Digga Tips - Auger Bits for Drilling in Different Ground Conditions

When drilling in different ground conditions you need the right speed and the right cutting system on the auger bit to suit the different ground conditions. So which auger bit should you choose for your application? For efficient drilling on any machine requires power (torque) and down pressure.

Digga auger bits perform better at an optimal RPM against the ground conditions they are against. Similarly the auger diameter will perform better at certain speeds. For example: the larger the hole and harder the ground conditions, the slower you will need to drill. The smaller the hole and softer the ground conditions, then more speed is required. 

As a general rule we recommend the following RPM/speeds:

55-65 RPM for general earth conditions.

45-55 RPM when drilling in heavy earth, clay or shale. 

20-45 RPM when drilling in rock.

Results will depend on rock hardness, type of auger being used and machine down force.

Digga recommends the following attachments for the different ground conditions:

• When ‘general purpose’ earth drilling you can drill faster. The Digga A range of auger bits will be ideal here. These auger bits are also better for clay as the bladed teeth ‘shaves’ the spoil a layer at a time. Like scraping butter with a knife.

• In heavy earth, clay*, soft chalky rocks you want an auger bit with tapered teeth. The Digga RC range of auger bits is the ultimate all performance auger bit and will cut cleanly into earth and chalky rocks. The teeth are tapered to be able to rip the fracturable rocky/earthy ground. *Please note, this range is not ideal for drilling in clay with smaller machines 4 tonne and under.

• When drilling into rock you are going to be most effective at a slower speed with a greater amount of power. Too much speed creates too much heat and will actually ‘polish’ the rock smooth rather than chipping away at it. Too much speed will also cause the teeth to skip across the top of the rock and it will not be able to pick and rip into the rock to break it out.

For more information on our auger bits visit www.diggausa.com/auger-bits or contact us at (563) 875 7915. Stay up to date with the latest tips & trick by Digga on our Social Media channels.

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Key features of Digga augers and screw anchor drives

Digga’s range of screw anchor and drilling drives are the ultimate in performance, quality and cost effectiveness. With over 30 years of design and development, working in the field and listening to the needs of our customers to exceed their expectations. All Digga drive units are manufactured in-house by Digga - from the hood on the drive to the gear box and Eaton motor. Our drives feature key design modifications to stand them apart from the competition:

Integrated motor and output housing unit

Our custom designed hydraulic motors were developed in conjunction with Eaton, using Eaton Geroler technology. Not satisfied with an off-the-shelf motor we developed the design specifically for the earth moving industry; significantly reducing the weight and overall length of the drive unit by integrating the hydraulic motor into the actual housing. Merging the motor with the input housing creates a direct connection to the gearset and eliminates the need for several gearbox components. In turn, there are less moving parts and fewer potential leak points. It also means we have been able to position the hydraulic motor ports in a more practical location; maximising manoeuvrability when drilling and offering greater protection to hoses and fittings during transport and storage.

Less maintenance and a compact design

Our gearboxes are made in-house. Gears are precision machined from high grade alloy steel, specifically formulated for the manufacture of high performance gears in the earth moving industry. The compact design of our gear set allows for greater length under the drive, for augers or helical pier installation. As our drives can go down the hole they provide added depth when drilling allowing you to work more efficiently.

Two piece shaft design with the highest side load ratings

Digga drives have more than double the side load capacity of any other gearbox on the market. Under toque load, the Digga two piece shaft design ensures there is no increased load on the bearings. The bearings do the job they were designed for, efficiently maintaining axial and side loading. Making the Digga shaft a separate component to the planetary carrier, the planetary gears are isolated from the pushing, pulling and bending forces generated by the machine. This is highly beneficial for the operator should there be any side loading; the Digga two piece shaft design ensures there is no increased load on the bearings and the gears are protected, saving you on potential costly repairs. Digga drives have the highest shaft pullout rating in the industry with a heavy-duty custom designed lock-nut, and a lifetime warranty on shaft pullout.

Highest side load ratings

Digga drives have more than double the side load capacity of any other gearbox on the market. Under toque load, the Digga two peice shaft design ensures there is no increased load on the bearing. The bearings do the job they were designed for, efficiently maintaining axial and side loading.

Extensive warranty

With a 3 year motor warranty and 5 year gearbox warranty, our drives are backed with a US Manufacturing Facility.

For more information on the different models in our range of auger and anchor drives please visit our website: www.diggausa.com

How do I avoid damage to the drive bale?

In order to avoid damage to your drilling drive, it is important to follow the correct drilling procedure. We recently saw a damaged bale with the lid peeled back as a result of incorrect operation.

Drilling with the cradle resting against the drive unit coupled with side load can create enough force to bend the bale or peel the lid off.

Therefore, it is essential to perform the drilling operation without resting the drive cradle against the drive unit, as shown in the picture above.

The drive unit is a pendulum hung attachment designed to swing freely left right, forward and back, which is why, when drilling correctly, the cradle should be positioned up and away from the drive unit allowing the drive and auger bit to swing freely, as shown below.

To find out more about the correct drilling procedure, consult your user manual. If you are having trouble, need replacement or service to your Digga products, please contact us at infous@digga.com or under 563 875 7915