Post Hole Digger Rental in American Fork, UT: Complete Sizing & Cost Guide
What You'll Learn
- One-man augers rent for $60–$100/day — enough for most backyard fence jobs under 15 posts
- Two-man augers ($80–$150/day) handle harder soil and deeper holes up to 5 feet
- Skid steer + auger attachment starts at $125/day at Alpine and digs 50–100+ holes per day in rocky Utah soil
- Utah's frost line is 30 inches — fence posts need to go at least 36 inches deep
- Standard 4x4 fence posts need a 6"–8" diameter auger; 6x6 deck posts need 10"–12"
- Always call Utah 811 (Blue Stakes) before digging — it's free, and it's state law
- Alpine Equipment Repair offers skid steer + free auger attachment rental packages from American Fork
You need holes in the ground. Dozens of them, all the same depth, all the same width, all in a straight line. A manual post hole digger and a strong back will get it done — eventually. A power auger will get it done before lunch.
This guide covers every rental option available in American Fork and Utah County: hand-held one-man augers, two-man augers, and skid steer-mounted hydraulic augers. We'll help you match the right equipment to your project, your soil, and your budget.
Types of Post Hole Diggers You Can Rent
Three categories of equipment handle post hole digging. The right choice depends on how many holes you need, how deep they go, and what's in your soil.
Hand-Held One-Man Auger
A gas-powered one-man auger weighs about 50 pounds and is operated by a single person. It spins an auger bit into the ground, pulling soil up and out of the hole. Most rental models accept 2" to 8" diameter bits and dig to about 3 feet deep.
Best for: Backyard fences with soft to moderate soil. If you're setting 10–15 posts in residential topsoil and your holes don't need to exceed 3 feet, this is the most cost-effective choice. One person can dig a hole every 2–5 minutes in cooperative soil.
Limitations: One-man augers struggle with rocks, dense clay, and thick root systems. The torque can wrench your arms if the bit catches — always use two hands and brace your stance. If you hit an obstruction, stop the auger, clear the obstruction with a shovel, and resume.
Two-Man Auger
A two-man auger doubles the power and requires a second operator on the opposite handle. These units accept larger bits (up to 18" diameter) and dig to 5 feet or deeper. The extra operator provides stability and torque management.
Best for: Larger residential projects (15–40 posts), deck footings, and harder soil. If your project requires 6x6 posts set below the frost line, a two-man auger with a 10"–12" bit handles the depth and diameter that one-man units cannot reach.
Limitations: You need a second person. The machine is heavier and harder to transport. Still struggles with large rocks — anything bigger than a softball can stall the bit.
Skid Steer or Mini Skid Steer with Auger Attachment
For high-volume or difficult-soil projects, a skid steer with a hydraulic auger attachment is the professional solution. The machine's hydraulic system provides consistent downforce and torque that handheld augers cannot match. Alpine Equipment Repair rents several options:
| Machine | Operating Capacity | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIANT SK252 Walk-Behind | Compact | $125 | $400 | $1,275 |
| GIANT G950T Mini Skid | 2,000 lb | $175 | $550 | $1,550 |
| Track Skid Steer (2,300 lb) | 2,300 lb | $300 | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Track Skid Steer (3,100 lb) | 3,100 lb | $375 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
Rates do not include delivery. Auger attachment included with skid steer rental. Minimum rental: 4 hours (half-day). Call (801) 701-7394 for current availability.
Best for: Commercial fence lines (40+ posts), rocky or clay-heavy soil, deck foundations, sign installation, and any project where speed matters. A skid steer with an auger can dig 50–100+ holes per day. The GIANT SK252 walk-behind fits through standard 36" gates — ideal for residential backyards with limited access.
Limitations: Requires delivery unless you have a trailer rated for the machine's weight. Higher daily cost — but if you're digging 50+ holes, the per-hole cost is lower than renting a handheld auger for multiple days.
Equipment Decision Matrix
| Factor | One-Man Auger | Two-Man Auger | Skid Steer + Auger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holes per day | 10–30 | 20–50 | 50–100+ |
| Best for | Backyard fence (soft soil) | Larger residential / deck footings | Commercial fence / rocky soil |
| Daily rate | $60–$100 | $80–$150 | $125–$375 (machine + auger) |
| Operators needed | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Max depth | ~3 ft | ~5 ft | 4–6 ft |
| Max bit diameter | 8" | 18" | 24"+ |
| Handles rocks? | Poorly | Moderate | Yes |
| Transport | Fits in car trunk | Pickup truck | Delivery or trailer |
| Alpine recommendation | Under 15 holes, easy soil | 15–40 holes, mixed soil | 40+ holes or difficult soil |
What Size Auger Do You Need?
The rule of thumb: drill a hole three times wider than the post. This gives enough room for concrete or gravel backfill to lock the post in place.
| Post Size | Post Width | Recommended Auger Diameter | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4x4 (actual 3.5") | 3.5" | 6"–8" | Privacy fence, picket fence, garden fence |
| 6x6 (actual 5.5") | 5.5" | 10"–12" | Deck posts, pergola posts, heavy gate posts |
| Round post (2"–3") | 2"–3" | 4"–6" | Farm/ranch fence, T-post guide holes, signs |
| Round post (4"–5") | 4"–5" | 8"–10" | Corral posts, heavy farm fence |
Why wider matters: A hole that's barely bigger than the post leaves no room for concrete or gravel around the base. Without adequate backfill, the post shifts under wind and frost pressure. An 8" hole around a 3.5" post gives you over 2 inches of concrete on every side — solid.
Tip for Alpine renters: When you call to reserve a skid steer + auger, tell us your post size. We'll match the right bit and have it ready when the machine arrives at your site.
How Deep to Dig Post Holes in Utah
Utah's frost line is 30 inches. The frost line is the depth at which ground freezes in winter. Any structural post — fence, deck, pergola — must be set below the frost line to prevent frost heave from pushing it out of the ground over successive freeze-thaw cycles.
Post Hole Depth Guide for Utah
| Post Height | Rule-of-Thumb Depth (1/3 of post) | Recommended Depth (6" below frost line) | Use Whichever Is Deeper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft fence | 16" | 36" | 36" |
| 6 ft fence | 24" | 36" | 36" |
| 8 ft fence | 32" | 36" | 36" |
| Deck post (any height) | Varies | 36"–42" | 36"–42" |
For most Utah fence and deck projects, 36 inches is the target depth. That gets you 6 inches below the 30" frost line and satisfies the one-third rule for posts up to 8 feet tall.
Check local codes. American Fork, Lehi, Eagle Mountain, and other Utah County municipalities may have specific requirements for fence height, setback, and post depth. Call your city's building department before you start. Deck footings almost always require a building permit with inspections — the inspector will check depth.
Drainage tip for Utah clay soil. If you're digging in the heavy clay common along the Wasatch Front, pour 3–4 inches of gravel in the bottom of each hole before setting the post. Gravel creates a drainage layer that prevents water from pooling at the base and accelerating rot on wood posts. This is especially important in areas like Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain where new-construction fill soil can be dense and poorly draining.
Post Hole Digger Rental Costs
Rental rates vary by equipment type and rental duration. Here's what you'll pay across the spectrum:
Rental Rate Comparison
| Equipment Type | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Best Value When... |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Man Handheld Auger | $60–$100 | $180–$420 | Under 15 holes in soft soil |
| Two-Man Auger | $80–$150 | $240–$600 | 15–40 holes or deeper footings |
| GIANT SK252 Mini Skid + Auger | $125 | $400 | Gate-access backyards, 20+ holes |
| GIANT G950T Skid Steer + Auger | $175 | $550 | 30+ holes, mixed tasks (dig + backfill) |
| Full-Size Track Skid Steer + Auger | $300–$375 | $1,000–$1,500 | Commercial projects, 50+ holes, rocky soil |
Alpine rates for skid steer + auger include the attachment at no extra charge. Delivery: $165/hour. Minimum rental: 4 hours (half-day).
Cost Per Hole Comparison
Here's where the math gets interesting. A more expensive machine can actually cost less per hole:
| Scenario | Equipment | Daily Cost | Holes Dug | Cost Per Hole |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small backyard fence (10 holes) | One-man auger | $75 | 10 | $7.50 |
| Medium residential fence (30 holes) | One-man auger (2 days) | $150 | 30 | $5.00 |
| Medium residential fence (30 holes) | Skid steer + auger (1 day) | $175 | 30 | $5.83 |
| Large fence line (60 holes) | One-man auger (3–4 days) | $300 | 60 | $5.00 |
| Large fence line (60 holes) | Skid steer + auger (1 day) | $175 | 60 | $2.92 |
For 30+ holes, the skid steer is competitive on per-hole cost and saves you days of physical labor. The GIANT G950T at $175/day with a free auger attachment is Alpine's most popular option for residential fence contractors.
Compared to hiring a fencing company: Professional fence installers in Utah County typically charge $5–$15 per post hole as part of a full fence installation, or $25–$50 per hole for digging only. Renting equipment and doing it yourself saves 50–80% on the digging portion of the project.
Project Scenarios — Which Digger Fits Your Job?
Scenario 1: Lehi Homeowner — 60-Foot Backyard Privacy Fence
The project: A homeowner in Lehi is installing a 6-foot cedar privacy fence along their back property line. Standard 4x4 posts, 8 feet apart, 10 posts total. The backyard is accessible through a 36" gate. Soil is typical Lehi residential — sandy loam with some gravel.
The right rental: A one-man auger with an 8" bit rented for a half-day. Total cost: approximately $50–$75. At 10 posts with soft-to-moderate soil, the holes will be done in under an hour. The homeowner spends the rest of the day setting posts and pouring concrete.
Alternative upgrade: If the homeowner also needs to move gravel, mix concrete, or grade along the fence line, the GIANT SK252 walk-behind skid steer ($125/day) with an auger attachment handles the digging plus the material-moving in one rental.
Scenario 2: Eagle Mountain Contractor — 400-Foot Commercial Vinyl Fence
The project: A fencing contractor is installing 400 linear feet of 6-foot vinyl fence around a new commercial property in Eagle Mountain. Posts every 8 feet = approximately 50 posts. The soil is compacted fill from recent construction — rocky, clay-heavy, and dense.
The right rental: A track skid steer with a hydraulic auger attachment. The GIANT G950T ($175/day) or a 2,300 lb track skid steer ($300/day) depending on the soil severity. Hydraulic downforce handles the rocks and compacted fill that would stall a handheld auger. All 50 holes get drilled in a single day.
Delivery from Alpine: American Fork to Eagle Mountain is approximately 25 minutes. Alpine delivers at $165/hour and can have the machine on site by 7 AM with advance booking. Same-day delivery available if ordered by 10 AM.
Scenario 3: Pleasant Grove DIYer — Deck Footings with 6x6 Posts
The project: A homeowner in Pleasant Grove is building a 16x20 deck with 6x6 posts. The plans call for 10 footings at 12" diameter and 42" deep (building inspector requires below frost line). The backyard has established landscaping and a 42" gate opening.
The right rental: A two-man auger with a 12" bit handles this depth and diameter comfortably — if the soil cooperates. In Pleasant Grove's clay-heavy soil near the foothills, a mini skid steer with a 12" auger bit may be the safer choice.
Decision factor: If the homeowner has a helper and the soil test (dig one test hole with a shovel) shows no large rocks, the two-man auger ($80–$150/day) is the budget option. If the test hole reveals rock or thick clay, the GIANT SK252 ($125/day with auger) provides hydraulic power through the tough spots and fits through the 42" gate. The cost difference is minimal — and the time and frustration savings are significant.
Tips for Using a Rental Post Hole Digger
- Call Utah 811 (Blue Stakes) before you dig. Utah law requires you to call at least 48 hours before any excavation. Blue Stakes will mark underground utilities for free. Hitting a gas line or fiber optic cable with an auger is dangerous and expensive. Call 811 or submit a request at bluestakes.org.
- Mark all hole locations before you pick up the rental. Don't pay rental time for measuring and marking. Set your string line, measure your post spacing, and mark each hole with spray paint or a stake the day before. When the auger arrives, you dig.
- Remove sod and topsoil first. Augers choke on thick grass, especially in wet conditions. Use a flat shovel to cut a 12" circle of sod at each marked location before you start the auger. This takes 5 minutes per hole but prevents 15 minutes of fighting a clogged bit.
- Keep the auger vertical. A crooked hole means a crooked post. Have a spotter stand 10 feet to the side and signal if the auger starts to lean. On a skid steer, use the machine's leveling indicators.
- Handle rocks and roots correctly. When the auger stalls or bounces, stop the machine. Do not force it. Clear the obstruction with a digging bar or shovel, then resume drilling. Forcing an auger against a rock damages the bit and can injure the operator.
- Dig when conditions are right. Frozen ground (common in Utah from December through February) is nearly impossible for handheld augers. Wait for a thaw or use a skid steer with hydraulic force. Saturated mud is equally problematic — the hole collapses as fast as you dig. Aim for firm, dry soil.
- Wear proper safety gear. Safety glasses, leather gloves, hearing protection (gas augers are loud), and steel-toe boots. If operating a skid steer, use the seat belt and keep the door/cage closed.
- Dig all holes before setting any posts. Auger work is faster when you move sequentially down the line without stopping to set posts and mix concrete between holes. Dig everything, then set everything.
Questions to Ask Any Rental Company Before You Book
Not all rental experiences are equal. Use this checklist whether you're renting from Alpine, a national chain, or any local shop:
- What auger bit sizes do you stock? If they don't have your size, your project stalls.
- Is the auger attachment included in the price, or is it extra? Some companies charge separately for the machine and the attachment. At Alpine, the auger attachment is included with every skid steer rental.
- Do you deliver? What's the fee? Hauling a skid steer requires a trailer rated for the machine. If you don't have one, you need delivery.
- What happens if the machine breaks down on my job site? Companies with in-house technicians (like Alpine) can dispatch a repair crew. Companies that sub-contract repairs may leave you waiting.
- Is there a half-day rental option? For small projects, a half-day rate saves money. Alpine's minimum rental is 4 hours.
- Can I swap to a larger machine if the soil is worse than expected? Flexibility matters. If your one-man auger can't handle the rocks, can the rental company send a skid steer the same day?
Frequently Asked Questions About Post Hole Digger Rental
How much does it cost to rent a post hole digger?
A one-man handheld auger rents for $60–$100 per day at most rental yards. Two-man augers run $80–$150 per day. For a skid steer with an auger attachment, Alpine Equipment Repair charges $125–$375 per day depending on the machine size, with the auger attachment included at no extra charge. Weekly rates offer 30–50% savings over daily pricing.
What size auger do I need for a 4x4 fence post?
Use a 6" to 8" diameter auger for standard 4x4 fence posts. A 4x4 post has an actual width of 3.5 inches, and the hole should be approximately three times the post width to allow for concrete or gravel backfill. An 8" bit is the most common choice — it provides 2.25 inches of fill space on each side of the post.
How deep should fence post holes be in Utah?
At least 36 inches. Utah's frost line is 30 inches, and fence posts should be set at least 6 inches below the frost line to prevent frost heave. For posts up to 8 feet tall, 36 inches satisfies both the frost-line rule and the general guideline of burying one-third of the post's length. Deck footings may require 42 inches — check with your local building department.
Should I rent a one-man or two-man auger?
Rent a one-man auger if you have fewer than 15 holes to dig in soft to moderate soil. Rent a two-man auger if you need deeper holes (over 3 feet), wider holes (over 8" diameter), or expect harder soil. If you need both depth and volume, consider a skid steer with an auger attachment — one operator, hydraulic power, and the ability to handle rocky conditions.
Can I use a skid steer auger for fence posts?
Yes, and it's the most efficient option for medium to large projects. A skid steer-mounted hydraulic auger provides consistent downforce and torque that handles rocks, roots, and compacted clay that stall handheld augers. Alpine's GIANT G950T mini skid steer with an auger attachment rents for $175/day and can drill 50+ fence post holes in a single day. The walk-behind GIANT SK252 ($125/day) fits through standard 36" gates for backyard access.
How many holes can I dig in one day with a rental auger?
With a one-man handheld auger in cooperative soil, expect 10–30 holes per day depending on depth and your stamina. A two-man auger increases output to 20–50 holes. A skid steer with a hydraulic auger can drill 50–100+ holes per day. The difference is dramatic — a full day of exhausting manual auger work equals about 2 hours of skid steer auger work.
Do I need to call Blue Stakes before digging post holes?
Yes. Utah law (Utah Code 54-8a) requires anyone digging deeper than 12 inches to contact Utah 811 (Blue Stakes) at least 48 business hours before excavation. Blue Stakes dispatches utility locators to mark underground gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecom lines at no cost to you. Failing to call is illegal, and hitting a utility line can result in repair costs, fines, and serious injury. Call 811 or visit bluestakes.org.
What if I hit a rock while digging with an auger?
Stop the auger immediately. Do not force it. Forcing a handheld auger against a rock can wrench your arms or damage the bit. Use a digging bar or pry bar to dislodge the rock, then resume drilling. If you're consistently hitting rocks (common in Eagle Mountain, Highland, and foothills areas), switch to a skid steer-mounted auger — the hydraulic system handles rocks that handheld units cannot.
Is it cheaper to rent a post hole digger or hire a fencing company?
Renting is significantly cheaper for the digging portion. Professional fence installers in Utah County charge $25–$50 per hole for digging-only services. A one-man auger rental at $75/day lets you dig 10–30 holes yourself — that's $2.50–$7.50 per hole versus $25–$50. Even a skid steer rental at $175/day for 50 holes works out to $3.50 per hole. The trade-off is your time and labor.
Does Alpine Equipment deliver post hole diggers and auger equipment?
Yes. Alpine Equipment Repair delivers skid steers and mini skid steers with auger attachments throughout Utah County and Salt Lake County from our American Fork location. Delivery rate is $165/hour. Same-day delivery is available if ordered by 10 AM. Call (801) 701-7394 to schedule delivery.
Rent a Post Hole Digger in American Fork Today
Match the equipment to the job. Under 15 holes in soft soil — rent a one-man auger. Deeper footings or harder ground — step up to a two-man. Large projects, rocky soil, or commercial fence lines — rent a skid steer with an auger attachment and finish the drilling in hours instead of days.
Alpine Equipment Repair stocks auger-compatible skid steers and mini skid steers at our American Fork location, with delivery throughout Utah County and Salt Lake County. Every machine is maintained by our in-house technicians — if something goes wrong on your job site, we fix it.
Ready to dig? Call (801) 701-7394 or stop by our American Fork location. Tell us your project — post count, post size, soil conditions — and we'll match you with the right equipment.
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