AMS401.42 40" Plated One-Piece Step Probe

The main problem with having a foot peg on these is that it gives you an opportunity to put way too much pressure on them, exceeding what they can withstand. I bent mine upon first use due to hitting a root. But with my foot on the peg, I couldn't really tell that I was putting way too much force on it. So it emerged from the ground bent (although it did go through the root).The bend isn't severe, just noticeable. It still functions fine. It's just irritating.Having a soil probe around the house is a must if you're a lawn enthusiast, or if you're just curious about what type of soil you have, or how deeply your irrigation water is penetrating. Plus you can help your neighbors learn about their own soil conditions, since you'll have this Lamborghini-priced steel tube hanging around your garage or shed, just begging to be put to use.I just wish that these things weren't so darned expensive. I mean, this isn't a complicated contraption. Surely someone will come up with a cheaper manufacturing process at some point.

I’m a new homeowner trying to start an organic regimen for my lawn and I needed a probe to be able to send off soil samples. I’m so glad I got this probe with a step because I quickly discovered my lawn has lots of compacted clay and I literally had to put my entire body weight into it for some of the samples. It’s also very sturdy, there was no bending or breaking when I jumped on it a few times and I never felt like it was about to break either. I highly recommend getting this soil probe with a step to avoid a major headache, especially if you don’t know what’s going on beneath the surface of your yard.

Have taken over a 100 8" deep samples and the probe has held up.I used an auger to loosen the harder soils to prevent damaging the probe

It works, but it could be better. I bought a much better one from one of the Hefty (AgPhD) boys that is much easier to get the soil out of. The tip is sharper and a little sturdier. It will do the job, but if you want to do hundreds of samples or more in a day, you may want a better one.

Bought this to locate a leak in my municipal water supply line between the meter and where it enters the house. At a suspect spot I pulled several core samples that became progressively wet at the bottom until I pinpointed the spot where the soil was muddy at the bottom of the core. I used a trench shovel to expose the 10" deep PVC pipe and found a hairline crack at a joint. Repaired the pipe, no more leak. This tool made the job faster and cleaner than if I had simply used a shovel to expose the entire line.

Sturdy,easy to use, pulls good cores.Chrome plating peels off after about 1 use.

Over the past 45 days I have taken many soil samples from fields on the high plains of Kansas. This probe is handsomely chrome plated for a long life. It is sturdy enough to withstand the leverage inevitably exerted upon it when probing tight soils. I expect it to be a valued part of my tool collection for a long time.The only difficulty was in clearing the point of subsoil taken from 12-13 inch depths. Clay soils pack the point tightly. Next time out I plan to use a small wooden dowel to clear the point when necessary. I think that will solve the problem.

everything