EGO’s First Generation Earth Auger Premiers With a Strong Start
EGO has announced several products coming to its 56V battery platform in late 2023 and early 2024. Among them is the EGO 56V Earth Auger, which promises some impressive runtimes and a number of intuitive design features. We’re going over its performance and design to give you an idea of what to expect.
Pros
- Fast auger speed
- 2 speed modes + reverse
- Anti-kickback and overload control
- Outpaces comparable gas-powered models
- No messy fuel or fumes
- Universal auger attachment
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
EGO Earth Auger Performance
- Max Forward Speed: 0-150/210 RPM
- Max Reverse Speed: 100 RPM
- Drilling Depth: 32 in.
- Max Torque: 65 ft-lbs.
Boring Power
EGO uses their powerful brushless motor to spin auger bits up to 10 inches at speeds as high as 210 RPM. For maximum control, there’s a low speed that tops out at 150 RPMs and a reverse gear that peaks at 100 RPMs.
EGO claims to get around 65 ft-lbs of torque, which is pretty impressive for a cordless auger. In fact, this model surpasses both the Ryobi 40V Earth Auger at 54 ft-lbs and the gas-powered Stihl BT 131 Earth Auger at 60 ft-lbs. That’s a big deal when boring through dense soils and sticky clay, or if you encounter small roots and debris.
Anti-Kickback Protection
For added safety, they included an anti-kickback sensor that stops the auger’s rotation when you encounter larger roots or debris. The sensor will activate when the power head rapidly rotates approximately 90-degrees. It sometimes allowed the handles to rotate around further than I preferred, but it’s effective the majority of the time. As usual, having a competent operator is the biggest key to safety.
Runtime
EGO tells us that you can expect up to 50 holes per charge using the kitted 4.0Ah battery. Of course, soil makeup and density may affect this number, but 50 holes is still an impressive feat. If you find yourself in need of a little more runtime, you can always snag a second battery or borrow one from one of your other EGO 56V tools.
EGO Earth Auger Design Notes
- Model: EGO EG0800
- Power Source: EGO 56V battery
- Auger Diameter: 8 in.
- Ingress Rating: IPX4
- Weight: 33.2 lbs. (bare), 38.1 lbs. (with kitted 4.0Ah battery)
Ergonomics
As far as size and weight go, EGO didn’t stray too far from the pack. The EG0800 weighs in at 38.1 pounds with the auger and kitted 4.0Ah battery installed. On a hard surface, it stands about 46 inches to the top of that battery and the handle spacing is very comfortable, at around 20 inches.
Both handles feature foam padding for added comfort and protection in case of a bind up. Additionally, the grips are draped in a textured rubber overmold to help you maintain a secure hold on the tool.
Controls
Personally, I really like how EGO designed their controls because they didn’t over complicate anything. The thumb safety falls flush with the handle and the speed control switch is well within reach so you can change speed and rotational direction with ease. It’s worth noting that you can toggle between high and low speed while actively working, but you must release the trigger if you want to switch to the reverse gear.
Above the battery slot, you’ll find indicators for overload protection and kickback prevention, as well as a battery level indicator. EGO includes a troubleshooting guide in the user manual in case you run into any issues.
Additional Features
- Universal auger bit connection
- Compatible with EGO’s ice auger attachment
EGO Earth Auger Price
The EGO Earth Auger retails $349 as a bare tool and $499 as a kit. The kit includes an 8-inch auger, a 4.0Ah battery, and charger.
EGO backs your purchase with a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty.
The Bottom Line
Overall, I think EGO really hit a home run with this cordless earth auger. Its speed and power make it one most powerful earth augers we’ve tested to date, even outpacing Stihl’s flagship model in both speed and torque. Moreover, the price tag is $200 less than Stihl, making it an even more compelling option if you’re looking to switch away from gas-powered equipment.
