Eskimo HC40

[ADKLakerTaker]

So... I been dogging the propane augers for a while, but the more I look into it the more interested I am in them. I know the HC40 is new but...anyone have any info on it? You think it may out perform a jiffy? Thoughts people, Jiffy or Eskimo?

[hardwater diehard]

http://www.geteskimo.com/Foundations/Store/shopdetail.asp?params=HC40Q10*0

[Chris338378]

I can't comment on if it will out perform the Jiffy since it's brand new but I never had any problems with anything I bought from Eskimo and their customer service has always been top notch.  On thing that I think would be an advantage in the Eskimo's side is that it uses the Quantium blades which have been known to work very well.  The Jiffy uses one blade while the Eskimo uses two which I would think would work better.   

[Alex Delarge]

I can't comment on the MO either, but I have the PRO 4-10" jiffy and I do like it. Best thing about it is that it starts on 1st or 2nd pull just about every time. The other nice thing is that it doesn't stink up my SUV with fuel/gas smell. The bad is that it is heavy, bulky, and if it is -10F and colder out the propane from a little 1 lb cylinder doesn't flow very well and the auger lacks power when it is that cold. When it is 0*F + it is the cats meow and has plenty of power to go through 30" of ice.
I've heard people talk crap about MO's but they've been making augers for many years and I gotta say, that new propane model looks like a winner (yet to be determined). Having said that, I wouldn't want to be the guinea pig and get one the 1st year. I waited for the 2nd gen PRO-4 before I purchased one.
Jiffy has the 3 year warranty on any STX blades and they have sharpened mine for free (S&H) after I dug into some sand. The STX blades will last the average fisherman several seasons if they don't cut into anything but ice, but they are also $80 a pop.
I'm anxious to hear feedback about the new MO's.

[BIGCREW]

I have a pro 4 and like someone else post I waitt until they were out for a little bit and I was able to see what people had to say about it before I bought mine as far as what I read the Eskimo states its a high compression motor, higher compression would mean more force would be needed to start it and higher compression motors tend to wear quicker than a lower compression motor as far as the weight issue a few pounds either way wouldnt make a difference to me but speaking for the pro 4 its the best auger I have ever owned

[ADKLakerTaker]

Thanks guys 😃

[motocross269]

Well,....I ordered an HC40 from Cabelas this weekend.....I am new to "serious" ice fishing and this will be my first power auger......Someone has to be the guinea pig... ....It's on backorder and it may be a little bit before we are drilling holes in Michigan but I will be sure to give a review....

[OldSailor]

Well,....I ordered an HC40 from Cabelas this weekend.....I am new to "serious" ice fishing and this will be my first power auger......Someone has to be the guinea pig... ....It's on backorder and it may be a little bit before we are drilling holes in Michigan but I will be sure to give a review....

Welcome to the addiction that is IS!! Please update your profile with your location! You said MI, but where?? 

[FrostBack]

I can't speak to the propane engine but I can add a testimony for the 10" Quantum Auger as it is the same auger that is on my Mako (43cc).

This auger will out drill me, I find myself trying to lift the auger while it is cutting because it cuts so fast it sucks itself down. It might have to do with the 2 blades I am not sure. In the past we used my buddy's 10" jiffy 30 and it would take 2 of us pushing down on that auger even with a freshly sharpened blade to get a hole. There is no comparison between these two augers but the new STX blades may/should be better, but it will take a lot of improvement to come close to the Quantum system. Then you have a $30.00 blade compared to an $80.00 blade.

I should also mention that the Jiffy would not cut an old hole open without lots of effort. We usually are cutting 3'-4' of ice in very cold temps. You don't see many propanes on the ice in this part of the world, likely because of their warm blooded nature.

I also like the fact the MO turns the auger the correct direction not backwards!

[lefty2053]

I have a Z51 that came with the 10" blade. I bought an 8" blade for it and it cuts like crazy. But my friends old jiffy 30 out cuts it by far. He has the 8" chipper blade. I always count in seconds how long it takes other people on the ice to get through the ice. My auger is always faster. But I think my friends Jiffy is the fastest I have seen.

[motocross269]

Welcome to the addiction that is IS!! Please update your profile with your location! You said MI, but where?? 

Thanks....Profile updated....I live in the Thumb area......If you were here I would point to my hand like all Michiganders do..

[OldSailor]

Thanks....Profile updated....I live in the Thumb area......If you were here I would point to my hand like all Michiganders do..

Thanks for updating and for being our guinea pig!! Make sure you give us a full report on the auger being it's brand new!! Hopefully you'll get it plenty early so that you can play around with it and become familiar with it before you hit the ice!! 

[lefty2053]

Check it out.

[masoneddie]

Looks good!! Thanks Lefty....

[OldSailor]

X2

[Conspector]

Mine runs great in the garage. Glad the heat wave is finally ending in wyo.

[Spaz163]

Had mine out on the ice yesterday, drilled around 20 holes with it and had zero issues. Cut the ice plenty fast, never bogged, always started on first pull after initial start, no more leaking. What more is there to say, no complaints!

[miked77]

Ordered mine last week. Cant wait to get it! will be my first power auger.

[doitallman]

I've owned two gas jiffy's and a pro 4 all in 10inch . The propane always starts first or second pull as long as the bottle doesn't sit outside all night in below zero weather. The propane has a tad more torque and is slightly slower. But will still drill five holes too a z51 10inches 2 holes. In 18inch ice. I love the propane makes fishing easier and more comfortable. But I broke it(not mechanical failure just flat broke it) and was considering the new Eskimo high compression 40. A little lighter and seems better designed.  But I'm a jiffy guy and can't convince myself.  There's not much for reviews good or bad. And it doesn't have a lot of test hrs. Any thoughts?