a soil sampling device adapted to be mounted on a motor vehicle . the soil sampling device includes a tubular probe which is operated by means of a hydraulic cylinder and piston . a mechanism linking the probe with the piston causes the probe to swing from a horizontal position to a vertical position and then to move vertically downward into the soil . upon withdraw from the soil the probe is caused to move vertically upward until clear of the soil and then to swing to a horizontal position with the end of the probe adjacent a sample collecting container . a second hydraulic piston and cylinder serves to eject the soil sample from the probe and into the collecting container . the controls for operation of the device are adapted to mounted at the vehicle operator &# 39 ; s station .