Post Hole Digger Hire vs Buying: What Makes Sense for Your Job
Fencing, deck posts, letterboxes, retaining walls. Most South West projects need a few solid holes dug fast. Before you buy your own post hole digger, it’s worth weighing that up against a straightforward hole digger hire in Busselton.
Here’s how to make the call.
What hire actually gets you
- A machine sized to the exact job
- No storage between projects
- No maintenance, servicing or fuel upkeep on a machine sitting idle for months
- Access to the latest auger bits for different soil types
- No hand digging holes
When buying makes more sense
Buying suits people running post holes regularly, week after week, such as fencing contractors. For a one-off project or a few jobs a year, the ongoing cost of owning, storing and maintaining a machine rarely stacks up against hiring it when needed.
The real cost: owning vs hiring
Buying a post hole digger costs more than the price tag.
- Storage between jobs, whether that’s shed space or a spot in the garage
- Servicing and fuel upkeep, even in months it doesn’t get used
- Auger bits for different soil types, bought as you need them
- Depreciation on a machine sitting idle most of the year
Hire rolls all of that into one job cost. You pay for the days you use it, not the months you don’t.
Regular users, like fencing contractors, still come out ahead buying. For a handful of jobs a year, hire keeps the cost tied to actual use.
WA soil conditions change the equation
Busselton and the wider South West throw up everything from sandy loam to compacted clay and limestone. A machine that handles one block easily can struggle on the next. Hiring means you can match the auger bit to the soil on the day, rather than being locked into whatever you bought.
Post Hole Digger Operational Safety
Post hole diggers are powerful, fast-spinning tools. Always follow manufacturer guidance and site safety requirements, and check for underground services before you start.
How hire day works
- Book your digger and confirm the auger size for your soil and post size
- Call Dial Before You Dig to check for underground services
- Collect the digger from the yard, or ask about delivery
- Get a quick run-through on start-up, handling and shut-off
- Dig your holes, swap auger bits on site if the soil changes
- Return the digger at the end of the agreed hire period
Most jobs are in and out within a day.
Post hole diggers ready to hire in Busselton
Post Hole Digger Hire Busselton
A lightweight, compact digger powered by a Honda GX35 engine. Easy for one person to handle, with auger sizes from 50mm to 170mm available.
View Post Hole Digger Hire
Hydraulic Post Hole Digger Hire Busselton
A heavy-duty, single-person digger with a 9HP Honda GX270 engine and dual rotation auger for tougher soil. Suits augers from 100mm to 350mm, with extensions available for deeper holes past 900mm.
View Hydraulic Digger HireDeciding Between Hiring and Buying
If this is a one-off job, hire. If you’re doing this every month, buying starts to make sense. Most homeowners and small trade jobs sit firmly in hire territory.
| Factor | Hire | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Storage needed | None | Yes, ongoing |
| Maintenance responsibility | None | Yours |
| Matched to project needs | Yes | Locked to one machine |
| Best suited to | Occasional projects | Regular, daily use |
Don’t take our word for it
Bobby & Toby M.
We have been hiring a bit of equipment lately from Busselton Equipment Hire. Sharon and the team offer 5 star service, always happy to help and go above and beyond to assist. They are always organised and have everything ready to go.
Emma J.
Fantastic customer service. From the phone call booking and asking questions for the right piece of equipment for the job, to the face to face interaction, Busselton Hire was wonderful. Happy, helpful service, so refreshing. Couldn’t recommend more highly enough.
Andrew L.
Friendly and efficient. Thanks for coming to our rescue when our boat trailer wheel broke on our way down south. Our problem was fixed by a friendly young man and within an hour we were on our way again.
Need advice on your project?
If you need help selecting the right auger size or checking soil suitability, drop into our Busselton yard or speak with our team.
View Post Hole Digger Hire | Visit our yard, click here for directions
FAQs about post hole diggers in Busselton
How deep can a hire post hole digger go?
Depth depends on the auger and soil. Sandy soil digs faster and deeper than clay or rocky ground.
Do I need a licence to use a post hole digger?
No specific licence is required for most models, but always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions provided at hire.
What size auger do I need for fence posts?
This depends on your post size and local council requirements. Check your fencing plans before booking.
Can two people operate a post hole digger safely?
Two-person augers are designed for two operators and are safer for heavier ground. Always follow manufacturer guidance.
What soil types are hardest to dig in the South West?
Compacted clay and limestone are the toughest. Sandy loam is the easiest.
Is a hire post hole digger petrol or electric?
Availability varies. Confirm current stock and fuel type when booking.
How do I check for underground services before digging?
Contact Dial Before You Dig before any excavation work, regardless of depth.
What happens if I hit rock or roots?
Stop and reassess. Forcing the auger can damage the machine or cause injury.
Is hiring cheaper than buying for a single fence line?
For a one-off job, hire avoids the ongoing costs of ownership: storage, servicing and depreciation.
Can I hire a post hole digger for a weekend project?
Yes, short-term hire suits weekend and one-off jobs well.
