Author Topic: Which power auger to buy (Read 2155 times)

Rebelfisher · « **on:** Jan 03, 2009, 05:17 PM »

Guys, wondering if you can help me out. I have always used a jiffy power auger and the current one I have is from 1979. Parts for it are slowly disappearing. It cuts like a bear, but I do monthly repairs on it and I think its time for a new one. My buddies have new jiffies, but they dont cut as fast as mine. I saw ads for the strikemaster lazers and was thinking about getting one of those models (3 hp 2 stroke) any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Rebel.

nbguy · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 03, 2009, 05:23 PM »

I think if I was getting a new auger I would have to look at the new 4stroke by strikemaster.

benson78 · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 03, 2009, 07:42 PM »

If you have a hand auger I would probably go with the icegator I just got one my brother and friends in North Dakota were really impressed with how it drills no exhaust can use with your shelter already up no lugging around gas or having to set it down a certain way I love it.

highsparks · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 03, 2009, 08:11 PM »

If your auger is in good shape , an Icegator would be a great investment. Otherwise I have a Strikelite and really like it . So far it always starts in one pull , worms upo quickly and has never died once started. Its a bit spendy but worth every penny ......

stag · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 04, 2009, 09:25 AM »

I would get the Icegator if I were you...I am ordering one... and did alot of research and I have yet to find one reason NOT to get one the only thing that may be a deal breaker would be if I didn't have an auger now...( to use with the gator )

bushbunny · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 04, 2009, 09:31 AM »

Depending on your budget, get the Nils. If your budget will only allow the "armstrong" unit, it can always be upgraded to a power unit when your budget allows. You won't regret it.

lake snake · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 04, 2009, 10:08 AM »

Another vote for Nils, if your budget allows.

WhackMaster · « **Reply #7 on:** Jan 04, 2009, 03:04 PM »

i have a jiffy model 30 and wanted something lighter so i just ordered a strikemaster lazer mag xpress. should be about 12 or 13 pounds lighter.

matty23 · « **Reply #8 on:** Jan 05, 2009, 12:54 PM »

yeah them older jiffys are slowly becoming extinct we have 2 from the 70's and like you said ill put them up against any auger any day they are a cutting fool.......... wish they still made parts

boy wonder · « **Reply #9 on:** Jan 05, 2009, 01:27 PM »

I purchased a Jiffy STX pro 9"er this year...I really like it..it might not have the power of a 3hp but it does the job just fine...it's light, starts fairly well, once you get to know where it likes the choke and will be a good auger for me.

Haywood · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 05, 2009, 01:38 PM »

What all are you fixing on it?
If your auger cuts great, I would look at getting your professionally done over or just finding a new powerhead.

esox_magnum · « **Reply #11 on:** Jan 08, 2009, 07:30 PM »

Another Nils vote here. 22 pounds, all steel construction, 2 times the rated run time over its lifetime. I love mine wish I had switched years ago.

InSearchOfPerch · « **Reply #12 on:** Jan 08, 2009, 07:41 PM »

Nils! Nils! Nils!

Icewarrior · « **Reply #13 on:** Jan 08, 2009, 07:47 PM »

ive always said go jiffy or go home

dkfry · « **Reply #14 on:** Jan 08, 2009, 08:03 PM »

The new Jiffy stealths with the extra cutters will cut faster than any Jiffys from the past. Only problem is crappy carbs on the newer augers which are there regardless of the manufacturer which can be problematic.

Rebelfisher · « **Reply #15 on:** Jan 09, 2009, 05:36 PM »

Really appreciate everyones opinion. I was looking at the jiffy STX and are really nice...but i currently have a nils hand auger that could put some power augers to shame (maybe up to 9"...lol) and if a powerhead was attached to that drill....WHOA! look out. So i think i will spend the extra and get the nils powerhead..But one question...can i just order the powerhead since i already own the hand auger? Thanks again guys. Rebel.

dkfry · « **Reply #16 on:** Jan 09, 2009, 06:22 PM »

Yes you can get just the powerhead for the Nils. Its just a tanaka powerhead with a coupler to fit the Nils. I saw one at cabelas the other year for $340.

nbguy · « **Reply #17 on:** Jan 09, 2009, 06:37 PM »

If you get a Jiffy stay away from the 2hp models. I have a new one (less than a year old) and have to put a carb kit in it, it has no set screws to set the carb. I am hearing alot of people are not happy with the new Jiffies, the old ones where great but new ones are not the same quality. $:-\$

PCB · « **Reply #18 on:** Jan 09, 2009, 06:47 PM »

Quote from: nbguy on Jan 09, 2009, 06:37 PM

If you get a Jiffy stay away from the 2hp models. I have a new one (less than a year old) and have to put a carb kit in it, it has no set screws to set the carb. I am hearing alot of people are not happy with the new Jiffies, the old ones where great but new ones are not the same quality. $:-\$

Just a few issues with the new jiffies I have noticed...

the manufacturers spark plug is crap... not only is it crap, it is the wrong one. I took mine to a small engine mechanic because it would bog down and eventually flood... he put in a better and different gap plug and it ran great. No more boggin and certainly never flooding

also, you have to learn how they like to be choked. there is no one pull start with new augers... it may only take 3 pulls, but anyone who says one pull is full of it. Learn what the engine likes and it will start and stay running by the 3rd pull every time... no throwing your arm out pulling and pulling

once you get them running the way you like, it will stay that way and run great!! It took me almost a full season of fishing with my new STX to learn the ins and outs and what makes it run well.

the new STX blades are awesome... im glad i stuck with the 2 hp for convenience, but i wish it had just a bit more power... but it does everything I want it to

finally... AMSOIL... no matter what brand you go with, find AMSOIL and run it in your mix gas...

hope this is helpful... i dont regret buying my jiffy at all, but wouldnt mind seeing one of the eskimos in person\

PCB

dkfry · « **Reply #19 on:** Jan 09, 2009, 07:19 PM »

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but its not just Jiffy. SM is the same way since it uses the same motor. I have Tanaka power equipment also with compensating carbs and no adjustments. Havn't seen for myself but I suspect the newer Eskimo is the same way. Fixed carbs have been put on these engines for years. My 2hp Jiffy runs good (Around 4YO) and it has the non adjustable compensating carb but I suspect I will eventuall have trouble with.

Having no high/low speed adjustments have nothing to do with the carb needing a rebuild kit. The gap on the spark plug is adjustable on the stock plug and all replacement plugs its not fixed. Keep the rpm up while drilling. You might have to hold the auger back so it doesn't bite in so much. I see a lot of guys bog the heck out of their auger. Bogging is hard on the motor and the clutch. Use a fuel stabilizer and use fuel with no ethanol if possible. The ethanol tends to be hard on diaphrams and makes them stiff. A fuel stabilizer helps keep the fuel fresh and prevent gum and varnish.

News:

Author Topic: Which power auger to buy (Read 2155 times)