The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

Of the Excavator von Berger + Schröter is praised by most Amazon reviewers for the good workmanship of the materials. It should be very stable and do its job perfectly. With a total length of 165 centimeters, it is an option for most gardeners. As far as the weight is concerned, the hole spade is on the heavy side, but there in the lower area, so that it can be handled optimally.

At the Hand auger There is absolutely nothing to complain about from Fiskars - the materials are high quality, the Hole diameter is medium-sized and therefore suitable for numerous uses (whether flower bulbs or fence posts) best for. The reviewers at Amazon praise the usual high Fiskars quality, the practical construction of the auger and the pleasant handling.

The SYITCUN earth auger is intended as an attachment for a hand drill. It can be used with drills from a voltage of 14 volts and makes digging holes in the ground an effortless undertaking. The tool is extremely popular with Amazon customers thanks to its excellent price-performance ratio and ease of use.

Purchase criteria

Art

Hole spade with shovels: A classic hole spade has two pointed, parallel blades that you can open using the handles and ram into the ground to dig the hole in the ground. Such a digger is inexpensive and gives very good results. However, it demands more muscle power from the gardener than an earth drill.

Earth auger: An earth drill or earth auger is also called a drill hole spade. With its sharp, robust and spiral-shaped drill point, it digs into the ground quickly and without great effort. Three disadvantages: The earth auger costs more than a normal excavator with shovels and is generally shorter (about one meter long). In addition, because of the special shape, earth sometimes sticks to the tip, which you then have to wipe off by hand.

Earth auger as an attachment for a drill: Earth drills that come with a drilling machine(€ 90.99 at Amazon *) can be operated electrically. So if you have a hand drill, you should consider buying an attachment in the form of an earth auger - especially since it is particularly inexpensive.

materials

Stem material: Metal handles are primarily made of aluminum, a light metal that gives the excavator a low weight and robustness. In addition, aluminum handles are easy to care for. Steel handles are even more stable and resistant than metal or aluminum handles. However, they weigh more. Wooden handles are also considered stable and durable as well as comparatively lightweight. However, they need more care than metal or steel handles (impregnation, protective wood varnish, and so on). What wooden handles have ahead of the other variants is the beautiful natural look.

Handle material: The handles of a digger are usually made of wood or plastic. The more beautiful look speaks in favor of wooden handles, while plastic handles are easier to care for and more lightweight. It is important that the handles sit comfortably in the hand - that is, they are comfortable and easy to grip.

Bucket / drilling device material: The shovels with the classic hole spade or the drilling device with the earth auger must be off stainless, hardened steel - otherwise they will not withstand the intense pressure when digging the holes in the ground stood for a long time. They can also be powder-coated.

Opening width / hole diameter

The opening width or the hole diameter provides information about the size of the hole that you are digging. Most solid excavators have a hole diameter of 150 millimeters. Flexibility is provided by hole spades that can be equipped with various attachments or with an adjustment mechanism that allow multiple diameters. The following spans are common: 110 to 280 millimeters (ideal for narrow holes for flower bulbs or slim fence posts) or 150 to 320 millimeters (perfect for somewhat thicker posts).

Shape and size of the spade blades (only for hole spades with shovels)

The shape and size of the spade blades influence the maximum depth of the hole in the ground - or the number of attempts you have to make to achieve your desired hole depth. The spade blades are usually oval in shape and about 19 to 23 centimeters long. Their width is usually around twelve to 20 centimeters.

Handle length / total length (only for hole spades with shovels)

For the convenience of the Gardening and especially for back health, it is essential that the total length of the excavator harmonises with your body length. The device should be tailored to your body size so that you do not have to bend over, but hit the best possible point of action. Most hole spades are two to four inches long. Jumbo versions reach up to 170 centimeters. In some versions, the handle can be adjusted in height - in some cases up to 190 centimeters.

Chain as an extra (only for spade with shovels)

Some excavators are equipped with a chain. This enables you to roughly mark out the hole diameter. Typically the chain is welded on one side over the blades of the hole spade. You can then hang the chain on the other side to determine the diameter of the hole in the ground. Choose a model where the chain is attached to a high quality and cannot slip out easily. It is best to read through many customer opinions. Note: Hole diggers without a chain generally cannot be adjusted in terms of hole diameter.

Weight (only for hole spades with shovels)

The hole spade should already have a certain weight so that you can push it well into the ground. Because the heavier it is, the easier it penetrates the ground and the less force you have to use. On the other hand, it shouldn't be too difficult, especially if you want to work with it for a long period of time. Lighter versions weigh around four to five kilograms, while heavier versions weigh at least six to seven kilograms.

frequently asked Questions

What is a digger?

A hole digger, often also referred to as a hole spade, is used to dig narrow and deep holes, for example for Fence posts or other posts, but also for special bushes or Flower bulbs. In contrast to a normal one spade a classic digger has two spade blades that you open using the handles to dig the holes in the ground. There are also auger bits.

How do I use a hole spade with shovels correctly?

If the opening width can be individually adjusted, the first step is to set the width required for the targeted holes. To open the spade blades, pull apart the handles on top. Then ram the hole spade into the ground where you want it. Finally, press the handles together again and get the "held" earth material out of the ground.

Which brands offer good diggers?

Well-known brands for hole spades as Hand excavator are about Berger + Schröter and VITO Garden. If you prefer to buy an earth auger, the models from Fiskars and Güde are an option if you value a well-known brand name.

Where is the best place to buy a digger?

All types of excavators are usually available in every well-stocked hardware store and garden center. In addition, you will find what you are looking for at Amazon, where you can enjoy a large selection as well as an appealing shopping experience.

How much does a digger cost?

Most excavators cost between 30 and 100 euros. Earth drills are usually a little more expensive than classic hole spades. Exception: Earth hole auger as an attachment for a hand drill is particularly cheap at an average of ten to 20 euros.