Author Topic: Jiffy Pro 4 cold test (Read 1845 times)

MTTF · « **on:** Jan 24, 2011, 06:37 AM »

Was -16 below zero, Pro 4 sat outside all night. Hasn't been started in three weeks....
Took six pulls to fire, then ran flawlessly. Only thing I'd suggest is turning up idle when this cold. It did stall when letting off throttle.... But I really never let it warm up fully.
VIDEO

Gillgrabber · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 24, 2011, 06:45 AM »

Great test & video....made a believer out of me.
But what's with the "hasn't been started in three weeks" comment? If you decide you want to sell it let me know

MTTF · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 24, 2011, 06:57 AM »

HA HA HA, ya. January is tough for me, A LOT of paper work to tidy up before government agency and auditors visits. Don't worry though, February and march we'll burn some propane.

Junior58 · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 24, 2011, 04:15 PM »

Nice video for all to see. I guess I'm a little unsure of the benefits over gas at this point besides smell. In the video the auger took seven pulls to start. It had a stall and took three more times to start. You also mentioned about not warming it up fully in which I guess it needs to be. Sounds very similar to gas augers in the extreme cold. I know it's a very heavy auger and very pricey. I've also read a few different posts about the lines getting real stiff in the cold. I know it's the newest to market but what do you feel as an owner are the benefits over gas at this point? Is the price and weight worth it?

I see others say they are sold but I haven't seen people elaborate on the many benefits vs. negatives. I'm only asking because I also considered one for a bit.

umoguy · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 25, 2011, 11:44 AM »

This was our cold test Fri-Sun. Didn't try it in the -30F on Monday (packed up and went home...sleds and trucks wouldn't even start).

Got to use the 10" Pro 4 this weekend (1/21-24) in the real cold. Worked great day 1 when it was a bit warmer. Sunday at -8 F it wouldn't go. Changed out the bottle with one that had been kept out of the wind in a box and it fired right up. Later that afternoon the Jiffy 30 wouldn't run nor would the Pro4. Brought the Pro4 in the shack and it fired right up with a little heat to the regulator...the Jiffy was done for the day. I do see quite a few downsides to the Pro4. You have to break the ice off the auger blades a lot. It also doesn't seem to have a huge amount of power in the cold. I had to pick it up to clear the auger/hole a fair amount. I think the old school auger blade seem to self clean and avoid icing up better than the new, although I didn't have to apply any downward pressure on the thing as long as I chiseled the ice off before drilling my 1st hole and ran quickly to drill the next. It probably doesn't need any downward pressure because it is so heavy. In above 0 conditions, I think the Pro4 blows away a gas auger in ease of start and drilling. I've got a bad shoulder and enjoyed the easy pulling. On a below zero day you may want to keep a bottle under your jacket and keep the motor covered up out of the snow and wind. I can always put the ether to my Eskimo in the cold (which started fine all weekend, but was also kept warm), but I'm not sure how you can coax one of these propane motors into starting if it's not cooperating.

Celt6 · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 25, 2011, 12:47 PM »

I watched the video, I would have to say that I hold the throttle down when I first start it, (as recomended) as soon as it starts I let go, I did not have to warm it up yet, was out Yesterday 2 degrees, its the simplest piece of machinery. Pull, drill.

kdcon · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 31, 2011, 04:58 PM »

Do you guys take the tanks off after you are done for the day ?? If mine sits for a week a tank w/ just 10 holes on it is empty. Don't know if you should take it off or if I have a really small leak. Love the auger

kdcon

Trooper Bri · « **Reply #7 on:** Jan 31, 2011, 05:23 PM »

Quote

I see others say they are sold but I haven't seen people elaborate on the many benefits vs. negatives. I'm only asking because I also considered one for a bit.

This auger wasn't designed as the relacement for gasoline. It's an alternative to gasoline.

Celt6 · « **Reply #8 on:** Feb 01, 2011, 08:57 AM »

You follow directions, I take the bottle off when I get in my garage, put the bottle where I store my boots (warmer, always 35-40 degrees) then attach when I put Auger in truck, I left it on for overnight , did not see a dif. If I go 2 or 3 days in a row, I just leave it on .

MTTF · « **Reply #9 on:** Feb 01, 2011, 10:38 AM »

Tank on since day one, up to 47 holes, NO PROBLEMS.

kdcon · « **Reply #10 on:** Feb 01, 2011, 11:34 AM »

I must have a very small leak then. Will check all the fittings. Thanks, kdcon

Drake · « **Reply #11 on:** Feb 01, 2011, 12:18 PM »

My tank has been on since the day I bought it and I have drilled at least 100 holes through 8-10 inches of ice.

Celt6 · « **Reply #12 on:** Feb 01, 2011, 02:17 PM »

I got at least 70 holes on the current tank.

Hesperus · « **Reply #13 on:** Feb 03, 2011, 09:37 AM »

Quote from: kdcon on Feb 01, 2011, 11:34 AM

I must have a very small leak then. Will check all the fittings. Thanks, kdcon

Use dish soap and a little water. A leak will blow bubbles. Check the line between the regulator and carb.

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