Buying a skid steer auger drive starts with one question: what's your machine's hydraulic flow rating? Get this wrong and you'll either burn up the drive or leave half its capacity on the table. Here's how to pick between the Digga Standard Flow Auger Drive and the Digga High Flow Auger Drive, with a sanity check on which bits you actually need.
Standard Flow vs High Flow — the only difference that matters
The Digga Standard Flow Auger Drive runs on 15–25 GPM of auxiliary hydraulic flow. That's what most older skid steers, mini track loaders, Toro Dingo, Bobcat MT, and many compact machines deliver. Price: $3,000.
The Digga High Flow Auger Drive runs on 26–40 GPM. That's high-flow option on newer Bobcat S/T-series, Caterpillar 299, John Deere 333, Kubota SVL, ASV PT100, and similar full-size machines. Price: $4,110.
Running a high-flow drive on a standard-flow machine: the drive will spin slow and underperform — you're paying for capacity you can't use.
Running a standard-flow drive on a high-flow machine: the drive will run fine, but you'll need to throttle the auxiliary hydraulics back. Don't put 40 GPM through a 25 GPM drive — you'll blow seals.
Same bits, both drives
Here's the good news: both drive units use the same auger bits. So whether you're starting standard-flow and upgrading later, or running both drives across a fleet, you don't have to re-buy bits. The bits are sized by hole diameter, not by drive type.
Which auger bit do you actually need?
General Purpose Auger Bits — for normal soil
The General Purpose Auger Bits are your daily driver. Built for soft to medium soils — dirt, sand, clay, the kind of ground you find under most fence lines and deck builds. Available in 6", 8", 10", 12", 14", and 16" diameters. Around $530 for a 6" bit.
RC4 Rock & Earth Combo Auger Bits — for rocky or fracturable ground
If your job site has rocks, hardpan, or fracturable shale, switch to the RC4 Rock & Earth Combo Auger Bit. The tapered teeth are designed to chip through rock while still digging clean holes in soft ground. Same diameters available. Around $870 for a 6" bit — the premium is worth it the first time you hit limestone and the General Purpose bit refuses to cut.
Common jobs and what to use
| Job | Bit Size | Bit Type |
|---|---|---|
| Standard fence post (round) | 6" or 8" | General Purpose |
| Heavy gate post / 6x6 wood | 10" or 12" | General Purpose |
| Deck/pergola footing | 10" or 12" | General Purpose |
| Pole barn / commercial column | 14" or 16" | General Purpose or RC4 if rocky |
| Tree planting (root ball) | 12" to 16" | General Purpose |
| Rocky ground (any application) | Match application | RC4 Rock & Earth Combo |
Putting together a working kit
For most contractors, a complete auger setup is: one drive (match your machine flow) + two bits (one common size like 8" or 10", plus one specialty size for your typical job). Total investment is around $4,000–$5,500 standard flow, $5,200–$6,500 high flow. Compare that to renting at $300/day — you break even at 15–20 days of use.
Browse all auger drives and bits →
Both drives ship from Skid Steer Nation with flat-rate freight. If you're not sure what flow your machine puts out, find your skid steer's serial plate or operator's manual and look for "auxiliary hydraulic flow" in GPM. Still confused? Email zach@smithcustomz.com or text 1-815-200-9363 — tell us your machine and we'll spec the right kit.
Need the Right Adapter for Your Machine?
SmithCustomz builds American-made adapter plates, mount plates, and trailer hitches for every major brand. All made to order with free shipping.
Shop All Products →