New strikemaster Honda has a 10" drill

[mike1]

Was just looking at the SM web page, there is a 10"drill option on the Honda for the coming year.

[tundra redneck]

I thought about getting one but I heard that the 8's seemed under powered at times(only some online reviews) but I ended up getting a really good deal on a pro4, I like the idea of propane

[Rebelss]

Both 8" and 10" utilize the same  33cc 4 stroke engine. An augers power is mainly derived through the transmission gearing. Lots of 33-36cc augers out there with 10" blades that go through 28" of ice with no problem. Mine does.

[ice dawg]

Both 8" and 10" utilize the same  33cc 4 stroke engine. An augers power is mainly derived through the transmission gearing. Lots of 33-36cc augers out there with 10" blades that go through 28" of ice with no problem. Mine does.

You do have a good memory!!!!! 

[mike1]

So I wonder if they have the same gear ratio? The thickness of the ice really shouldn't matter so long as the drill can evacuate the chips.

[Rebelss]

So I wonder if they have the same gear ratio? The thickness of the ice really shouldn't matter so long as the drill can evacuate the chips.

True, but the engine is under load at that point, and if you do a lot of hole hopping, sometimes bigger IS better.  Kinda like that 4 cyl little truck pulling your boat all day, I'd rather do it with my 5.4 Triton....

[neveruminda]

One other thing the Reb may have had in his chock full noggin, but didn't point out YET... when you get heavy cold temps that create bone crushing hard ice that's also thick (depth) - then the engine size, trans ratio, and auger cutting size reveal if you have the right tool for the job

My 8" MO Stingray (33cc) doesn't lift the ice out as far or as well as a the 40 or 70cc class augers do when it's 24" ice that's hip crushing hard.  Ole MO does it, just needs a little help from Das Boot (with clearing ice away from the hole's edge)

[smbrickner]

So are you guys saying that this isn't the right tool for an Ice Troller?  I like to punch a lot of holes and I liked the weight of this auger.

Maybe the lazer pro would be a better choice.  It is only 2 lbs heavier, but a 54cc motor should cut faster, which is worth the 2lbs to me.

[Rebelss]

My noggin is a plethora of chock-full fascinating info.  When using an engine under load in extreme conditons, always opt for the bigger, stronger engine. No reason to pound the smaller engine to it's limits.

[lefty2053]

My noggin is a plethora of chock-full fascinating info.  When using an engine under load in extreme conditons, always opt for the bigger, stronger engine. No reason to pound the smaller engine to it's limits.

Sounds like a good idea.  I know when I have hard work to do around here I get the younger stronger Grandson. No since pounding this wore out body.

[smbrickner]

Sounds like a good idea.  I know when I have hard work to do around here I get the younger stronger Grandson. No since pounding this wore out body.

My Grandpa always calls that finding a strong back with a weak mind.

[Rebelss]

Sounds like a good idea.  I know when I have hard work to do around here I get the younger stronger Grandson. No since pounding this wore out body.

ha!! That made my day. 

[Drifter_016]

I have 3 augers and the best one with the 10" bit is my 3hp Tecumseh Strikemaster  Cobra but my Tanaka TIA 305 is a close 2nd and weighs next to nothing. 
My Eskimo Mako sucks compared to either of those powerheads. Although it runs the 8" shaver bit that it came with OK.
But even with it's own bit it stalls breaking through the bottom of the hole.
The Tanaka tends to bog down a bit with the 10" Strikemaster chipper bit but is better than the Eskimo.
The 3HP Techuseh doesn't bog but when the ice is over 3' thick you need to lift to clear the flutes.
It does not bog when breaking through but is quite a bit heavier than the Tanaka or Eskimo. 

[toofuss]

brink the honda is still avalible with the 8in bit. they just added the 10 as an option this year. I love the idea of the honda i just haven't seen enough of them to drop the cash.