Stihl BT 131
#11 in GasFull review
A pro-grade one-person auger for buyers who drill many holes up to 12 in and want a brake for safety. It costs far more than budget models.
Stihl $929.99$929.99
The Stihl BT 131 is the better earth auger overall, rated 3.6 to 3.0. The Stihl BT 131 leads on value and weight. The Stihl BT 131 costs $113.42 less ($929.99 vs $1,043.41).
General Equipment EPIC 242H
#18 in GasFull review
A contractor one-person digger for crews who want a Honda four-stroke and no fuel mixing. Homeowners pay a lot for an 8 in limit.
Amazon $1,228.99 Southern Tool $1,043.41$1,043.41
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Stihl BT 131 for value ($77.50 per inch of bit ($929.99, up to 12 in) vs $130.43 per inch of bit ($1,043.41, up to 8 in)) and weight (22 lb vs 26 lb).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every gas earth auger; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Stihl BT 131 | General Equipment EPIC 242H |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 59 $77.50 per inch of bit ($929.99, up to 12 in) | 27 $130.43 per inch of bit ($1,043.41, up to 8 in) |
| Torque 15% | 50 torque not published (neutral score used) | 14 69.1 N·m of torque |
| Reverse 15% | 50 reverse not stated (neutral score used) | 50 reverse not stated (neutral score used) |
| Weight 15% | 93 22 lb | 80 26 lb |
| Warranty 25% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Stihl BT 131 | General Equipment EPIC 242H | |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling | ||
| Power | 36.3 cc gas | 35.8 cc gas |
| Largest bit | 12 in | 8 in |
| Bit included | None | None |
| Torque | - | 69.1 N·m |
| Bit speed | 200 rpm | 166 rpm |
| Build | ||
| Operators | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | 22 lb | 26 lb |
| Released | - | 2020-04 |