Can a Track Loader or Skid Steer Drill Deep Piers Effectively

[MikePhua]

Track Loaders and Skid Steers in Pier Drilling
Track loaders and skid steers have evolved from basic material-handling machines into versatile platforms capable of supporting a wide range of hydraulic attachments. Manufacturers like Gehl, Caterpillar, and Bobcat have expanded their compact track loader lines to include high-flow hydraulic systems, enabling the use of augers, trenchers, and even limited drilling rigs. The Gehl CTL70, for example, is a mid-size compact track loader with a rated operating capacity of around 2,800 lbs and a high-flow hydraulic option delivering up to 35 GPM—sufficient for most auger drives.
Despite their versatility, using these machines to drill deep piers—especially those exceeding 12 feet in depth and 18 inches in diameter—introduces significant mechanical and logistical challenges. While shallow post holes for fencing or light structures are well within their capabilities, deeper pier foundations for buildings or heavy loads require careful planning and often exceed the practical limits of compact equipment.
Depth Limitations and Auger Extensions
Standard auger attachments for skid steers typically reach depths of 4 to 6 feet. To drill deeper, operators must use extension shafts, which are bolted or pinned between the auger bit and the drive head. However, each extension adds complexity:

• Increased torque demand on the hydraulic motor
  
• Reduced visibility and control during drilling
  
• Frequent removal to clear spoil from the hole
  
• Risk of binding or jamming in rocky or compacted soils
  

In one documented case, a contractor used a Cat 299C XPS to drill 16-inch diameter holes down to 33 feet. This required multiple extensions and a high-torque planetary drive head. While technically feasible, the process was slow and required constant monitoring to prevent auger lockup.
Soil Conditions and Machine Power
Soil composition plays a critical role in determining whether a skid steer or track loader can drill effectively. Loose loam or sandy soils allow deeper penetration with less resistance. In contrast, hardpan, clay, or rocky substrates can stall even high-powered auger drives.
In Missouri, operators reported that 6-foot depths were the practical limit in rocky terrain. Beyond that, productivity dropped sharply due to the need for repeated auger cleaning and extension swaps. In one case, a 6-foot hole required ten separate auger lifts to remove spoil, each time risking misalignment or tool damage.
Torque Requirements and Hydraulic Limits
Drilling deep piers demands high torque, especially as auger diameter increases. Most skid steer auger drives produce between 1,500 and 3,000 ft-lbs of torque. For comparison:

• 12-inch auger in soft soil: ~1,200 ft-lbs
  
• 18-inch auger in compacted fill: ~2,500 ft-lbs
  
• 24-inch auger in clay: ~3,500+ ft-lbs
  

Machines like the Cat 299C XPS, equipped with high-flow hydraulics and reinforced arms, can handle larger augers, but even they struggle when the bit binds or hits buried debris. In such cases, the hydraulic motor may stall or overheat, and the machine’s lift arms may flex under load.
Alternatives for Deep Pier Installation
For piers deeper than 12 feet, contractors often turn to specialized rigs:

• Texoma truck-mounted drills for utility pole foundations
  
• Lattice boom cranes supporting core drill rigs
  
• Helical pier systems using hydraulic torque motors
  

Helical piers, such as those manufactured by AB Chance, consist of steel shafts with screw-like flighting. These are rotated into the ground using hydraulic drive heads and extended with bolted sections. They offer precise depth control and can be installed with skid steers if equipped with the proper torque motor and mounting bracket.
In one example, a foundation contractor used a skid steer-mounted helical pier system to install 9-foot sections until refusal or torque limit was reached. This method allowed pier installation without excavation and was ideal for limited-access sites.
Practical Recommendations for Operators
To maximize success when drilling piers with a skid steer or track loader:

• Use a high-torque planetary auger drive rated for deep drilling
  
• Select auger bits with aggressive teeth and replaceable pilots
  
• Plan for multiple extensions and secure locking mechanisms
  
• Monitor hydraulic temperature and flow during operation
  
• Clear spoil frequently to prevent binding and overloading
  
• Avoid drilling in wet or frozen ground without pre-treatment
  

Operators should also consider the machine’s lift height and arm geometry. Standard skid steers may lack the vertical reach needed to lift a long auger out of a deep hole. Extended boom models or custom mounts may be required.
Field Anecdotes and Lessons Learned
A grading contractor in Georgia attempted to drill 18-foot piers with a skid steer and auger. After multiple extension swaps and frequent binding, he concluded that hiring a specialty rig was more cost-effective. In contrast, a Canadian operator successfully drilled 33-foot holes with a Cat 299C, but only after investing in a custom auger setup and reinforced hydraulic drive.
Another operator in the Midwest noted that 12 feet was the practical limit for 18-inch piers in rocky soil. Beyond that, productivity dropped and wear on the machine increased sharply.
Conclusion
While skid steers and track loaders can drill piers under certain conditions, their effectiveness diminishes rapidly beyond 6 to 12 feet—especially with larger diameters or difficult soils. With the right attachments, high-flow hydraulics, and careful technique, these machines can handle moderate-depth pier work. For deeper installations, however, specialized rigs or helical systems offer safer, faster, and more reliable results. Understanding the limitations and capabilities of compact equipment is essential for choosing the right tool for the job.