A8 Earth Auger

10t to 20t Machines

Effective, durable, and reliable

The 8 Series – A8 General Purpose auger (like the A6 General Purpose auger) features the same high-performance bladed cutting head, but is distinguished by its heavy duty double-flighted body design. Engineered to enhance drilling performance across a variety of ground conditions, ranging from sandy loam and clay, to compacted soils and shale. In short, the A8 auger is built to excel in challenging environments. The bladed tooth design ensures optimal cutting and peeling efficiency in general ground materials, while the renowned Digga MFT tungsten carbide teeth provide superior penetration into tougher shale layers and significantly extend the lifespan of both the teeth and the pilot. Built to last, the auger body is constructed to withstand the tough rigours of use – With its optimised double-start, double-carry flight configuration, heavy-duty centre shaft and drive hub, it will ensure efficient soil removal. Designed for use with excavators from 10t up to 18t, large backhoes, and other heavy machinery, it is an ideal auger for demanding drilling environments.

If your drilling requirements exceed the capabilities of the A8 auger, explore our RC (Rock Combo), and DR (Dedicated Rock) augers, or consider a custom drilling solution. Our experienced drilling specialists are ready to help you find the perfect tool for your specific needs. Discover custom augers tailored to your applications.

Other Models Available

Ground Conditions

General soils, sandy loam, clay, compacted soils, shale, and light rock

Drive Compatibility

PD12 to PD18

Machine Suitability

Up to 18T: Excavators, Backhoes, Telehandlers

Finishes Available

Earth hardened steel, multi-faceted tungsten (MFT)

Warranty

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FAQs

Features

Effective. Performs reliably across a broad spectrum of ground conditions. with an extensive range of sizes, and extensions to meet various needs.

Durable. Built with robust construction to ensure longevity and maximise return on investment.

Reliable. UK-made, purpose-built for trouble-free performance, delivering consistent satisfaction.

Intuitive. Offering an extensive range of sizes to meet various needs, you can pair the A6 auger with a Digga auger extension – Available in a wide range of lengths, with both outer and inner variants to suit your requirements for deeper drilling. Its PADLOC ‘Punch in & out’ tooth system is designed for effortless operation. It requires no special tools, and minimises downtime.

Specifications

Digga Earth Augers come in a range of configurations to help meet different drilling needs. Use the below information to find out which type of auger you need. For more information, please feel free to call us. Our friendly team are here to help with quotes, orders, more product information, to answer general enquiries, and more.

Drive SuitabilityPD12 to PD18
Machine Size SuitabilityUp to 18T
Ground ConditionsGeneral soils / Sandy loam / Clay / Compacted soils / Shale / Light rock
Hub75mm Square
Hub (Optional)100mm Flange / 100mm Square + More
Overall Length1500mm
Tooth TypeEarth hardened steel / Multi-faceted tungsten (MFT) TM Series
Pilot TypeHex drive / Fishtail style multi-faceted tungsten (MFT)
Tooth Options2 (See wearparts)
Available Range150mm to 1500mm
150mm450mm
200mm500mm
225mm600mm
250mm750mm
300mm900mm
350mm1000mm
375mm1200mm
400mm1500mm
Tooth TypeBladed / Chisel - MFT (Multi-faceted tungsten)
Pilot TypeHex drive / Casalated multi-faceted tungsten (MFT) cluster
Body ConfigurationDouble start with double carry flight
Suits Tough Varied ConditionsGeneral earth / Clay / Shale / Fracturable rock

Auger Teeth

Our range of auger teeth for general purpose bladed augers are available in two styles: Earth and Multi-faceted tungsten. Earth teeth are ideal for soft general ground, and are affordable and effective for light drilling conditions. MFT teeth are suited better for harder compacted ground conditions, including shale and light rocky ground – The MFT will provide additional tooth life.

Both tooth styles incorporate Digga’s PADLOC tooth retention system, which feature a 1-step locking system, that allows for easy installation and removal. These teeth can be knocked in and out without the need for special tools, and are compatible with TM-H auger pockets.

Tooth Configuration

For general ground conditions, we recommend using flat (outside), and chisel (inside) teeth. The outer flat teeth cut the correct diameter, and help protect the flights and pockets, whilst the inner chisel teeth effectively fracture and break up the ground. For sticky clay and non-fracturable ground, an all-flat tooth configuration is ideal. Flat teeth slice through the clay, for easier drilling, and the extra width of the tooth provides better pocket protection, and helps achieve a cleaner finish.

Auger Pilots

The A8 auger is equipped with a hexagonal drive pilot, which is more reliable than threaded, screw, or lug style drives. Hex fit pilots are less likely to fail, and once worn, can be easily replaced.

XT75HD (Inner) & XO75HD (Outer) Auger extensions

Digga’s HD series auger extensions are designed to help you drill deeper holes quickly and efficiently. Manufactured in-house, they are available in a variety of lengths in both inner and outer configurations, making them a versatile addition to your drilling capabilities. By pairing an inner and outer extension, you can double (or more) your drilling depth ability, without aversively impacting your storage capability, as they can be conveniently stored, one inside the other, to save on valuable space inside your truck or trailer.

The XT75HD & XO75HD range of extensions is suited for machines up to 20 tonnes.

Specifications

Maximum Torque: 23000Nm
Standard Hub: 75mm Square
Body (Diameter x Wall): 141mm x 10mm / 75mm Solid
Lengths: 1000 / 1500 / 2000 / 2500 / 3000 / 3500 / 4000 / 4500 / 5000mm

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS [FAQS]

Do you make an Auger to drill hard rock?

Yes, we manufacture augers that are specifically designed to drill through hard rock. – Dedicated rock augers, Tapered rock augers, Rock Combo augers, Core Barrels, Drilling buckets and custom solutions.

These augers, often referred to as rock augers, or rock drilling tools, have special features that allow them to handle the high levels of wear and tear that come with drilling through hard rock. Some of these features include.

Tungsten Carbide Teeth are designed to be extremely hard and durable, able to withstand the rigors of drilling through hard rock. They can be replaced when they wear out.

Rock augers are typically made with heavy-duty materials that are designed to withstand the high forces and stresses that come with drilling through hard rock. Typically, with addition of hard facing on common wear areas to assist in additional life of the auger.

It's important to note that drilling through very hard rock can be a difficult and time-consuming process and may require the use of specialised drilling equipment, not supplied by Digga like rotary drills or diamond-tipped core drills.

**The ability to drill rock it also very dependent on the host machine size, by fitting a rock auger won’t guarantee you’ll be able to penetrate all rock.

It comes down to the combination down pressure generated from the host machine together with the type of drilling tool and ultimately the MPA (Hardness) of the rock.

For example, a 2t excavator fitted with 450mm dedicated Rock auger, drilling into 250Mpa rock will be unsuccessful, as the down pressures generated from the host machine is not greater than the strength of the rock there for the rock will not fracture meaning the only way to remove the rock will be by grind it away, this will be very time consuming and could use a large amount of wearparts, so in most cases is uneconomical.

    What’s the hardest rock I can drill?
    This is undefinable as the ability to drill rock it very dependent many factors those are but not limited to the size of the host machine, size of the hole being drilled, and type of drilling tool being used. Simply fitting a rock auger to your drive won’t guarantee you’ll be able to penetrate all rock, the combination of down pressure generated from the host machine together with the type of drilling tool being used will determine what hardness of rock you can drill.

    The hardness of rock can vary greatly, and different types of rock will require different types of drilling equipment and techniques to drill through. Some of the hardest rocks that can be drilled include:

    Granite: Granite is a type of igneous rock that is known for its high density and hardness. It is composed mainly of feldspar and quartz, which are both very hard minerals. Drilling through granite typically requires specialist drill bits and a great deal of time and effort.

    Basalt: Basalt is a type of volcanic rock that is also known for its high density and hardness. It is composed mainly of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene and can be difficult to drill through.

    Quartzite: Quartzite is a type of metamorphic rock that is composed mainly of quartz. It is extremely hard and durable, making it difficult to drill through.

    Each of these types of rock and with all types of ground conditions they are found in varying forms of hardness the lower the hardness the better chance of drilling it you will have.

    As a very general guide and with the right host machine you could expect to see:

    • Using a RC auger in the range of ~10 to 80MPa
    • Using a DR auger in the range of ~50 to 150MPa
    • Using a TR auger in the range of ~50 to 200MPa
    • Using a rotating pick Core Barrel in the range of ~50 to 250MPa
    • For any rock over ~90Mpa you would typically need a 20t host machine to succeed

    It's important to note that drilling through these rocks and other hard materials may require specialized equipment, and also require the use of fluids or coolants to reduce heat and wear on the drill bits.

    Additionally, the drilling process may take a longer time and require more effort than drilling through softer materials.

    When should I use a tapered rock auger and core barrel?

    These types of drilling tools are typically used when the rock being drilled is of high strength or hardness and are additional tools to assist in trying to penetrate the rock.

    A tapered rock auger is a type of auger that is specifically designed for drilling through hard rock and other difficult ground conditions. They typically have a tapered design, meaning that the diameter of the auger gradually increases from the centre out until it reached full diameter assisting in creating wear spots in the rock material in an attempt to break or fractur the rock away. Tapered rock augers should be used in situations where the soil or ground is hard, rocky, or otherwise difficult to dig through. They are ideal for drilling through tough materials such as granite, limestone, and basalt, and are also well suited for drilling through mixed soil conditions that include rock or boulders. They are often used in combination with a Dedicated rock auger, whereby the operated alternates between the two tools to achieve penetration. Example: start with Dedicated rock (DR) if you experience refusal, swap out the DR for a Tapered Rock (TR) this should help penetrate the rock, should the TR then get refusal swap back to the DR and continue the process.

    It's important to note that tapered rock augers are typically more expensive than standard augers and may also require more powerful equipment to operate. They also may not be appropriate for certain types of projects where the ground is mainly soil  or you require a flat base at the bottom of the hole. (you would use the DR to achieve the flatter base)

    A core barrel is typically used on very hard rock where a DR or TR auger is getting refusal in theory it achieves penetrating by having less rock to drill away or break up, it cuts a ring around the rock leaving a core in the centre this requires less power and less down force to achieve the downside of this is the ability to break off the core and remove it from the hole. This application is very hard on the auger drive and can generate huge side loads if not done correctly, and wont work in all ground conditions.

    Can I put rock teeth on my earth auger?

    Yes, if the auger is the A4TL, A6 or A8 series, you can. The Earth cutter (teeth and Pilot) can be removed and replaced with Tungsten Carbide Cutters (teeth and Pilot).

    The tungsten carbide cutters come in two types: a TC version which is a flat tungsten carbide tile or the more aggressive MFT which is a Multifaceted tungsten carbide tile.

    The MFT and TC Rock wearparts (teeth & Pilot) are designed to help an auger cut through harder, more difficult soils and materials, such as shale, “soft rock” and hardpan sub soils.

    They are made utilising tungsten carbide tiles fitted to the tooth body. When fitting these wear parts to the cutting head it improves the augers’ ability to dig through tough materials.

    Fitting rock teeth on an earth auger can increase its versatility and allow it to be used in different types of ground conditions, however, it's important to keep in mind that earth augers are typically not as heavy-duty as dedicated rock augers and may not be able to handle the same level of wear and tear that traditional rock augers can.

    It's also important to note that when using rock teeth on an earth auger, make sure that the teeth are properly installed and securely fastened, and to regularly check and maintain the teeth to ensure they are in good condition. When drilling in harder ground or rock/rocky ground typically the wear will be extreme when compared to soil drilling.

    Consult with the sales or spare parts team for available options and guidance to help you make the best decision.

    What size Augers should I buy for fencing?

    The auger size needed is dependant on the post size being installed, and the soil conditions you will be working in.

    For a standard wooden fence, you may only require a 150mm (6”) or 200mm (8”) diameter auger. These sizes are large enough to accommodate most standard fence posts and provide a stable base for the fence.

    If you are installing a chain-link or steel fence, you may want to consider a larger diameter auger, such as a 250mm (10”) or 300mm (12”) diameter. These larger sizes will provide a more stable base for the heavier fence posts and will also make it easier to accommodate larger posts if necessary. Typically, a rural fence using post and rail will use a 300mm (12”) for the post and a 450 (18”) up to 600mm(24”) for the corner or Strainer post.

    It's also important to consider the length of the auger, which can range from 900mm (36”) to 1.5m (60”) or more. The length of the auger will depend on the depth of the hole you need to dig and will also be influenced by the soil conditions and the type of fence you are installing.

    It's important to consult the fence manufacturers for specifications before deciding. *Always refer to local engineering and building codes for regulations and guidance.

    Additionally, consider the power of your equipment and the capacity of your equipment to handle the auger size you choose.

    What sets Digga augers apart from the competition?

    Digga specialises in manufacturing augers and other attachments for construction and agriculture equipment.

    The Digga Auger range has been developed over many years of working directly with our customers along with advanced engineering processes to perfect and optimise our cutting systems to provide the best performance possible, our augers are industry leading for several reasons, such as:

    Quality: Digga augers are made with high-quality materials and built to last. We also have strict ISO90001 quality control procedures in place to ensure that each auger meets our standards.

    Innovation: Digga have patented features or designs that set their augers apart from those of their competitors. we also invest heavily in research and development to ensure that our products are constantly improving.

    Design: Digga’s highly skilled and professional engineering team utilising advanced 3D modelling to ensure the tooth angle and positioning is in the ideal position and angle to give the best cut and penetration ability, and ensure optimum flight pitch to both hold the spoil on the flight for better extraction while getting that spoil to the top of the hole quickly to help avoid auger stall.

    Support: At Digga we pride ourselves on our strong customer service and technical support team that can assist customers with any questions or issues they may have with their augers. We offer assistance with choosing the right drilling tool option for your needs.

    Versatility: Digga has a wide range of standard augers available together with Bespoke (custom) option to suit different types of projects, jobs, and machinery, coupled with an extensive range of accessories available to expand the capabilities of the auger and auger drive.

    Brand reputation: Digga has a strong reputation in the industry for producing high-quality, reliable augers that are known for getting the job done.

    It's important to note that different augers are better suited for different tasks and that the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

    Consult with the sales team for available options and guidance to help you make the best decision.

    Do you make custom augers?

    Yes, we do, we offer many bespoke drilling solutions.

    Consult with the sales team for available options and guidance to help you make the best decision.

    When do I need to change my teeth / picks / How long will my teeth last?

    The teeth could last 1 or 2 holes or last 100’s of holes, its all dependant on what material is being drilled. Tungsten Carbide teeth/pilots will always out last standard earth teeth/pilots.

    The lifespan of an auger tooth depends on a variety of factors, including the type of material it is made from, the type of soil or rock it is used to drill through, and the frequency and intensity of use.

    Carbide teeth are known to last longer than steel teeth, due to their high hardness and resistance to wear. A carbide tooth can last for several hundred hours of drilling, depending on the specific type of carbide and the conditions it is being used in.

    Steel teeth are generally less durable than carbide teeth and typically wear out faster.

    It's important to note that drilling through hard rock, clay or concrete will wear out the teeth faster than drilling through softer soils. Additionally, drilling frequently or for longer periods of time will also decrease the lifespan of the teeth.

    Proper maintenance such as regular inspections and replacing worn teeth can also help prolong the lifespan of the auger.

    Do you make custom augers?

    Yes, we do, we offer many bespoke drilling solutions.

    Consult with the sales team for available options and guidance to help you make the best decision.

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