McMillen 12 Inch Skid Steer Auger BitPremium
🟡 High Flow
View on mcmillenattachments.com →
Overview
The McMillen 12-inch auger bit is a common size for foundation piers, sign posts, and commercial landscape footing work. Widely used in Canada for residential deck foundations, commercial sign bases, and agricultural post installations. Compatible with McMillen auger drives for skid steers.
Canada Availability
Available through McMillen/Paladin dealers in Canada.
Key Facts
- Brand: McMillen
- Bit diameter: 12 inches
- Type: skid steer auger bit
- Teeth: replaceable carbide
- Application: foundation piers, sign posts, commercial landscape footings
- Typical bit weight: 35–55 lbs
- Hydraulic flow: determined by auger drive unit (typically 15–30 GPM standard flow, 30–45 GPM high-flow for large drives)
Is This Right For You?
✅ Buy if…
- You already have an auger drive unit and need the right bit for your soil type or hole diameter
- You drill specific hole sizes for fence posts, footings, or tree planting and need diameter variety
⛔ Skip if…
- You don't have an auger drive unit — a bit alone does nothing without a compatible drive motor
- Your soil is solid rock or hardpan — standard earth bits fail fast, you need a dedicated frost/rock bit
🔍 Also consider…
- Rock or frost auger bit if your ground is caliche, Shield rock, or frozen Prairie soil
- Auger drive unit if you don't yet have one compatible with your machine's hydraulic flow
🔧 Machine Compatibility
Compatible with all skid steer brands and compact track loaders via universal SSQA quick attach. Mid-frame machines (S450–S650 class) are the most common fit.
About McMillen in Canada
McMillen is a US-based manufacturer of auger drives and bits with a long track record in North American construction and agricultural markets. Their heavy-duty auger systems are available through equipment dealers across Canada and are built to handle demanding soil and rock conditions.
Care & Maintenance
- Grease the drive unit gearbox per the manufacturer's schedule — typically every 8 hours of operation; a starved gearbox is the most common cause of drive unit failure
- Inspect bit carbide teeth after every use in rocky or abrasive soil — worn or chipped teeth increase drive unit load and reduce penetration
- Replace a worn pilot bit before the main teeth wear — the pilot centers the bit and prevents wobble that stresses the drive unit gearbox
- Check hydraulic hose connections at the drive unit before each use — hose chafing in tight soil is a common failure point
- Store bits vertically or with exposed carbide protected — storing lying flat with unprotected carbide causes chipping from incidental contact
✅ Last checked: March 2026
Source: skidsteerattachments.ca/catalog/augers/mcmillen-auger-bit-12-inch/
