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While digging holes with a quality shovel is often doable , using a index auger makes the chore go quicker — and it ’s much easier . of late , I tested several highly denounce manual and superpower place hollow shovel , and theRyobi RY40710 Cordless Earth Augertook top pureness .
The Ryobi RY40710 is a cordless , battery - power auger that rivals the baron of its gas - guzzling cousin . I tested this model by digging dozens of hollow to set how well it would perform in distinctive soil shape , and I was pleasantly surprised by the results .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
No hand-held power plumber’s snake touch the torque and power of a heavy - equipment screw auger , but the Ryobi auger belt along up digging undertaking exponentially . Keep reading to chance upon how the Ryobi RY40710 wimble performed in my hand - on test .
Ryobi RY40710 Cordless Earth Auger: At a Glance
Rating:4.5/5
SPECS
PROS
CONS
Get the Ryobi RY40710 Cordless Earth Auger at The Home Depot for $ 399 .
What is the Ryobi auger?
TheRyobi RY40710 augeris a herculean place hole digging putz that runs on a 40 - volt rechargeable lithium - ion bombardment . Its brushless motor provides optimal power , maximum barrage fire runtime , and longer motor life . This auger also has a lot of torque ( twist index ) , which surprised me because I ’m used to bombardment - powered tools being slightly less potent than fuel - powered or electrical ( corded ) tools .
The Ryobi RY40710 have forward and countermand options and an anti - kickback system that helps protect the user against accidents if the auger strike a large stone or fledged tree root . It also offers two speeds , so I could select the swiftness well suited to the filth conditions during my testing . The auger bit is 32 inch long and 8 inches in diam , which I found to be just the correct size for digging holes forfence postsor landscaping .
This power auger is well suited to digging holes in dirt with a lenient - to - medium consistency that is free of large rocks and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree roots . It can handle soils with smaller rocks less than about 3 inches in diam .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Setup and Ease of Use
The Ryobi RY40710 auger requires simple assembly to bond the handles to the motor head . All the require hardware was include in the computer software , as well as a few wrenches . The wrenches were very small-scale , so I did n’t put out with them and instead used a larger twist I owned . In all , it took me about 15 proceedings to assemble the handgrip and seize the auger bit . The bit attaches with a ready - connect clipping that I regain very ready to hand . Some of the other models I examine command me to manually constrain a bolt when link the fleck .
This auger is straightforward and soft to employ , but be aware that it is a spinning power prick that you ’ll need to be able-bodied to ensure while it ’s in operation . It boast two sturdy widespread handle with golosh nonslip grip . With my right hired hand , I could start and stop the digging , blue-ribbon forward or reverse , or change the digging fastness . The control are intuitive , and after a few minute , I know where they were by flavor . This allow me to select the right mastery while staying focus on the gimlet bit .
Power and Performance
Several factor go into this plumber’s snake ’s performance . First , it ’s extremely powerful , and the tip of the bit sport sharp teeth that facilitate the blade gash through the soil . Surprisingly , theRyobi RY40710appeared to deliver just as much power as some flatulence - powered models . The major difference is that the battery will finally run down .
The good method I found for cut into hole was to let the tool ’s weightiness do all the work . When I pressed the auger downwards to see if I could dig the fix any faster , the tool jerked around too much because the opposition was groovy . A hard someone may have been capable to assure it much easier , but for my purposes , let the auto do all the work was best for my arms .
Battery Charging and Runtime
I was capable to dig 19 holes on a single charge with the Ryobi screw auger . However , other user may have a different experience if their soil type importantly take issue from the areas where I drilled the test holes . I conducted my tests in an agrarian field that had been clear of rocks years ago , so the soil was relatively loamy and light . The issue of holes you’re able to turn over will probably depart depending on whether you ’re drill in hard cadaver soil or well - cultivate garden soil , which is much lighter .
After the 40 - volt battery run down , it took almost 2 hours to charge . If I was planning to grind several dozen holes at once , I ’d invest in a backup bombardment to use while charging the other shelling .
Is the Ryobi auger right for you?
The Ryobi post hole digger is idealistic for substance abuser who want the toilet facility of a assault and battery - powered screw auger for compass holes forfencingor landscaping . It is n’t specify by the duration of an extension corduroy or the need to buy , transport , and store gasoline .
However , this is decidedly a wanton - to - medium - duty garden - case screw auger that wo n’t be suitable for drilling holes through mature tree diagram roots or soil with large rocks . For those types of digging projects , a more powerful auger , such as an screw auger match on a slip steer or a 3 - point tractor auger , is necessary . Handheld augers — even brawny ace like theRyobi RY40710 — aren’t intend for those tough tasks .
If your soil is innocent of large rocks and mature tree roots , the Ryobi RY40710 cordless wimble will save fourth dimension and labor compared with using a manualpost hole digger . It is comparably priced to similar manikin at about $ 400 . As is the typeface with most outdoor power equipment , you might not need a cordless screw auger often , but when you do , it ’s handy to have around .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Where to Buy the Ryobi RY40710 Cordless Earth Auger
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction , remodeling , and real estate industries . She and her husband own a general contracting company , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial-grade building applications . She tests a encompassing range of power tools , as well as other home improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
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Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
