Augers and Dibbles (continued)

Hand Augers

Function

Hand augers are designed to penetrate the soil and remove a plug. Either container or relatively large bareroot seedlings can be placed in the hole.

Description

A hand auger has a long, half-round blade attached to a shaft with a T-handle. The bottom of the blade is rounded and all edges are sharpened. Most hand augers also have step plates at the top of the blade. (top)

Operation

Operators apply their body weight to the handle or the step plate, forcing the auger blade into the soil. After the blade has penetrated to the desired depth, the operator twists the handle to loosen and remove a plug of soil. After a seedling is placed in the hole, operators use their hand or the auger to pack soil around the roots. In good soil conditions, operators can plant about 400 seedlings per day. (top)

Advantages

Hand augers are easy to use in confined areas. They can cut roots as thick as 3/8 inch (1 centimeter) in diameter and they can be worked around stones. Hand augers create holes that are large enough for seedlings with relatively extensive root systems. They do not compact the soil. (top)

Disadvantages

Hand augers perform poorly in shallow, rocky, or hard soils. Operators become fatigued because they do most of the work with their arms and upper body.