The 16" bit is a specialist tool. Most auger work on a residential or light commercial site never needs a hole wider than 12 inches — but when it does, there's no substitute. A 16-inch bore accommodates large balled-and-burlapped tree root balls that a 12" hole would compress and damage, wide-diameter sonotube forms for structural columns, and oversized post bases where the installation specification calls for a full 16" of diameter. This is the bit you rent when the job has a specific hole size requirement that smaller bits physically cannot meet.

At this diameter, the machine behind the bit matters more than on any other size in the lineup. A 16" bit cutting through New Hampshire's typical mixed loam and clay generates torque resistance that will overwork a standard two-man handheld auger in anything but loose, sandy conditions. In compacted or clay-heavy ground — common across much of the state — a skid steer auger attachment is the more practical and safer choice. That said, in the right soil a capable two-man unit handles it. Call us before you book and describe your site conditions — our team will tell you straight what machine you need. Browse the full landscaping and auger equipment lineup to see your options.

Tree service crews doing large-scale installation work are the most common renters for this bit. A 24" root ball needs at least a 16" hole to seat without compressing the roots — and a clean, machine-bored hole at consistent depth is faster and more accurate than hand digging at that scale. Contractors pouring wide sonotube footings for pergola columns, carport posts, or outbuilding supports also reach for this bit when the form diameter exceeds what a 12" can accommodate. Check our full New Hampshire service area to confirm we cover your project location.

Tooth condition is more critical on this bit than on the smaller sizes. Because the blade face is wider, worn or chipped teeth affect a larger percentage of the cutting surface — a 16" bit with dull teeth in clay will stall where a sharp bit would push through. We inspect cutting teeth between rentals, but confirm the condition at the counter before you load up. Our counter team at every location knows these bits and will flag anything worth knowing before you leave. If you're running a landscaping or tree crew through multiple large installs, a charge account simplifies the rental billing across jobs.

Return this bit with the flighting cleared — a 16" bit holds more packed soil in the flights than any other size and it's significantly harder to clean after it dries. A quick rinse before you load it saves time at return. We stock this bit year-round at all five NH locations and back every rental with our best price guarantee.