Some of ya'll may differ, but I just bought one and used it in black gumbo Texas soil - and it worked just fine - I just wish maybe it came with an 8" diameter auger instead of 6". You can barely get any concrete or foam around the post with that narrow of a hole. I might try to wallow out the next ones and rock the machine back and forth to see if I can get a little more space in there.
Harbor Freight has the perfect tools for the "I need this tool 6 times a year max" situations. I've had the $20 Chicago Electric Sawzall for like 8 years now and just cut up hot tub with it.
Nah that’s completely false. I use harbor freight tools more than 50 times a year, possibly even more, still going and making me money. I only buy top of the line tools for something that’ll requir a more top of the line tool. Like a 1/2 milwuakee impact gun for tough removing and tightening, or constant use dewalt drills. Otherwise, ryobi & harbor freight can take a real beating with upgrading batteries.
These things work pretty well even in non ideal soil. I have rocks and roots and it does get caught up but you can work it especially with a post hole digging bar to break things up. You definitely need to be feeling strong that day however.
Thank you buddy for telling us about the bolt that when it’s rattling keep loosing, just put a new one with self locking nut and bolt. I will buy one thank you.
I ported one of these motors and put it on a gas scooter. Bought a tunable carb that really made a difference in smoother performance. However it vibrates at higher rpms. Its not well balanced. Still a fun project.
I manually dug four 18in deep holes that took me almost 1.5hrs, lol. Im gonna rent one of these for the next 10 holes I still need to dig and save my back and knees a little. Thanks for the vedio. Your baby is adorable!
Rocks will knock you on your butt, or snap back and hit your leg. Just be advised, my legs were black and blue from kickback. Rocks are unavoidable in the CA Sierras.
Bro, I have one of these and you make it look easy- but with arms like yours, it probably is- not so much for this old man! Lol. I'm almost regretting buying mine though because the reviews on the 40v ryobi are impressive, and it has reverse!
Great review Barry. Thinking it would be easier for you to use as you have the strength to use it. The kickback can be very dangerous. Is there a video on how you measured and designed the fence?
You know you are right, it can kick back and I was bit tired after it was all done. As for the fence, what you see is how I did it haha. I knew I was using 6ft pickets, and I had stock piled some 2x6x16 boards so I base it all off 8ft centers per post. Winged it from there and came out great!
Haha i was thinking the same thing, it would be twice as hard for me. So if he says extremely easy, it will be moderate for me. Not gonna lie dude seems chill as hell might have found a new channel.
Literally why I'm on this video lol. Need to make pier footings for a container, and have one of these augers. Was wondering if any companies make 10-12in bits that fit
hello, I have the same model. Just replaced the entire carburetor, fuel line, filter, and spark plug (amazon kit) and it's now easily start immediately after 1 crank. However, it's no longer putting out the same torque as before where it would toss me around like rag doll. It's just slowly turning ...very very slow. It's running excellent though, no hesitation, smooth ride minus terrible torque when digging. Please help, any tips to to fix my issue? Anyone?
Used mine once, it started and worked. Not since, though, it acts like there must be a cylinder pressure release somewhere that permits the pull starter to work easily. When I remove the spark plug the cord pulls easily. Upon putting the plug back in, I can't pull the cord. Anybody else have this problem? Have I overlooked something?
dont use this thing where u have alot of clay, i tried this thing and llet me tell you i know have a lower lumbar strain..8 holes took me 4 hours going 32inches deep
I RETURNED 5 OF THESE CRAP MONSTERS- yes they will drill a hole.. but the carberators will fall off- the bolts will fall out, the adjustments will chnge for the idle and the one even took off and wouldnt turn off as it spun in the hole- the so called throttle wouldnt back down. and hf makes over 60 bucks as you have to buy a new warranty everytime you trade the thing in... and if you like me-- its 100 miles round trip to the nearest store... thats over 40 bucks a trip-- so it adds up-- just buy a decent one or rent a hydralic one-- earthquake and toro have 5 year warranties- i havent bought one of them- but if the warrantee is longer than 90 days it must be better i think. earthquake has a viper engine and that is warrantyed as well
I guess itd be wise to get one & loctite the bolts. Cheap buys most likely cut costs to make ends meet. But yeah nothing like buying quality if feasible.
