Stihl BT 45
#5 in GasFull review
A light one-person drill for planting bulbs and small holes. It is not the tool for fence posts.
Stihl $639.99$639.99
The Stihl BT 45 is the better earth auger overall, rated 3.8 to 3.0. The Stihl BT 45 leads on weight. The Stihl BT 45 costs $403.42 less ($639.99 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 45 for weight (10.7 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 45 | General Equipment EPIC 242H |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 50 largest bit not published (neutral score used) | 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% | 100 reverse to free a stuck bit | 50 reverse not stated (neutral score used) |
| Weight 15% | 100 10.7 lb | 80 26 lb |
| Warranty 25% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Stihl BT 45 | General Equipment EPIC 242H | |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling | ||
| Power | Gas | 35.8 cc gas |
| Largest bit | - | 8 in |
| Bit included | None | None |
| Torque | - | 69.1 N·m |
| Bit speed | 910 rpm | 166 rpm |
| Reverse | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Operators | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | 10.7 lb | 26 lb |
| Released | - | 2020-04 |