Post Hole Borer Hire

Post hole borer hire prices depend on how long you need the machine and how many auger bits you need with it. Daily rates suit one-off jobs like a few fence posts, weekend hire works well for a full run of domestic fencing over a Saturday and Sunday, and weekly rates work out cheaper per day for landscaping or agricultural projects. Call Hirelink or submit an enquiry for a current quote on the Stihl BT 131.

For a standard 100mm × 100mm timber fence post, use a 150mm auger bit. That gives you enough clearance around the post for concrete to set properly without wasting bags of mix. For bigger gate posts (150mm × 150mm timber), step up to a 200mm bit. For thinner stakes or agricultural markers, 80mm or 100mm is plenty.

The Stihl BT 131 drills to around 700mm depth using standard-length auger bits, which is deep enough for the vast majority of domestic and commercial fencing work. Building regulations typically recommend post holes at least two feet deep for standard fence posts. Extension bits can go deeper if needed for taller posts or looser ground, though most jobs never need them.

Yes. The Stihl BT 131 is designed for one-person operation with a single throttle handle and vibration-reducing grips. It weighs around 9-10kg with the bit fitted, which is manageable for most operators. If the bit jams in stony or root-bound ground, the engine brake stops it before the machine can spin. For very hard ground or long fencing runs, having a second person to steady the machine and clear spoil speeds things up but isn’t required.

The Stihl BT 131 uses 2-stroke premix fuel (2-stroke oil mixed with unleaded petrol at 50:1, or Stihl’s own MotoMix pre-mixed fuel). Never run it on straight unleaded petrol – that damages the engine within minutes. Confirm fuel arrangements when you book; some depots supply premix with the hire, others expect you to bring your own.

Ear defenders (the BT 131 is loud), eye protection (spoil and stones can fly), heavy-duty gloves, steel toe-capped safety boots, and long trousers rather than shorts. Keep bystanders well clear of the drilling zone. For extended use over several hours, gauntlet-style gloves and taking regular breaks help with vibration exposure.

The BT 131 has an engine brake designed to stop the auger from spinning if it jams. If you hit an obstruction, back off the throttle, reverse the auger a few centimetres, and try to either work around the obstruction or dig it out by hand. Never force the machine – that’s how you break auger bits and hurt yourself.

Yes. Hirelink offers daily hire on the BT 131, which suits smaller jobs like a few signage posts, a short run of fencing, or replacing a broken gate post. For anything longer than a single day of work, weekend or weekly hire is usually better value.

The petrol Stihl BT 131 is our standard post hole borer hire. Cordless and battery-powered options exist and are quieter with less vibration, but battery life limits them for continuous fencing work. If you really need a cordless auger, give the team a call and we’ll advise on what’s available.

The BT 131 handles typical UK ground conditions including clay soil, loam, gravelly ground, and compacted lawn or paddock ground. It struggles with very stony ground (large embedded rocks will stop the auger), heavily root-bound ground (tree root systems), and frozen ground. For very hard clay in dry summers, pre-watering the hole location helps the auger bite.

Hirelink is a Midlands-based hire company with four depots covering Birmingham and Staffordshire. National hire chains run larger national fleets but work through national call centres and longer delivery distances. For trade and domestic customers across the West Midlands, Hirelink offers local service, a team that knows the region, and a direct line for advice on the right bit for your job.

For most hires we’ll need photo ID (driving licence or passport), proof of address dated within the last three months, and a small refundable deposit. Trade customers with an account just need to confirm the booking. For commercial fencing work, your site should have appropriate risk assessments in place before drilling starts.