Stihl BT131 Earth Auger | Fence Post Hole digger review

[@Bacrenfencing]

All tools, equipment and consumables that I use can be found in my Amazon shop www.amazon.co.uk/shop/bacrenproperty

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks for watching and if you enjoyed the content, please LIKE and SHARE the video and please consider SUBSCRIBING to my channel kzbin.info/door/6IWF5LBPAqCwmjXcAGwWJw to see more similar content in the future. This would mean a lot to me and be greatly appreciated 😊

[@ianallen6252]

My son hired one of these and if it wasn't for your help and advice, we wouldn't have got it started. Excellent advice.

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks Ian, I am glad the video helped !

[@danzyamanable]

Hired one from my local shop to drill 49 holes for a decking base on a sloping garden. Worked a treat just like you showed, also went through some clay patches going a small bit at a time 👍

[@Bacrenfencing]

Glad the video helped you mate - thanks for the comment. 👍

[@boxybox100]

also a important tip if you're planting trees or plants make sure you score the sides of the hole by tilting the auger to the sides all the way around safely. This is important to remove roots from previous plants and to open up the hole more.

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@johngummer5213]

Thank-you for taking the time to produce this excellent video. It has answered all the questions I had prior to committing to purchase.

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks John, I am glad you found the video helpful 👍😃

[@sidwills]

Excellent! I was in the same boat exactly as you, looking at maybe getting one but unable to find any decent information about them. Mainly negative comments from people talking about the cheap Chinese ones. Thanks for taking the time to make a proper video

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks for the comment, Yes, the information out there is pretty poor, not sure if I added anything different but tried to address the questions (I had in my head) in this video. Definitely worth purchasing one of these if you install a lot of fence posts or plant a lot of trees / shrubs. Great piece of kit, pricey but well worth it in my opinion ! Thanks again for the comment, much appreciated 👍😀

[@JamesMontana]

Have had one of these for years now and i can honestly say it barely gets used. Doesnt work in anything but soft ground. If the ground has any stones at all it wont work and it definitely wont go through roots. Also have the 8" auger and thsts even harder to get through the ground.

[@evarandolph2740]

Just purchased one and will be trying it out in the next couple of days. Thanks for the detailed instructions, it does seem to start like other Stihl yard equipment I have.

[@Bacrenfencing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@evarandolph2740]

Worked like a charm

[@thegardenbeautiful4059]

Thank you for making this video, I have bought the same auger. I use the 40mm and 90m attachments to plant thousands of bulbs in the garden. I really appreciated your instructive video

[@Bacrenfencing]

Glad it helped and thanks for the comment ! It is a great machine 👍😀

[@thegardenbeautiful4059]

@@Bacrenfencing do have a look at the videos , I’m in Midlothian and used it to plant 8000 bulbs in Gullane, I’ve put it through its paces that’s for sure

[@Bacrenfencing]

@@thegardenbeautiful4059 Just had a look mate, great to see it in action with the smaller bits, must save you a load of time - great videos !

[@toma4556]

Thanks for adding this, really help me decide to purchase 👍

[@Bacrenfencing]

No problem Tom, it is a good machine as long as the ground is not too rocky !

[@duncanschaut2307]

Good review thank you. Just purchased one and this confirms my choice.

[@Bacrenfencing]

Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the comment !

[@allanwilson8642]

Thanks for your video. I hired one of these, was delivered to me, the driver had no idea how it worked, contrary to what the website said, that I would get a demo from the driver. Written instructions that did come with it were very vague and non specific. To top it all, it was delivered with the 115mm auger but I ordered the 120mm one, but as you say, it's easy enough to make bigger with a manual post hole digger. Thanks again for the bother of posting this!

[@Bacrenfencing]

No problem Allan, Hopefully the video helped you get going with yours. Yes, I still have to open the holes up a little bit but the auger does 90% of the hard work. I still need to get the 200mm drill bit but managing at the moment with the 150mm - thanks for the comment ! 👍😀

[@boxybox100]

incredible auger i dug 250 holes in 3 hours for a rainforest regeneration/ bush regeneration tree planting. amazing bit of machinery. soil definitely matters though.

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks for the comment, 250 holes in 3 hours is some going - yes, agreed the soil does matter, rocky or stoney ground is hard to work with using the auger.

[@wolfy214]

Hey buddy!! (Bacren Property) Thanks for the great review an instructional video! Was very informative for me. I have the older smaller model, when I saw the latest model, the BT131, I didn’t think the new safety future would be a good addition. Thought it would really ruin the tool. But I was wrong, this future is very well designed. I shouldn’t have been so surprised as I’m a big fan of Stihl an the machines they build an offer. Your video cleared the doubt I had about this machine an if it was going to be worth the purchase. Take care my friend! Happy Drillin!!! Ha ha

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks George, yes the safety bar is a great addition and works a treat. Thanks for the kind comments my friend 👍😃

[@Tal.10]

Thanks for the video brother 👍

[@Bacrenfencing]

No problem 👍

[@balmeros272]

Good video. I might hire one of these, unless you do homers near Glasgow lol.

[@Bacrenfencing]

Cheers, I would just make sure the ground you plan on using it is fairly clear of large roots and rocks as this machine struggles a bit in rocky ground. Thanks for the comment 👍😎

[@paul_my_plumbs_uk]

💪💪💪👍👍👍 Sthil for a thrill lovely bit of kit can't go wrong with Stihl

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks Paul, Yes, Stihl machines are great, very reliable and easy to start every time ! 👍😎

[@ericandrews5590]

I had the earlier model BT121 somewhat underpowered and I got the 131 about 2 years ago man what a difference SO easy to start I use a 4" 6" and an 8" bit with an extension which allows me a depth of 48" to the motor. we use it on smaller fence projects of less than 100 posts bigger jobs we still use a bobcat with an auger. The unit is expensive but well worth the $ if just for nothing else but that safety bar it will save your shoulders and wrist for that rock or root you run into. I am 60 and while I can handle it for a time by myself it is very easy to use with two people on and much less of a strain make sure to clear the hole several times on your way to your desired depth. It is no fun to stick this machine(so clear several times) and try to back out by hand but it can be achieved by locking that hip handle and turning the entire machine by hand like a screw. Incidentally, Stihl makes a weed eater with this powerhead AND it is awesome heavy duty easy to start weedeater I have ever owned

[@Bacrenfencing]

Wow thanks for that GREAT comment Eric, I think that will help a lot of people realise what a great machine this is. Thanks again ! 👍

[@alejandroramos4992]

For fences it's recommended 12" hole width. Does Stihl sell a 10 or 12" drill bit?

[@ericandrews5590]

@@alejandroramos4992 yes

[@garethowen2792]

Great review i nearly bought this but I am using a Dirty Pro from Amazon that was about £150 just started using a 300mm auger (£50) with it for 150mm box section bollards and it tears out tree roots and bricks its a great alternative without spending a fortune

[@Bacrenfencing]

That's great Gareth, sounds like you got a great machine there. Everyone is different, but I tend to buy the best quality I can afford so that it will last. Also, it was the safety cut out bar that sold me on this particular model, it really does save the wrists from serious injury if the machine binds and whips round 😫😂 Thanks for the comment 👍😃

[@MsElijah16]

awesome review william wallace

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thank you kindly, Freeeedom !! ⚔

[@ChrisBarlow]

Good video thanks 😊

[@Bacrenfencing]

You’re welcome 😊 Thanks for the comment Chris 👍

[@LibertyGarden]

Can you put a10" diameter auger? Can you dig at least 42" deep with the extension? Thank you.

[@Bacrenfencing]

I'm not sure to be honest, I think the largest diameter bit is 8" - I am sure you could go down to 42" deep with the right extension but not 100% sure as I have never tried it. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@LibertyGarden]

@@Bacrenfencing thank you.

[@mynamea.n.s.s5472]

Maintenance, what do you do?

[@Bacrenfencing]

What do you mean ?

[@mynamea.n.s.s5472]

Oil change air filter change fix broken parts if any problems. Stuff like that

[@mynamea.n.s.s5472]

And can you use different brands for the auger bit say like Makita. They make a great looking auger bit

[@Bacrenfencing]

There is no oil in this machine, the oil is added to the fuel. The only maintenance to do, is to change the spark plug and perhaps air filter now and again, but nothing else. I have not changed anything on mine and it still runs like a dream after 3 years. I am not sure if the Makita auger bits fit this, I would think that it is only Stihl parts that fit this. Hope this helps !

[@Jenniferquinayas959]

Grasias ha Dios y ha ustedes que an hecho más fácil el trabajo para los agricultores en todo el mundo Dios los bendiga y les dé más sabiduria

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thank you ! 👍😃

[@rksando1]

The 4x4 wood posts on our fence have rotted. I was thinking of replacing them with smaller steel posts. Has anyone tried drilling out the old wood with an auger and leaving the concrete in the ground?

[@Bacrenfencing]

It is easier to attached a steel plate to the top of the old post (cut the post down) and then use a farm jack to jack the wood post out. I doubt that you could remove the wood with the auger.

[@adamellison7864]

Nice one.thx!

[@Bacrenfencing]

No problem!

[@alejandrocuellar15]

Can this handel a 10 in wide auger?

[@Bacrenfencing]

I know it can handle 6 & 8" but not sure about 10" ?

[@alejandrocuellar15]

@@Bacrenfencing thank you for your response, currently I'm on the fence between getting the 52cc dually auger which they sell size 10 bits for. Or the stihl because I know I can take it in when it breaks.

[@wigg1yscott554]

I’ve never used one of these. Rented it yesterday and can’t seem to start it. I can’t work out which position the choke is supposed to be in. Can’t tell from the little icons. Such a shame the video was cut right at the bit where you were about to position the choke. Can anyone help?

[@Bacrenfencing]

The choke will be in the 12 o clock position pointing towards the fuel bulb. If you press it in and turn it to the left so it ends up in the 9 o clock position, that will be it on full choke. Remember to press the fuel bulb about 5 or 6 times before attempting to start. Give it a few pulls and it should tick over, once it has done that, turn the choke off and then pull again, it should start pretty much after 2 or 3 pulls. Hope this helps 👍

[@wigg1yscott554]

Bacren Property Hey thanks for the reply. I never got it started, my neighbour suggests I may have flooded the engine already. Probably won’t need it anyway cos some twat seems to have buried a shit load of bricks under my garden so...🤷‍♂️. Thanks for the advice though.

[@michaelmckeary1165]

What about using a smaller auger and building up to a 200mm?

[@Bacrenfencing]

I suppose that you could do that, but too much hassle for me - I prefer to just go for it ! If it sticks, I just stop and use a roughneck bar to remove the obstruction. Good idea though 👍😃

[@michaelmckeary1165]

@@Bacrenfencing Aye, got one on order with 3 bits and extension but was thinking about the 40mm bit to bore some holes in tough soil. I will play around with it and get back with results.👍

[@Bacrenfencing]

@@michaelmckeary1165 I would be very interested in how that performs Michael, the bits are bloody expensive though, I was nearly 300 quid for the 150mm one that I have but good Stihl quality. Did you go for genuine stilhl bits or after market ones ?

[@michaelmckeary1165]

@@Bacrenfencing Exactly, I have a maintenance business and spend earnings on new equipment to test out efficiency. After spending over 3hrs digging out an old post I will try anything. I also have a fire service pension which allows me to do it. You never lose money with Stihl and can resale later on, what I have found.

[@garethowen2792]

@@Bacrenfencing we just tried going from a 150mm hole to a 300mm but it danced around so much because there is nothing for the bigger auger to locate on

[@9548DCC]

I hired the previous model BT130. Using both 6" and 8" auger bits in several different locations, I found that it would only penetrate about 2-3 inches down before stopping any vertical movement and simply spinning in the hole - creating some steam in the process! Very few stones or roots to contend with, and not a clay soil. It appeared not to be "cutting" the earth at all, despite trying slow and higher speeds and little to full application of my not inconsiderable weight! Anyone had similar experience? Any ideas much appreciated because, if used correctly as in this and other videos, these machines should be real time savers for fencing work.

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks for the comment, to be honest these augers are only good for "virgin" type ground without much obstructions. I find that if you angle the auger from one side to the other, it usually finds a clear path - but you need to be pretty strong to handle these things. If you have a lot of posts to put in in clear ground this tool saves hours of time, but if the ground is in any way full of rocks, roots, old cement etc, then best to resort to good old fashioned hand digging with bars and post hole diggers.

[@9548DCC]

Many thanks for that. No stones/concrete etc but the soil is heavy and wet and appeared to be getting "compressed" when I tried a bit of muscle. Thank you for coming back to me so quickly and for the video - I'll probably have to resort to the trenching spade and diggers on my ground but good to try out different options. If only I had a power auger on a tractor.......All the best.

[@Bacrenfencing]

No problem, yes the auger on a tractor would be ideal by the sounds of it !........Sadly, sometimes you just have what you have to hand.

[@gregganderson6445]

Hi pal, great video so thanks for that. Just trying to work out what this machine would be like when replacing post for post so old concrete needs to come out etc. This looks great for fresh new holes to be dug ready for posts and post mix but I would feel this would struggle in old holes, hitting old concrete/roots etc. Have you tried that yet? Or do you mainly specialise in fresh news holes/post. I’m the same as you, we do about 8-10 posts a day and it does killed you especially when you have to take broken posts out as there isn’t any other option for the boundary line etc. Any feedback would be great! 👍🏼

[@Bacrenfencing]

Hi Gregg, To be honest, I only ever use this machine on fresh ground as it would be no use for old holes etc. I tend to use it on larger jobs where the ground has been untouched. I find that most of my jobs are of the domestic type, so I rarely use this on those as there is usually old concrete etc that needs to be jack hammered out. On the other hand though, if you have even one large job where maybe you need 30-40 holes dug in fresh ground, this machine will pay for itself in one job with the time it saves. I hope this helps mate ? 👍

[@gregganderson6445]

@@Bacrenfencing thanks for the reply mate 👍🏼

[@retix11]

Could this do 350mm holes 1m deep?

[@Bacrenfencing]

I am pretty sure it could as long as the ground was fairly soft . I have an extension bar on mine, so 1M depth could be achieved.

[@jackwilkinson7718]

Hi, great review of this machine. What is it like with wet or clay soils? All the videos I’ve seen look like pretty nice cultivated soil. Thanks

[@Bacrenfencing]

Hi Jack, thanks for the comment. I does work in clay but you need to take it a bit at a time and not force the machine too much. I have found that there is a knack to using it, small increments with not too much pressure seems to work best. I hope this helps 👍

[@jackwilkinson7718]

@@Bacrenfencing thank you

[@timryan8531]

Hi, Could I ask a cheeky question? what diameter is the shaft that the augers go onto? I have augers from another make, and want to see if they would fit the stihl head!

[@Bacrenfencing]

The shaft is about 22mm (on the end) and about 26mm on the actual shaft. It has a special sort of star shaped head that has been machined in to the end of the shaft - it is like a gear, so not sure if the other auger shafts would be compatible with the Stihl..........hope this helps slightly ! 👍

[@timryan8531]

@@Bacrenfencing many thanks for that.

[@Bacrenfencing]

@@timryan8531 No problem

[@timryan8531]

@@Bacrenfencing Just an update on this, there are adaptors available on ebay, I bought a 6" extension from.Stihl to other makes for £20!! Problem solved, just need to buy the Stihl head unit now..

[@Bacrenfencing]

@UC3pZqpB8bf-5c4S4%F0%9F%91%8DSi-nELw Christ, my extension cost me over £100 from Stihl.............nice find on Ebay for you ! Thanks for the update

[@pb9926]

Great tool, very powerful and well worth £1000 - it's German made 👍

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks PB, Yes, you can't go wrong with Stihl in my opinion, I was a bit hesitant buying this as I could not find too many UK based reviews but decided to take the plunge..........it's a brilliant machine - hopefully this video will help others with their decision if thinking of buying one ! Thanks for the comment buddy, much appreciated ! 👍😎

[@cesarrodriguez6016]

muy buena explicacion Necsito comprar una herramienta de esas como la adquiero

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@2vandoodle8]

great production. how dose a machine like this deal with clay?

[@Bacrenfencing]

Thanks Jack. I have used it a couple of times on really heavy clay and to be honest, it copes well if you use it correctly. I have found with clay that if you just take the auger down in small increments, it copes well. If you are impatient and try to power this thing down in the clay quickly, it just jams. So in summary, it does cope, but you need to use the correct technique 👍

[@2vandoodle8]

@@Bacrenfencing thanks, just what i wanted to hear, i did wonder that but have never used one before so did not know. i will rent one as i am getting fedup with digging now.

[@MrBrodarevac]

Can this machine reverse?

[@Bacrenfencing]

No

[@neilgreenaway9479]

Comprehensive review excellent job. Just one question - what is it like if it hits roots. Ive got a fence to put in adjacent to a 6 ft+ Beech hedge thats been there for about 50 years, so well established. Am I likely to hit problems with the one man machine?

[@Bacrenfencing]

Hi Neil, Thanks for the comment. In my experience it is fine with most roots as long as you take your time, it will chew through them. I am not sure how it would cope with thick, well established beech roots though........it may struggle but worth a try (if you are hiring one). 👍😎

[@closertothetruth9209]

i need that bar , kills my wrists when it hits a rock.

[@joshchatwin8569]

I'm going to buy the Hyundai one 200 quid

[@Bacrenfencing]

Great, I'm sure it will serve you well.

[@Mike-vt6is]

1000 pounds that’s a heavy tool. Jk.

[@Bacrenfencing]

😂 Bloody heavy mate !

[@downunda107]

great tutorial. thankYou from Oz 🦘

[@Bacrenfencing]

You’re welcome 😊 Give my love to Oz 🇬🇧