A budget one-person gas auger for setting fence and deck posts in ordinary soil. It suits buyers who want a known brand at the lowest price.
Amazon $279.99
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.
- 36.3 cc gasPower
- 12 inLargest bit
- 22 lbWeight
Price checked November 2, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Four-stroke 4-MIX engine runs on mixed fuel but is quieter and cleaner than a two-stroke
- At 22 lb it is one of the lighter gas powerheads for its 12 in bit rating
- QuickStop brake stops the handles from whipping round if the bit catches
- Costs about three times as much as budget gas augers
- No reverse to back a stuck bit out
- Stihl does not publish torque or a home-use warranty term for it
How it scores
The rating comes from 5 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its power. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | BT 131 (4313 011 2121) |
|---|---|
| Drilling | |
| Power | 36.3 cc gas |
| Largest bit | 12 in |
| Bit included | None |
| Bit speed | 200 rpm |
| Build | |
| Operators | 1 |
| Weight | 22 lb |
Alternatives in this power
A one-person 43cc powerhead for fence posts and planting. It suits buyers who want the Earthquake torque arm option at a budget price.
Amazon $279.99A low-cost one-person gas combo for occasional fence posts and planting. Buyers digging many holes should look at a brand with a longer warranty.
Amazon $159.99Compare
Compare the Stihl BT 131 with any other earth auger →
More from Stihl: every Stihl product ranked.