Post Hole Digger Hire Perth searches spike every fencing and landscaping season, and the most common question first-time hirers ask is whether they need a manual digger or a petrol post auger. Short answer: a manual post hole digger suits a handful of shallow holes in soft soil, while a petrol post auger is the right choice for multiple holes, harder ground, or deeper post footings where speed and consistency matter.
This guide breaks down exactly when to use each tool, how to choose the right auger size, and what to check before you book.
What Is a Post Hole Digger?
A manual post hole digger, often called a clam-shell digger, is a hand tool consisting of two hinged, shovel-like blades on long handles. The operator jabs the tool into the ground with the blades open, then closes the handles to grip and lift out soil, repeating this process until the hole reaches the required depth.
It’s a simple, low-cost tool with no engine, no fuel, and no setup — making it a practical option for very small jobs where hiring or maintaining powered equipment isn’t worth the effort.
What Is a Petrol Post Auger?
A petrol post auger is a powered drilling tool that uses a rotating spiral bit to bore straight, round holes into the ground. It can be operated by one or two people depending on the model, and significantly reduces the physical effort and time required compared to manual digging, particularly in compacted or clay-heavy soil.
Most petrol augers used for fencing and landscaping work can drill to depths of 600mm to 900mm, with bit sizes commonly ranging from 100mm up to 300mm in diameter, depending on the post size required.
Also Check: How to Use a Post Hole Auger Safely: Step-by-Step Guide
Post Hole Digger vs Petrol Post Auger: Key Differences
| Factor | Manual Post Hole Digger | Petrol Post Auger |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | None — manual effort | Petrol engine |
| Best for | 1-3 shallow holes, soft soil | Multiple holes, harder ground |
| Speed | Slow, labour-intensive | Significantly faster |
| Hole consistency | Varies with operator | Consistent, round holes |
| Typical depth | Shallow to moderate | 600mm-900mm or more |
When Should You Use a Petrol Post Auger?
You should use a petrol post auger if you’re installing more than a handful of fence posts, working in compacted, clay, or rocky soil that resists manual digging, or need consistent hole diameter and depth across a long fence line for structural stability.
Signs a Petrol Auger Is the Right Call
- Installing a fence line with 6 or more posts
- Ground is compacted, dry, or clay-heavy
- You need holes deeper than 450-500mm
- Time is limited and manual digging isn’t practical
- You’re setting posts for a structure requiring consistent footings
When a Manual Digger Is Still the Better Choice
- Only 1-3 holes needed
- Soil is soft, sandy, or previously disturbed
- Working in a tight space an auger can’t access
- Budget or job size doesn’t justify powered equipment hire
Also Check: DIY Fencing Equipment: 7 Powerful Tools for Easy 2026 Guide
Choosing the Right Auger Bit Size
Bit diameter should be matched to your post size, with enough clearance for backfilling and compacting around the post once it’s set. As a general guide:
- 100mm-150mm bits — small garden stakes, light fencing
- 150mm-200mm bits — standard residential fence posts
- 200mm-300mm bits — structural posts, pergolas, larger gates
If you’re unsure which size suits your project, confirming your post dimensions with our team when booking ensures you’re matched with the right bit rather than guessing on-site.
One-Person vs Two-Person Augers
Smaller petrol augers can be operated by a single person, making them suitable for solo DIY projects. Larger, more powerful augers — particularly those drilling wider or deeper holes — often require two operators for control and safety, since the torque generated can be significant if the bit catches on a rock or root.
What Affects How Easily an Auger Drills?
Soil Type
Sandy or loose soil drills quickly but may require the hole to be slightly oversized to account for collapse. Clay and compacted soil take longer and generate more resistance, which is exactly where a petrol auger’s power advantage over manual digging becomes most noticeable.
Rocks and Roots
Even a powerful auger can struggle against buried rock or tree roots. If your site has known obstructions, mentioning this when booking helps our team recommend the right auger power and bit type, or flag if manual clearing may be needed first.
Ground Moisture
Very dry, hard ground resists drilling more than slightly moist soil. If possible, watering the post hole locations a day before digging can make the job noticeably easier and faster.
What to Check Before You Book
Confirm the number of holes required, your post diameter and required depth, the soil type at your site if known, and whether you’ll be working solo or with a second person. This helps our team match you with the right auger size and configuration for your job.
Safety Considerations
Before drilling any hole, check for underground services — power, water, gas, or communication lines — by contacting the relevant service locator before you start. Always maintain a firm, balanced stance when operating a petrol auger, and be prepared for sudden torque if the bit catches on a buried obstruction. Wear appropriate PPE including eye protection, sturdy footwear, and gloves.
For detailed guidance on safe operation of powered ground equipment, Safe Work Australia publishes machinery and equipment safety guidelines worth reviewing before operating unfamiliar equipment.
Post Hole Digger and Auger Hire vs Buying
For most homeowners, a petrol post auger is used for a single fencing or landscaping project and then sits unused for years afterward. Hiring gives you access to the right size and power auger for your specific job, without the cost of owning specialised equipment that rarely gets reused.
You can browse our full range of fencing equipment to see what’s available alongside post hole and auger hire for your project.
Why Choose Quinns Rocks Tool Hire
Quinns Rocks Tool Hire has supported Perth’s northern suburbs with reliable, well-maintained equipment for over 19 years. Our team can help you decide between a manual post hole digger and a petrol post auger based on your soil conditions, post count, and site access, so you’re not left with the wrong tool for the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many posts justify hiring a petrol auger over manual digging?
As a general guide, more than 3 to 4 posts usually makes a petrol auger worth it, especially in harder soil where manual digging becomes significantly slower.
Can a petrol auger handle rocky ground?
It depends on the size and frequency of rocks. Small stones are usually manageable, but larger buried rock may require manual clearing or a different approach for that specific hole.
Do I need experience to operate a petrol post auger?
Basic familiarity helps, but our team runs through safe operation and handling technique at handover for every hire.
What size auger bit do I need for a standard fence post?
Most standard residential fence posts suit a 150mm-200mm bit, though this depends on your specific post dimensions — confirm with our team when booking.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a manual post hole digger and a petrol post auger comes down to job size, soil conditions, and how many holes you’re digging. For a couple of holes in soft ground, manual digging is often quicker to set up than arranging equipment hire. For anything beyond that — particularly in harder soil — a petrol post auger saves significant time and delivers more consistent results.
Ready to book? Get in touch through our contact page and our team will help you choose the right digger or auger for your project.
