HART 40V Battery Powered Auger Quickly Digs Soil
We recently had the opportunity to assist our friendly neighbor rancher, Eli Mosley, in setting up fences for his dairy pastures. It’s always exhausting work, involving diggers or shovels that often lead to blisters. This time, we decided to bring along the HART 40V battery powered 8″ ground drill to make the process easier.
The soil we were working with wasn’t the usual soft Florida sugar sand. However, with the high gear and the auger’s brushless motor, we effortlessly powered through the soil at a remarkable speed of 200 RPM. The auger’s motor provides up to 53.98 foot-pounds of torque, ensuring efficient drilling.
Additionally, besides the standard 3″ posts, Eli needed to set up some new 8″ corner posts that required a slightly deeper hole due to the tension from the barbed wire. Within seconds, the auger drilled through the soil using the 31″ bits, leaving behind perfect post holes.
During our work, we encountered a root in one of the holes, triggering the anti-kickback feature. This caused the handle to stop turning abruptly at around 45°. We appreciate HART’s addition of a foam padding strip on the left handle, providing cushioning in case of binding.
Notably, the auger bit is easily interchangeable using a standard pin-based quick-connect. This means you can use other brands of bits as well. We recommend adding a 4-inch drill for fence and landscape planting purposes.
HART 40V Battery Powered Auger Design Notes
Size and Weight
The HART 40V battery powered auger weighs 38.25 pounds and stands at a height of 44 inches when equipped with the 8-inch auger bit included in the kit. Even with the 4.0Ah battery, it matches the weight of petrol models. However, the advantage lies in the absence of pull cords, gas, or maintenance. Simply pull the trigger, and you’re good to go.
Ergonomics
The design of this auger closely resembles that of natural gas-powered models, making the transition to battery-powered augers seamless. The large side handles offer a secure grip even in harder soils. While there is some play between the bit and the driver, it is typical for earth drills.
Control
The control switch is conveniently located on the right handle, offering high and low speeds, as well as a reverse function. To prevent accidental activation during transport, the trigger has a small safety feature. Engaging the auger is as simple as selecting your desired work mode, placing both hands on the handle for control, and pulling the trigger to start drilling.
Pro Tip: If you anticipate encountering harder or rockier soils, or dealing with roots, it’s helpful to rest the left handle pad against your leg/hip for extra control.
HART 40V Battery Operated Auger Price
The HART auger comes in a kit that includes an 8-inch auger, a 4.0Ah battery, and a charger, all priced at $396. With the kit, you also receive a 5-year limited tool warranty and a 3-year limited battery warranty.
The Bottom Line
After testing the HART 40V 8″ Auger, we were impressed with its ability to significantly speed up the hole-digging process. It effortlessly handled various soil types without any signs of slowing down. If you’re in need of a reliable replacement for your old drill or want to retire your backhoe digger, this is an excellent choice.
HART 40V Battery Powered Auger Specifications
- Model: Hart HLAUG01
- Power supply: Hart 40V battery
- No-load speed: 200 RPM
- Max Torque: 53.98 ft-lbs
- Digging capacity: 30 holes per charge (with 40V 4.0Ah battery)
- Gearbox: Low/High/Reverse
- Weight: 38.25 lbs.
- Height: 44 inches
- Maximum drill diameter: 10 inches
- Anti Kickback Protection: Yes
- Maximum Auger Depth: 31 inches
- Warranty: 5 years (tool), 3 years limited (battery)
- Price: $396 (kit)