When the Earth Auger Bit Fails, Repair or Replace?

Nothing destroys productivity like broken equipment. While the statement may seem fairly obvious, action to fix the problem isn't always clear. Depending on the severity of the problem, you can extend the life of your machine with quick fixes or repairs. But for bigger problems, a full replacement might make more sense.

This logic applies to earth augers just like any other piece of equipment in your fleet. Drills have many working parts, and while problems are uncommon, they can certainly happen. Unfortunately, there is no guide or rulebook that tells you exactly when to repair and when to replace your earth auger bit. But with some guidance and the help of an expert manufacturer, your decision may be a little easier.

Here are some factors to consider when servicing or replacing earth auger components:

Some of the most common earth auger problems include auger bits that stop turning or stop turning when they shouldn't. If your auger spins as it leaves the ground, but stops spinning as soon as you start drilling, the bent shaft may be damaged. Flexible shafts should be cleaned and greased after every 50 hours of operation, but sometimes even routine maintenance does not prevent breakage. Broken flexible shafts cannot be repaired and typically cost around $600 for parts and up to $100 to install. In some cases, the problem can be solved by simply replacing the core, which costs about $200.

Transmission issues are another matter. A problem with the gears or gearbox can prevent the drill from spinning fully. While insufficient oil can cause the motor to lock up and stop running, there is also the potential for bigger problems, such as stripped gears. The gearbox can be repaired, but it costs almost as much as a full replacement - about $725 to repair and $850 to replace plus installation.

If the auger is idling, the diagnosis may be the clutch. The auger should not spin until you hit the gas and engage the clutch. If the clutch overheats during operation, the heat-treated spring will no longer prevent the shoe from engaging, keeping the auger engaged at all times. Similar to the gearbox, the repair cost is close to the full replacement cost - by comparison, a new clutch costs about $140 and $160 to install.

If the auger vibrates or "walks" excessively during use, it is most likely due to misalignment or wear of the tip and blade. When the auger blades are worn flush, the blades should be replaced. If the blade wears out into the flight of the auger, the auger will need to be repaired or replaced. The point should be replaced when the split in the tip or the split is less than ¼” from the bottom of the split.

The cost of parts varies by manufacturer. A general advice statement is that if replacement parts cost more than 50% of a new rig, it is better to invest in new equipment. But remember, don't just look at the sticker price. You should also include the cost of labor and lost production, as well as the age of the equipment.

Common replacement parts, such as flexible shafts and gearboxes, can add a considerable amount. In fact, if both need to be repaired at the same time, it costs almost 50% of the cost of a new drill. While it is not uncommon for both parts to break at the same time, it can happen if the operator encounters an obstacle while digging quickly.

If two or more parts need to be replaced at the same time, it is best to replace the entire drill. However, for those with the experience and tools, repairing and rebuilding yourself may be a more economically viable option.

Hiring someone to fix your equipment is often a logical choice, as it reduces your workload. However, when you choose this route, it is important to consider repair costs and time that are beyond your control.

The other option - fixing it yourself - doesn't seem like a daunting task. Many manufacturers have the resources to walk you through the process. It may seem tempting to pay someone to repair your drill, but educating yourself about the components and repair process can save you time and money in the long run.

If you have spare drills in your fleet, waiting for repairs may not be a problem. But for contractors who rely on the device on a daily or even weekly basis, not having it could result in lost revenue. Especially in the summer, much local lawn and garden repair shops are backed up for 6-12 weeks, which is not a viable wait time for many people. Depending on how long you've owned the machine and the industry you're in, the decision to repair or replace may make more sense.

In the rental industry, only operating drills generate revenue. So if repairing the drill takes time, replacing it might be a better option. If time is a top concern, consider purchasing a second piece of equipment as a backup and an additional source of income until the original rig is repaired.

In the rental industry, the appearance of equipment is a big deciding factor for customers. Replacing worn-out bits with shiny new bits might make more sense for the fleet. If the rotating inventory is an annual or 18-month requirement, the chances of something going wrong and requiring a full replacement before then are low. In other cases, the rental center may service a drill for 20 years. Every business has different standards, so make sure the costs and results make sense for your store.

In the fencing industry, it is important to have a fleet large enough to replace bits if repairs are required. Fencing contractors may have more than one type of drill in their lineup, so discontinuing one for repairs should not affect productivity. For many contractors, a monthly spread of incremental costs is more feasible than a single large payment. However, it is important to consider the cost of each repair. Consider the overall age of the drill and the number of key components that can show that age.

If the drill is properly cared for, it should last for many years. There is no rule that says "after 10 years or 10,000 hours, the motor will turn off", so it's important to keep an eye on the machine. If the drill is rented out and used 20 hours a week, it may require less maintenance than a fence contractor who uses the drill 40 hours a week.

When considering repairing or replacing a drill, you need to consider the overall health of your engine. If the engine is older and experiencing problems, it might be more logical to replace it, however, if the engine is a rebuilt system and almost like new, repairs make more sense.

If you suspect a problem with your device, fix it immediately. If the problems are not resolved in time, they can create a domino effect and cause more damage. Dealing with one component right away saves time and hassle and prevents other problems.

Also, it's important to remember that if you decide to buy a brand-new drill, keep the old one handy for replacement parts. It might be a good idea to repair an old drill bit to use as a backup over time. If you want to buy spare parts for the earth auger, please contact us.

HUSTIL is a professional custom garden tool spare parts manufacturer. We provide a full range of accessories search queries, garden tool accessories replacement, and after-sales service for our VIP users. After more than 10 years of strict screening, it now has more than 300 mature supply chain factories for production. We manufacture almost all aluminum and plastic parts ourselves, such as cylinders, crankcases, and gear heads.