Author Topic: Thinking of Buying a new power auger (Read 7058 times)

fish_boy · « **on:** Aug 26, 2007, 08:17 AM »

I was thinking of buying a new power auger and wanted to know people's opinions on strike master vs eskimo augers. I've been using an eskimo auger for many years but it's starting to show it age and we can't get parts for it any more. So I'm a little biased towards the eskimo since we've used it for such a long time. But I've also heard good things about the strike master augers. I was considering Jiffy at one point but I used a buddys jiffy a few times last year and can't say that I really liked it. I think it was that it rotated the opposite direciton and I was so used to the eskimo auger.

Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks

Skipper · « **Reply #1 on:** Aug 26, 2007, 08:36 AM »

I am pretty sure that all new augers rotate couter clockwise, so take that out of consideration. Strike Masters are good augers, so are Jiffys. It seems that those who spent the money on a Nils dont regret doing it.

Check out our new sponsor. I havent seen their product in action, but it is worth a look.

http://icegator.com/

ice dawg · « **Reply #2 on:** Aug 26, 2007, 08:58 AM »

If the rotation of the auger is important, I believe the Strikemaster augers turn the opposite direction as Jiffys do which will probably be what you are used to. I don't think there is a bad auger out there, just lots of personal preferences.

fishfry · « **Reply #3 on:** Aug 26, 2007, 10:16 AM »

Quote from: ice dawg on Aug 26, 2007, 08:58 AM

. I don't think there is a bad auger out there, just lots of personal preferences.

I agree, they all cut holes when they run, and have sharp blades. Keep the gas fresh.

fish_boy · « **Reply #4 on:** Aug 26, 2007, 10:27 AM »

LIke I said in my previous post. I've never had a problem with the eskimo auger that I have now. The only thing is it's starting to show it's age and the clutch is starting to slip. And we can't get part for it. Other wise I wouldn't be looking around. And I know that with that Damm Murphy guy around that if I don't start looking at something I'll be out on the ice when the clutch finally dies (it's been rebuilt once already)

ice dawg · « **Reply #5 on:** Aug 26, 2007, 05:50 PM »

Quote from: fish_boy on Aug 26, 2007, 10:27 AM

LIke I said in my previous post. I've never had a problem with the eskimo auger that I have now. The only thing is it's starting to show it's age and the clutch is starting to slip. And we can't get part for it.

If you are that satisfied with the Eskimo that you have now, I sure wouldn't have any doubts about buying one of the new models. I have always had Jiffys and the one I have now will probably out live me. I'm an old coot and reliability means more to me than speed does. If I were looking to buy a new auger it would probably be anohter Jiffy, but I can't say for sure.

fish_boy · « **Reply #6 on:** Aug 26, 2007, 06:09 PM »

Has anyone used the new Eskimo Shark Z71 3.7HP auger? I use a 10 in auger are we are fishing for larger walleye on the bay of quinte.

brujharr · « **Reply #7 on:** Aug 28, 2007, 07:25 PM »

Jiffy Lite, 9"!! I don't have one, but wish I did!

putback · « **Reply #8 on:** Aug 28, 2007, 07:40 PM »

Check the archives, lot of discussion months back. I have a new auger with a Tecumseh engine, can't depend on it, I switched back to my old Tass. 30 yrs old, I think it quit once back in '98. Filled it w/gas. Think thats called operator error!

Oldbear · « **Reply #9 on:** Aug 28, 2007, 09:30 PM »

I've noticed the Eskimo runs at 8000 rpms and the strikemasta couple thousand less I believe. It just seems like it would wear out faster. Just my way of thinking.

ice dawg · « **Reply #10 on:** Sep 05, 2007, 11:06 AM »

I'm thinking that at one time Eskimo was saying that the 8,000 rpm engine was basically a chainsaw engine. I would think that it is designed to run those rpms with no problem. Two strokes are designed to be run hard. I don't know if the speed of the drill is faster because of the rpms or you just get more torgue from more rpms at full throttle. I bought me Eskimo new about 20 years ago and blew a corner out of the block about the third time I used it. I took it to the shop that does warranty work and they said it was because the crankshaft bearings weren't caged and put a new engine on it with caged bearings. I sold it and bought a Jiffy. The guy that bought it is still using it and it has been trouble free for him. He drills lots of holes.

eye hunter · « **Reply #11 on:** Sep 05, 2007, 12:45 PM »

Two years ago I bought a Tanaka and it zips holes quicker than any I have seen, and the big selling feature for me was the weight it runs about 16 lbs, half the weight of my 35 year old jiffy. a bit pricy but worth the money I think.

jayswimmer09 · « **Reply #12 on:** Sep 05, 2007, 09:03 PM »

i stand behind strikemaster 100%

Mainedog · « **Reply #13 on:** Sep 05, 2007, 09:07 PM »

I own a 3Hp Jiffy Legend and a 2Hp White Lightning. Two completely different machines.
I love the White Lightning. The Legend has always been a bit temperamental. The WL is much
lighter, starts easier, and drills faster. JMHO

pete/ny · « **Reply #14 on:** Sep 30, 2007, 05:15 PM »

Fishboy- after having gas powered augers for years and dealing with the fumes and gas stench, tried an electric auger last Winter up on Lake Simcoe and after using that one, ordered an Ice gator.Very nice unit, quiet and best of all no gas smell or having to lug cans with you.

holehopper · « **Reply #15 on:** Sep 30, 2007, 06:18 PM »

I know strikemaster makes a 4 stroke unit. Not sure about Eskimo. I've heard they are very slick to use.

duck doctor · « **Reply #16 on:** Sep 30, 2007, 06:54 PM »

Here we go...I have to blow my bag about Jiffy!

My buddy had an eskimo that he ranted and raved about. I used it for a season. I hated it. I went back to a spud. I bought a Jiffy model 30 10". The same auger my father had run for 22 years (I am now 26). I have had mine for 4 years now. Neither auger has given any trouble at all. My buddy is even running a jiffy model 30 9". I will never buy another auger as long as this model 30 keeps running. The problem people have with jiffys is that they think they will run out of the box, some will. Every jiffy I have had people complain about, I have adjusted the carb and they walk away very happy!

Buy a Jiffy!

Mainehazmt · « **Reply #17 on:** Oct 02, 2007, 07:56 AM »

Quote from: pete/ny on Sep 30, 2007, 05:15 PM

Fishboy- after having gas powered augers for years and dealing with the fumes and gas stench, tried an electric auger last Winter up on Lake Simcoe and after using that one, ordered an Ice gator.Very nice unit, quiet and best of all no gas smell or having to lug cans with you.

I agree with you 100% Ive even made a rig to be able to charge them with my solar panel and can charge them on the lake with the truck if I ever need too and after you get all your holes drilled you have spare batteries available for your vex camera and or lights!

Hollywood703 · « **Reply #18 on:** Nov 10, 2007, 12:24 PM »

However, the icegator is limited to 6" hole, which is not big enough for lakers or some larger musky........I cant recommend a product that is inferior in one way (auger size limitation) to a product that has been used for 20+ years.

zamboni · « **Reply #19 on:** Nov 10, 2007, 12:35 PM »

Quote from: brujharr on Aug 28, 2007, 07:25 PM

Jiffy Lite, 9"!! I don't have one, but wish I did!

Jiffy Lite? Thats redundant

IceholeFisherman · « **Reply #20 on:** Nov 10, 2007, 01:04 PM »

Quote from: Oldbear on Aug 28, 2007, 09:30 PM

I've noticed the Eskimo runs at 8000 rpms and the strikemasta couple thousand less I believe. It just seems like it would wear out faster. Just my way of thinking.

The new Eskimo Viper engine is a 8ooo rpm motor. The older model engines were around 6000.
Basically it is a chain saw engine. As for durability, think about how long and hard you run a chainsaw when cutting wood. I've cut so much wood over the years with my saw, that, if you were to cut that much ice, my favorite 680 acre lake would have no ice left to safely walk on. Point is, if you take care of your engine, it will take care of you. The Eskimo a friend of mine has (older Shark) is a perfect starter, and a perfect runner. He has no regrets.

Skipper · « **Reply #21 on:** Nov 10, 2007, 02:17 PM »

Has anyone else noticed that the new Jiffy 2hp STX and Stealth have a plastic gear case? $:-\$

Mainehazmt · « **Reply #22 on:** Nov 11, 2007, 07:54 AM »

the slower the engine rpms the longer the engine will run

polarfisher · « **Reply #23 on:** Nov 11, 2007, 08:57 AM »

Quote from: IceholeFisherman on Nov 10, 2007, 01:04 PM

The new Eskimo Viper engine is a 8ooo rpm motor. The older model engines were around 6000.
Basically it is a chain saw engine. As for durability, think about how long and hard you run a chainsaw when cutting wood. I've cut so much wood over the years with my saw, that, if you were to cut that much ice, my favorite 680 acre lake would have no ice left to safely walk on. Point is, if you take care of your engine, it will take care of you. The Eskimo a friend of mine has (older Shark) is a perfect starter, and a perfect runner. He has no regrets.

true that .(off topic) i had a two stroke gas scooter that ran awsome for 4 years, . the person i sold it to used it 7 months and trashed the motor. so it depends on how you take care of it. i can say gas is the only to go aa long as you keep up with regular mantence (tuning carb,checking piston ware).

dkfry · « **Reply #24 on:** Nov 11, 2007, 08:58 AM »

Quote from: Skipper on Nov 10, 2007, 02:17 PM

Has anyone else noticed that the new Jiffy 2hp STX and Stealth have a plastic gear case? $:-\$

The stealth Pro is the one with the new high torque gearcase. The other non high torque models use the same gearcase that they have in previous years. I havn't seen the new hight-torque Pro STX yet but in pictures it looks like it has a composite gearcase. I think it is probably a filled plastic and I'm shure it will hold up because the gears are what take the abuse. Not much force is transfered to the case.

I would not hesitate to buy another Jiffy auger. I have no problems with my Stealth after 3 seasons and have the 6" and 9" drill assemblies. I've seen Jiffys on the ice well over 20 years old. Even some single handle Jiffys. Jiffy makes a good auger hands down. The main problem with newer augers and any small engine equipment for that matter is the carburetors are junk.

1MOFISH · « **Reply #25 on:** Nov 11, 2007, 03:02 PM »

Quote from: Oldbear on Aug 28, 2007, 09:30 PM

I've noticed the Eskimo runs at 8000 rpms and the strikemasta couple thousand less I believe. It just seems like it would wear out faster. Just my way of thinking.

eskimo is it for me $$$$$$$ show me the cash mo

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Author Topic: Thinking of Buying a new power auger (Read 7058 times)