Author Topic: 2 cycle or 4 stroke auger. Which do you prefer and why? (Read 3951 times)

Nightbrown25 · « **on:** Dec 23, 2016, 11:33 AM »

Looking to buy a gas auger. I am leaning towards the 2 cycle because they are lighter than the 4 stroke at the same cc size. Would like to know what you have and why you prefer it.

mikey ice fish · « **Reply #1 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 11:50 AM »

I returned 2 honda lite strike master augers to cabelas in one year. The first one I started in my drive way before I left to the lake and it ran fine. After a hour drive there i noticed it was tipped to its side and it wouldn't start again. Back to Cabelas. They gave me another one. Next time out it tipped again and wouldn't start. Back to Cabelas again. I wanted to get the strike master 2 cycle but it started to get late in the season so i used the store credit for a fish finder for the boat instead.

ice dawg · « **Reply #2 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 11:54 AM »

I have the Strikemaster with the 4 stroke Honda engine. No mixing, can be used or stored in any position, starts in two pulls and weighs 23 lbs. That's one pound more than an Ion.

Ice Scratcher · « **Reply #3 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 12:06 PM »

Ever seen a four stroke chainsaw?

2 strokes usually have a lot more performance per pound..

I guess it might also depend on if you have other 2 stroke toy/tools. I always have a can of mix ready to go.. Other folks might rent an apartment and not have a single need for mixed gas...

I recommend finding an older 2 stroke that had to the Tecumseh TC 2, or TC3, engine.. Either a Eskimo or Strikmaster, they are light, dependable, and cut fast..

Mine is approaching 30 years, still cuts better than the new ones..

All that^ is assuming you have your heart set on a gasoline power head...

<°)))>{

Nightbrown25 · « **Reply #4 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 12:07 PM »

[. No mixing, can be used or stored in any position,)

I understand the no mixing... I am unclear about the using and storing in any position? Can you explain?

Nightbrown25 · « **Reply #5 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 12:13 PM »

Ice Scrather that is why I am set on gas powered head. My whole family works or worked in the woods. My wife says that I buy chainsaws like they are toys.. Lol

Ice Scratcher · « **Reply #6 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 12:19 PM »

My old Tecumseh powered Eskimo.. 28lbs..

She put in a good number of decks and fences in the off season too..

2 inches a second..

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1MWRyYBSw00

<°)))>{

Ice Scratcher · « **Reply #7 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 01:01 PM »

On the flip side..

I saw a guy cut a few holes with a strikemaster that had a little Honda four stroke.. Boy was it quiet and smooth, sounded nice..

<°)))>{

sfw1960 · « **Reply #8 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 01:09 PM »

Quote from: Ice Scratcher on Dec 23, 2016, 12:06 PM

Ever seen a four stroke chainsaw?

2 strokes usually have a lot more performance per pound..

I guess it might also depend on if you have other 2 stroke toy/tools. I always have a can of mix ready to go.. Other folks might rent an apartment and not have a single need for mixed gas...

I recommend finding an older 2 stroke that had to the Tecumseh TC 2, or TC3, engine.. Either a Eskimo or Strikmaster, they are light, dependable, and cut fast..

Mine is approaching 30 years, still cuts better than the new ones..

All that^ is assuming you have your heart set on a gasoline power head...

<°)))>{

My Strikemaster Mag III is about 25 years old & I agree 100%.

Not much is built to last now a days!

Ice Scratcher · « **Reply #9 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 01:11 PM »

Quote from: sfw1960 on Dec 23, 2016, 01:09 PM

My Strikemaster Mag III is about 25 years old & I agree 100%.

Not much is built to last now a days!

Chrome handle bars?

<°)))>{

ice dawg · « **Reply #10 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 01:21 PM »

Quote from: Nightbrown25 on Dec 23, 2016, 12:07 PM

[. No mixing, can be used or stored in any position,)

I understand the no mixing... I am unclear about the using and storing in any position? Can you explain?

The engine oil is contained in an internal bladder. You can store it or run it upside down if you choose. On really cold days I have started it and laid on the ice to warm up while I do something else for a short while. I believe the engine is also used on weed trimmers and other lawn tools. It doesn't leak oil no matter how you lay it down or hang it. I believe it is also lighter than the Strikemaster two strokes.

nova · « **Reply #11 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 01:31 PM »

Electric no fuel no oil no mixing always starts. Carry it upside down lay it on the side!!! 👍 Drill for the early ice

BlackDogAlpha · « **Reply #12 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 01:35 PM »

18 volt

ice dawg · « **Reply #13 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 01:39 PM »

I looked at the Ion before I bought my Strikelite several years ago. Decided I would rather pull a rope than babysit a battery. Just my opinion and choice though. Sometimes we are drilling through 50 inches of ice by seasons end also.

don519 · « **Reply #14 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 02:13 PM »

Quote from: Nightbrown25 on Dec 23, 2016, 12:07 PM

[. No mixing, can be used or stored in any position,)

I understand the no mixing... I am unclear about the using and storing in any position? Can you explain?

if you lay a 4 stroke on the wrong side oil will fill the combustion chamber and can mess up your power head and spark plug my jiffy propane auger is marked and says this side up

ice dawg · « **Reply #15 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 03:13 PM »

I guess Honda knows nothing about their GX35 4 stroke engine. I would guess you are right about others. As I said, the oil in this engine is contained in a bladder. You might google it?

sfw1960 · « **Reply #16 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 03:30 PM »

Quote from: Ice Scratcher on Dec 23, 2016, 01:11 PM

Chrome handle bars?

<°)))>{

No Sir, the black powder coated ones, but cold hard METAL!!!

MR.CRAPPIEMN · « **Reply #17 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 03:37 PM »

Get and ion it is electric and its awesome.

Nightbrown25 · « **Reply #18 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 04:09 PM »

Ice dawg are you saying that a 4 stroke can be stored and run from any position and a 2 cycle cannot?

ice dawg · « **Reply #19 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 04:22 PM »

Lol Nope, I'm saying my Strikemaster auger with the Honda GX35 4 stroke engine can. There are some that find that hard to believe.

Ice Scratcher · « **Reply #20 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 04:30 PM »

Quote from: sfw1960 on Dec 23, 2016, 03:30 PM

No Sir, the black powder coated ones, but cold hard METAL!!!

I just looked, yeah they had black handles too..

MAG III

Same engine as my Eskimo, I had one of those too for a spare, I bought at an estate sale, never needed it and sold it..

Those augers, with those engines are some of the most dependable, fastest, lightest, augers ever made IMO..

<°)))>{

scarroll · « **Reply #21 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 05:41 PM »

Any thoughts on propane augers?

HardwaterPiker · « **Reply #22 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 05:50 PM »

When I was looking at new auger's 4 years ago when I was getting back into ice fishing, I had my heart set on a Jiffy propane 4 stroke, but I ended up buying a Strikemaster Magnum 2 stroke and don't regret that decision. I run strictly non-ethanol gas in it and have never had an issue with it starting, and it cuts like a raped ape. When I compared the price of the two, there was almost 2 bills difference, so I used that money towards a Shappell portable shanty. Probably the only plus I personally can see for 4 stroke is a lot less exhaust smell, but newer 2 strokes don't stink as bad as they used too

.

ice dawg · « **Reply #23 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 06:07 PM »

My Strikelite has very little exhaust odor compared to the Jiffy 2 stroke I had, but it does cause the CO detector to alarm. I don't remember the Jiffy setting it off.

Curley · « **Reply #24 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 06:22 PM »

Last year I was looking for a new auger. Got a killer deal on a Lazer Mag from Strikemaster. Really wanted the Honda, but couldn't justify the price difference to myself. With the availability of premium pre mix, for me it was a no brainer. Had a Jiffy White Lightning that served me well for 12 to 15 years before I got fed up with Ethanol going bad in weeks, Pre mix helped, but got frustrated with it getting hung up in the bottom of the hole. The new Strikemaster just pulls right through. Fast too.
Not really a fair comparison though. The jiffy was a 2hp with 1 chipper blade. The Lase is a 2.5 hp with 2 shaving blade. No comparison.

PerchN2040 · « **Reply #25 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 07:04 PM »

I have the Strikemaster Lazer Mag also. I have been very happy with it.

Nightbrown25 · « **Reply #26 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 07:16 PM »

Ok i got you. I have no reason to not believe you. Honda makes everything top notch if anybody is making this option in a 4 stroke it would be Honda.

WolfPack1 · « **Reply #27 on:** Dec 23, 2016, 08:28 PM »

I've got the Strikemaster with the Honda as well. Can lay it down, and even start it and let it warm up while it is laying on the ice like previously stated. It actually comes in a fuzz under 20lbs when I have the 6" on it for panfish, great combo.

ice dawg · « **Reply #28 on:** Dec 24, 2016, 08:07 AM »

Quote from: Nightbrown25 on Dec 23, 2016, 07:16 PM

Ok i got you. I have no reason to not believe you. Honda makes everything top notch if anybody is making this option in a 4 stroke it would be Honda.

It is interesting to read about. The oil is distributed by a sling system which turns the oil into a mist so it coats all the parts. It looks like it has dippers attached to the timing belt to distribute the oil. I'm no mechanic, but it makes noise when I pull the rope so I'm happy.

ice dawg · « **Reply #29 on:** Dec 24, 2016, 08:13 AM »

Quote from: WolfPack1 on Dec 23, 2016, 08:28 PM

I've got the Strikemaster with the Honda as well. Can lay it down, and even start it and let it warm up while it is laying on the ice like previously stated. It actually comes in a fuzz under 20lbs when I have the 6" on it for panfish, great combo.

Strikemaster claims 23 lbs with the 8" auger.

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Author Topic: 2 cycle or 4 stroke auger. Which do you prefer and why? (Read 3951 times)