Ramrod Taskmaster 1150 Hydraulic Powerhouse. We use this machine both for excavating our footer holes & hauling the gravel ballast back to the job site, for placement under the deck structure. Depending on the deck footer requirement, we can dig a 8",12",16",18", or a 24" diameter hole, down to 48". Longer with extentions if needed. This machine doesn't tear up the yard and has a light foot print crossing anything. On average, it takes me less than 2 minutes to dig a hole 48" deep. Of course, before digging we always call OUPS. Ohio Utilities Protection Service....to mark any utility lines that may be in our way. Other states probably use a similar service, the call before you dig line.