Background and Identification

The M240 Hole Digger is a handheld, one-person auger manufactured by General Equipment. It has a gasoline-powered four-stroke engine. The auger is made of a helical screw blade called a flighting and an engine, which powers the turning of the blade. The operator holds the auger with the flighting on the ground they want to dig into, and the blade cuts into the ground while the turning of the blades helps to push the loosened material out of the hole and away. Augurs can be manually turned or mechanized, and their uses range from planting gardens to drilling holes for foundations to cutting fishing holes for ice fishermen.

The M240 Hole Digger requires ear and eye protection at all times when operating or near the active machine. This is due to the noise of the engine, which is above 70 dBA, and the potential for material to fly out of the hole during operation and hit someone, potentially damaging their vision. This product is no longer available from the General Equipment website.

Technical Specifications

  • Engine: Honda GX35
  • Fuel: Gasoline, unleaded automotive grade
  • Auger Diameter: 2" (51mm) to 8" (203mm)
  • Transmission Type: Totally-enclosed, grease- lubricated
  • Nominal Rotation Speed: 166 RPM, no load
  • Starter: Hand rewind
  • Clutch: 3" (76mm) diameter all-metal automatic-centrifugal, slips on overload
  • Driveshaft Connection: 1" (25mm) round
  • Maximum Drilling Torque: 55 ft. lbs. (74 N.m)
  • Extension: Non-flighted plain tube, depth to 45" (1143mm)

Additional Information

Product Page

Auger - Wikipedia

Operating Manual