Author Topic: What auger to buy nowadays? (Read 3740 times)

X-Treme · « **on:** Nov 24, 2009, 09:39 AM »

So...... with the new engines on the Strikemasters and Jiffy's, what does a guy buy for an ice auger these days. I'm in the market for a new one pretty quick here, and not sure what to buy...

Tainterslayer · « **Reply #1 on:** Nov 24, 2009, 11:32 AM »

Sounds to me that the Strikemaster is the better of the two.

sperrin · « **Reply #2 on:** Nov 24, 2009, 11:45 AM »

The cheapest new auger I could find last winter was an Eskimo Stingray...but it does have a smaller HP motor. I still had it cutting holes through 3.5 feet of ice and it worked not to bad.

There are better models out there but it was a nice auger for the price.

Stevo

Tainterslayer · « **Reply #3 on:** Nov 24, 2009, 11:59 AM »

Or you can just get an older model that's has the proven motors. Nothing wrong with something a few years old.

fishercat · « **Reply #4 on:** Nov 24, 2009, 12:03 PM »

Think out side the box you could go with a Nils or a electric auger.

bigbucky1 · « **Reply #5 on:** Nov 24, 2009, 06:19 PM »

What about an icegator you know they are a sponsor of the board, and they work great. my bro has one and it is great.

mbart · « **Reply #6 on:** Nov 24, 2009, 07:44 PM »

Nils Master, there isn't much difference in price between comparable augers. Light weight, fast cutting, efficent engine. I could say more, but when it comes to constructive criticism of augers everyone seems to get defensive.

bruce21m · « **Reply #7 on:** Nov 24, 2009, 07:47 PM »

get an older jiffy

icejunky · « **Reply #8 on:** Nov 24, 2009, 08:01 PM »

I have had a jiffy got 4-5 years and love it, if I had that cash in my hand today I would buy an ice gator, allows you the flexabilty of having a few sizes, and no gas

with Jiffy going with a new engine It makes it hard to back them till a few years are under there belt

X-Treme · « **Reply #9 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 10:23 AM »

Okay.... maybe I should re-phrase my quesation....

If you were to go out and buy a brand new with warranty gas powered auger tomorrow, what would YOU buy?

fishercat · « **Reply #10 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 10:39 AM »

NILS

icejunky · « **Reply #11 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 01:24 PM »

First choice Nils, second choice would be Jiffy (as it is what I know)

holehawg · « **Reply #12 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 01:33 PM »

Quote from: bruce21m on Nov 24, 2009, 07:47 PM

get an older jiffy

ditto.....

CrappieBuster · « **Reply #13 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 01:41 PM »

Strikemasters with the new German Solo engines are pretty nice. 3hp weighs the same as a 2.5 and 2hp model. No one seems to know where the new Jiffy engines are made.
Why doesnt someone start a company that uses Honda power heads? For people that know how good their engines are?

xcr440 · « **Reply #14 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 03:51 PM »

I am very happy with my eskimo 8" mako. Works very well for the price I paid. Cuts just as well as my buddies jiffy and I have $$$ left in my pocket.

JIGGIN- · « **Reply #15 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 04:29 PM »

Quote from: CrappieBuster on Nov 25, 2009, 01:41 PM

Why doesnt someone start a company that uses Honda power heads? For people that know how good their engines are?

Million dollar idea right there!

JIGGIN

SNAGGER · « **Reply #16 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 04:38 PM »

Quote from: icejunky on Nov 24, 2009, 08:01 PM

if I had that cash in my hand today I would buy an ice gator, allows you the flexabilty of having a few sizes, and no gas

GOOD POINT! I'm Sold!!! ICE GATOR it is!!! Got 5 hand augers!!!
Made in the USA too!

holehawg · « **Reply #17 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 04:44 PM »

Quote from: SNAGGER on Nov 25, 2009, 04:38 PM

GOOD POINT! I'm Sold!!! ICE GATOR it is!!! Got 5 hand augers!!!
Made in the USA too!

aaah hazzy got other one.....he must get a kick back....

Mainehazmt · « **Reply #18 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 04:54 PM »

I wish but there is only one auger to look into The Icegator 3rd year no issues and prob cuts thru deeper ice than 90% of you people see total in a year lol

FISHFORPIKE · « **Reply #19 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 05:07 PM »

Quote from: X-Treme on Nov 25, 2009, 10:23 AM

Okay.... maybe I should re-phrase my quesation....

If you were to go out and buy a brand new with warranty gas powered auger tomorrow, what would YOU buy?

Nils w/Tanaka head. There would be no other choice, given your criteria.

smitty0312 · « **Reply #20 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 08:30 PM »

Quote from: sperrin on Nov 24, 2009, 11:45 AM

The cheapest new auger I could find last winter was an Eskimo Stingray...but it does have a smaller HP motor. I still had it cutting holes through 3.5 feet of ice and it worked not to bad.

There are better models out there but it was a nice auger for the price.

Stevo

I bought a stingray last season, I love it, this is my 1st power auger and what I could afford, couldn't be happier so far. Smitty

jbird68 · « **Reply #21 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 08:40 PM »

Quote from: X-Treme on Nov 25, 2009, 10:23 AM

Okay.... maybe I should re-phrase my quesation....

If you were to go out and buy a brand new with warranty gas powered auger tomorrow, what would YOU buy?

Why a GAS Powered?

esox_magnum · « **Reply #22 on:** Nov 25, 2009, 08:41 PM »

Nils Master gets my vote, last gas auger you will ever need.

WYIfish · « **Reply #23 on:** Nov 26, 2009, 08:53 PM »

Quote from: Tainterslayer on Nov 24, 2009, 11:59 AM

Or you can just get an older model that's has the proven motors. Nothing wrong with something a few years old.

I just bought a brand new 3hp jiffy stx pro II, it cost me $500. It's half plastic, the gears make a heck of a racket, the muffler is a wrist ripper, the pull cord is a foot too short....what a piece of work!
My old Jiffy 30 is one much better machine, and it's 28 years old! It is not for sale.
I suggest snagging up a good quality used machine if any notable brand, put some new blades on it or clean up the carb. and enjoy the value for what it is. I do not see much value in any of the new models out this year. No real heirloom models like the old days. Hope this helps. There's nothing wrong with a spud if the ice doesn't get over 6 inches thick. Keep the spud sharp like a razor.

WYIfish · « **Reply #24 on:** Nov 26, 2009, 09:06 PM »

Quote from: CrappieBuster on Nov 25, 2009, 01:41 PM

No one seems to know where the new Jiffy engines are made.

The new Jiffy 2500 and 3500 engines are made in China with Jiffy engineers design. Jiffy won't discuss much about the new engines other than it produces more HP via changing the gearing from 12:1 to 15:1 for more torque. Also has a better coil, larger carberator, and visually I see an expansion chamber-like exhaust where the older jiffiy's had an open flow port/manifold. New engine with out a load delivers 7,500 rpm.
The new engine secrecy is not unlike NASCAR secrets....suppose?
Good point on the Honda engines. I have a generator with a great little single cylinder 4 valve 4 stroke Subaru motor. It starts great, has lots of power, and is thrifty on fuel. It's affordable and dependable after three years. Why isn't it on an ice drill?

getnjiggywithit · « **Reply #25 on:** Nov 28, 2009, 11:06 AM »

I'm surprised that not many people run husqvarna's
http://www.husqvarna.ca/node1817.aspx?nid=68464&pid=64729

FISHFORPIKE · « **Reply #26 on:** Nov 28, 2009, 01:29 PM »

Quote from: getnjiggywithit on Nov 28, 2009, 11:06 AM

I'm surprised that not many people run husqvarna's
http://www.husqvarna.ca/node1817.aspx?nid=68464&pid=64729

Nice - but only 1.21 HP? Light weight at only 12.9 lbs. Looks to be "slow" at only ~ 142 "auger rpm".
I's say it would be a bit slow.

I'd expect more from that company.

getnjiggywithit · « **Reply #27 on:** Nov 29, 2009, 09:42 AM »

Quote from: FISHFORPIKE on Nov 28, 2009, 01:29 PM

Nice - but only 1.21 HP? Light weight at only 12.9 lbs. Looks to be "slow" at only ~ 142 "auger rpm".
I's say it would be a bit slow. I'd expect more from that company.

I know the numbers are not all that impressive but similar to the niles! I have never seen a niles in action as there are no dealers in my area. There are models out there that spin faster but keep in mind that's a 10" auger and I'll it will cut a hole faster than any other 10" not to mention it is silky smooth and has the torque to rip your arms out of there sockets! The 6" model spins much faster!!! Ive gone through a few of the older jiffy's and they worked good but eventually the gearcases let go at lest on mine they did! So far 5 seasons and a good 15,000 holes and going strong!

shawno · « **Reply #28 on:** Dec 01, 2009, 01:59 PM »

Nils w/Tanaka powerhead...awesome piece of machinery. I used to own a brand new Jiffy STX...I sold it to buy a Nils. Best choice I ever made...it is lighter, faster, more fuel effiecient and cuts like nobody's business.

shawno

RickWakeman · « **Reply #29 on:** Dec 01, 2009, 06:30 PM »

I just picked up an Eskimo Mako 8' for $300 on sale. I probably won't be able to use it for a month or two.

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Author Topic: What auger to buy nowadays? (Read 3740 times)

FISHFORPIKE

FISHFORPIKE