Safe to use a two man auger around large tree roots?
SwissCarpenter
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I need to dig a few holes for footings for a deck in an area close to a large tree where there’s a very good probability of hitting tree roots. Based on the size of the tree and what I’m seeing close to the surface I’m guessing that I might hit roots as large as 4″ in diameter. I’ve used a two man auger before and cut through smaller roots in clay soil with minimal kickback. What I’m worried about is hitting a root and being thrown sideways when the auger hits the root. Do I have a need to be worried or am I going to be ok? Sure I can dig the holes by hand, but I’m trying to avoid that if at all possible.
Replies
Be afraid, be very afraid.
Rental?
Asuming that you don't actually own this beast, ask the rental guys.
auger
The tree probably shares your concerns .
SC
The "beaver" or some name like that, auger............with the motor off to the side and a "pto" drive-the motor is on wheels-will not "kick" you about-but you will know you hit something.
However, there's no reverse-so-you'll need a large pipe wrench and a lengthy cheater pipe to unturn the auger from the root.
Be worried, be very worried. If you hit a big root that jambs the auger someone is going to get hurt, Broken ribs, strained wrists, torn up knees. Get your post hole digger out and be safe.
We used a 2-man unit to bore footings for our deck. No roots, but there were more than a few rocks in the soil (some fist size or larger). Two of us couldn't control it, so our neighbor came over to help. WIth the three of us it was barely manageable.
They of course have a clutch, but its generally centrifugal, so it only releases after the engine slows down (which is after it's knocked you both loose and started spinning).
You can also, in some localities, find a trailer-mounted unit to rent, or even one on a small Bobcat. One of these would probably be safer.
Ugh! You guys have confirmed my concerns
The local rental yard rents a tow behind auger that seems pretty stable with a much beefer engine and is (I think) hydraulicly driven.. Better idea or am I just breaking out the shovels and digging? I love the tree, but I'm not liking it too much these days :-)
not safe around here
If you did this in our yard and hit a root from one of our trees, my wife would clobber you.
For the price of repairing your broken ribs you can probably find an auger attachment for your bobcat on-line for less $$.
Dont have a bobcat? Just use your backhoe. I dont have a hydraulic auger attachment, but pretty easy to dig hole with a bakchoe and backfill after the footing filled. Small track hoe even better.
Any of these options better (even if you need to buy the whole machine) than the cost of injury?
'corse, it wont cost U mutin after bamacare takes care of you or if you are in Canukistan.
Jack hammer.
I never saw a root that could stand up to a jack hammer with a spade bit.
Yeah, but I sure wouldn't put a footing there.