Strikemaster or Eskimo?

[red_eyes]

I was wondering which one to get. I was looking at the mag2000 w/ a 10" bit, and a 10" Eskimo Shark w/ chainsaw engine.Ive looked through, all the posts , and was wondering which would be the best for the money, reliable. they're both priced around the same, any opinions?

[iceintheveins]

I have an eskimo 10" barracuda. When I first got it, it didn't work for crap. It would hardly start, and would stop when drilling holes. So we got it repaired, and a new spark plug and found a small piece of plastic was rattling around inside it. Since then it has worked really well, been very reliable. I always carry a backup hand auger though.
I think I would recommend the strikemaster for this reason.

Tyler

[rgfixit]

My Strikemaster has been a solid investment.
RG

[red_eyes]

I do have a nils master hand auger 8" which i like very much, but i would also like to own a gas auger. I dont mind how fast it cuts, I just would like to find one that is reliable, and not too expensive. One that is over 8". anyone know how  much the eskimos with 10" bit weighs. the powerheads alone are around 19lbs.

[Bean]

I  anyone know how  much the eskimos with 10" bit weighs. the powerheads alone are around 19lbs.

red_eyes, The 10" auger drill assembly is 12 pounds.

[red_eyes]

31 lbs, not bad


thanks bean

[WVBoy]

I have a 10in. Strikemaster I bought last year.Very faithful piece of equipment.Not the fastest thing out there but id rather have a slower auger than one that doesnt run 8) I also think that parts are easier to find for a strikemaster than a eskimo as well.

[billditrite]

i think they use the same tecumseh engines!

[iceintheveins]

Yes my eskimo barracuda runs on a tecumseh engine. It almost always starts easily now and runs well. But still I remember when it wouldn't work so I carry a backup hand auger always.

Tyler

[jacksmelt71]

I HAVE A ESKIMO SHARK IVE HAD FOR 3 YEARS NOW AND NO PROBLEMS. I ALSO HAD A 2HP ESKIMO FOR 8 YRS. BEFORE I UPGRADED TO THE SHARK. NO PROBLEMS WITH EITHER. NEW PLUG EVERY YEAR, SHARPEN THE BLADES AND LET ER' RIP!! I FIND THE SHARK IS QUITE A BIT LIGHTER THAN THE 3HP JIFFY WHICH IS NICE.

[iwannabfishn]

just got an eskimo shark and I'm lovin it! 1st time out was 9 inches of ice in under 7 sec.(I'm really impressed) .The shark has an EMAK engine which is Italian made (think Ferrari and Duccati) For my first power auger, I'm really impressed(good price, good power, good speed) and from what I heard, pretty reliable too!!!