Ryobi 40V HP 8″ Auger Review
Ryobi 40V HP Model RY40710 8″ Auger Review
40V HP 8" Brushless Auger
Manufacturer: Ryobi
Model number: RY40710
Price: $299.00
Power source: 40V Li-Ion Battery
Weight: 40.2 Lbs.The 40V HP auger boasts impressive power and safety features. It is reasonably lightweight and capable of being used by one person. A word of caution though. Using the new Ryobi auger may lead to purchasing gratuitous amounts of fenceline and birdfeeder posts.
Ryobi 8″ Auger Specifications
- Weight: 40.2 Lbs. W/ 4.0 Ah Battery
- Power Source: Ryobi 40V Li-Ion Battery
- Number of Speeds: 3 (2 Forward/1 Reverse)
- Auger Bit Diameter: 8″
- Engine Torque: 53.98 Ft./Lbs.
- Warranty: 5 Year Tool/3 Year Battery
Standout Features of the Ryobi 40V HP Auger
Portability
The ease of assembly and breakdown on the Ryobi auger is outstanding. The auger assembly disconnects from the main powerhead using a steel retaining pin. Similar to those found on a trailer hitch. The auger is broken down for storage or transport. At 40.2 pounds assembled, the auger is capable of being moved by one person. Or break it in half if weight is a concern.
Three Total Speed Settings
Ryobi’s 40V auger includes two forward speed settings (High/Low) as well as a reverse speed. This level of user control is extremely desirable depending upon the task at hand. Here in the Northeast, the ground is extremely tough and filled with roots and rocks. Having a higher speed setting assists with chewing through those obstructions. While the lower speed is excellent for more delicate work and landscaping prep. The reverse speed makes cleaning out the auger hole effortless.
Ergonomic Controls
The main control grip of the Ryobi Auger is contoured and comfortable. A spring-loaded trigger safety prevents the tool from starting up unintentionally.
The handlebar also features padding on the left side to increase comfort for the user. This padding is appreciated when bracing against the handlebar during single-operator use.
Rugged Auger Teeth
Ryobi’s RY40710 is designed primarily as an earth digging tool. The 8″ auger assembly features an aggressive feeder point and large cutting teeth for digging through tough soil conditions. While it won’t eat through solid rock, it is extremely capable of blasting through most soil types.
Anti-Kickback Safety Feature
A major safety concern with gas-powered augers is the auger assembly binding in the ground, but the powerhead continues to spin. This extremely undesirable situation can lead to the injury of the operator. Fortunately, Ryobi included an electronic safety brake in the 40V HP to prevent this from happening. This brake senses when the auger binds up and shuts the tool down before it becomes a whirling cyclone of mayhem and destruction. During use, this brake is extremely responsive. It gave me great peace of mind when working by myself.
The Ryobi 40V HP System
Ryobi claims that the 40V HP auger delivers “30% more torque than an average gas unit”. I do not have any way of truly quantifying this statement. However, the new HP motor technology from Ryobi is powerful and robust with very little felt vibration. During use, the motor felt and sounded identical to the Ryobi 40V Cordless Lawnmower that I had previously reviewed.
Power and Capability
Ryobi Auger on Ice!
While the Ryobi 40v HP Auger is designed as an earth digging tool, I thought ice may serve as a true test of its capability. The Ryobi auger was loaned out to a local dive rescue team back in February while they conducted ice rescue training. During the training, they used the Ryobi to bore through an 8″ thick layer of ice on a freshwater pond. To our surprise, it chewed through the ice effortlessly!
The Ryobi’s ability to perform this task, with an earth auger blade, was very impressive. Furthermore, it demonstrated a new application for this tool. A battery-powered auger is a great investment for ice fishing enthusiasts where environmental contaminants like fuel and oil are a concern.
Price and Availability
The 40V HP 8″ Auger is available now from Home Depot. Like all Ryobi outdoor power equipment, they are exclusive to the big orange retailer. As of writing this article, the auger is available as a kit with a charger and one 4.0 Ah battery. The kit retails for $299.00. Overall I think this is a good value for what you are getting. The auger packs a lot of performance and the 40V battery platform from Ryobi is constantly expanding. Although you may not use the auger daily, that battery would complement any other piece of Ryobi OPE you may have or are planning on buying.
Follow the Buy Now link below to purchase the 40V HP Auger from Home Depot.
Overall Impressions of the Ryobi 40V HP Auger
The moment I opened the box from Ryobi, I thought to myself “this thing looks like an electric corkscrew from hell”. But the 40V HP Auger is right at home in any outdoor space and not just on the set of a low-budget horror film. Overall I am very impressed with its performance. It is ergonomic, easily portable, and has excellent built-in safety features. I plan to continue putting it to use by installing a fenceline on my property.
The Ryobi 40V HP 8″ Auger Model RY40710 is an excellent option for any homeowner or DIYer. It is not a commercial-grade tool. The motor lacks enough power to chew through some of the soil conditions that a commercial model is designed for. However, for small fencing, deck building, or landscaping projects, the Ryobi 40V HP Auger is well suited for the challenge.
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About the author
Wes Bartosik
Wes Bartosik is a Connecticut native with strong family ties to the construction world. Wes’ father and grandfather both were builders and developers and taught Wes the values of doing things right from an early age and getting hands on experience with every facet of the construction industry. Wes apprenticed with a carpenter throughout high school and would later attend Central Connecticut State University earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management all while working for a large excavation contractor throughout. Wes would go on to work for a local heavy-highway construction company and gain further experience with all the skilled trades associated with large civil engineering and utility projects. Though working as a manager now, Wes’ true passion is working in the field alongside the tradesman and laborers on site. Wes has been involved in community based service projects throughout his life as well as emergency services. In his spare time he takes on serious DIY projects for himself, friends and family. He is a firm believer that with a quality tool in your hands and some grit, you can accomplish anything.
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I bought one 2 days from HomeDepot in Port Chester. It works like a charm I even place it on top of a small tree stump I was trying to remove for some time and it chewed through the stump. Not recommended though. Anyway I would recommend it for DIYers like me. I cant comment on other types of augers because this is my first use of one.
What size is the shaft of this 40V Ryobi augur? Our son gave my husband this augur with an 8″ augur bit. We wanted to get a 4″ and a 6″ augur bit also. We wondered if a Earth Auger Bit – 4″ Earth Auger Bit fits for common hand-held post-hole diggers with 3/4″ shaft would fi?
All of the Ryobi auger bits are cross-compatible between the 40V and 18V versions. Just looking at the Home Depot website quickly showed the 4″ and 6″ auger attachments and lists them as compatible with the 40V model.
What size extension shaft can be added to the auger to increase its length?
Not sure