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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Digga Tips - Best practices when drilling in rock

Are you having trouble drilling in hard rock? We can help you out with some tips to make your job easier.. and more efficient! Without damaging your drillhead or wearparts. Let us explain why rock drilling may cause difficulties and issues when not carried our correctly: When drilling rock or frost for extended periods of time, air is trapped in the hole creating an oven effect. The trapped temperature and friction causes the wearparts and pilot to heat up to an extreme temperature, causing them to melt. It will damage the drilling head and can result in the face of the rock to 'glaze over' and become an even harder surface. This is why we recommend that you periodically remove the auger bit from the hole to allow fresh air back in the hole every 5 minutes. This means - stop drilling and bring the auger bit head to the surface to allow air into the hole. Below is an example of an auger bit, which was left down the hole for too long.

While it may seem excessive to have to bring the auger bit out every few minutes, you will find you will actually drill the hole quicker and be more efficient with your wearparts!

By lifting the auger bit out of the hole it allows air back down, which consequently cools the teeth tips and also allows you to check the teeth and replace if necessary – they are after all wearparts.

We commonly hear of people adding water to the hole, which will make the spoil easier to remove. However this alone is not the answer! The frequency of removing the auger bit from the drill face has a much greater benefit. When drilling rock a small amount of water will certainly help to bind up the spoil, clear the head easier and help cool the teeth down but as we all know, water is not always readily available, especially on remote worksites.