what's the best power auger [Archive] - The Michigan Sportsman Forums

Dawg

12-17-2004, 02:21 PM

Over the last month I did quite a bit of shopping and reading. I didn't want to pay top end but I'd also like my auger to last a few decades.

I read a number of threads here and nationally - found lots of brand loyalty, much like a Ford vs. Chevy argument.

Nils Master. Pros: dependable and comes with handle for manual operation. Cons: $500+, euro import, harder to find parts and or service.

Jiffy. Pros: read several reviews of long life "only one I've ever owned", great customer service and parts availability, Made in USA. Cons: 8" varies from $350 - $400.

StrikeMaster. Pros: Made in USA, great customer service, 4 blade option may be the current 'fastest' on the market (depending on who's making the claim). Ranges from $250-$410. Cons: Heard some durability complaints and frustration with holding an edge.

Eskimo. Didn't really hear many strong recommendations and hence didn't research pricing. Asian import with a lower price point.

For me the choice was between Jiffy and SM, they both offer several blade configurations and identical power plants (Tecumseh). Gearing is different. I went with an 8" Jiffy Stealth 3hp this past Wednesday. Wish I could give a full review but still waiting for mother nature...Hope this helps. Good luck.

Dawg

12-17-2004, 02:25 PM

Pricing was fairly competitive everywhere I looked, didn't find any internet discounts. I bought at Gander Mtn because they are local for me. Most of the major retailers provide a discount/future voucher if you use their credit card.

Ed Michrina

12-17-2004, 02:34 PM

The strike master imo is the choice to go with. you can cut holes in pre drilled holes or drill a hole right next to a hole you just drilled. It won't bounce around from hole to hole like others, nice if you want to make a spearing hole. As far as how they hold up. You shouldn't have a problem with an 8 inch . The 10 inch puts a little more stain on the gears. I've owned my for 6 years now and it starts like a dream. Also check the weight of the auger. They are all good. I just like the way SM cuts. You don't push on the auger it pulls you down when its cutting. My blades needed replacing after 4 years. Sharp blades will add to the longevity of the auger. Good luck.

ICEGUY

12-17-2004, 03:53 PM

I have a strikemaster 8". It works great. Had for only 2 years, don't use it too often, but it starts everytime, and did not have to sharpen yet. tightlinesyall

TrailFndr

12-17-2004, 03:58 PM

I bought the Jiffy Steelth 8" with 2 HP. While I have not used it as yet, (waiting for Ice) it, like the SM will redrill old holes, and drill next to and into other holes according to the literiture that is inclosed with it. The Stealth also has a coating on the blades to prevent ice buildup.

I think alot of it is personal choice. Most power augers will do the job htey are designed to do. I got the jiffy cause I got it on sale when they first came out in Early November at BP. Saved almost 50.00 and then another 10% by applying for the BP credit card (which also gives you points towards future purchases)

Houghton laker

12-17-2004, 04:26 PM

Had my 3hp jiffy for over 20 yrs. never a problem...sold it to a buddy and got a new stealth version......I never had a problem opening old holes, have never needed to make connecting holes so I can not say anything about that! My Jiffy I had for 20yrs. and never sharpened the blade...but always had a cover for it so it was never damaged or dulled.....either the SM or Jiffy would be a good choice.....the new 4 blade SM.....well ...I could see having to replace 4 blades instead of 1 on a jiffy!

koby

12-17-2004, 04:35 PM

Strigkemaster Laser XL-3000, 10"

once you fish through a 10" hole, youll be spoiled.....especially in the shallow waters near shore on LSC, where i mostly fish

i drill two holes very close together and knock the center out...this gives me a huge field of view...you can really see whats going on down there

cant do that with a 6" hole!!!

William H Bonney

12-17-2004, 07:44 PM

Like Dawg said,, this is the neverending "Ford v. Chevy story. I had a Jiffy for 5 or 6 years, never had a problem with. I started out with a 10" SM, that didn't make it through its "maiden voyage", neither did either of the other 2 SM's I bought. Thats how I landed on a Jiffy. From what I understand, SM's has "improved" their durability in the last couple of years, so any choice should suffice. Last year I sold the Jiffy and went with the cordless drill auger, and I'll never go back to a power auger,, just too much weight to lug around with no ATV. Only drawback is the 6" hole,, that just plain SUCKS compared to an 8 or 10. oh well.

Tin Can

12-17-2004, 08:07 PM

I like my Strike Master 8", but I have never tried a Jiffy thus I cannot do a comparison.

Tin Can

I have heard that the Jiffy transmission is more reliable, but the strike master drills better and faster holes.

Tin Can

koby

12-18-2004, 06:34 AM

Tin Can said

"I have heard that the Jiffy transmission is more reliable, but the strike master drills better and faster holes."

i can attest to the weakness in the SM's trans...ive blown out 3 transfer gears on mine...sheared the teeth right off...i think theyre designed that way so you dont shear off the teeth on the drive gear which would be harder to replace

but....i blew them out digging holes on my property for fence posts (heavy clay with plenty of rocks)!!!

Ed Michrina

12-18-2004, 11:47 AM

Koby did you get any fsih after digging through the rocks and clay. :lol:

I don't think that is what SM is made for I'm supprised you only damaged what you did

koby

12-18-2004, 12:50 PM

ED

i did try jigging a few holes....the visibility was poor...i dont think they saw the bait!

actually, when i blew out the gears, i had an earth digging auger on it....you can get those from the shop in MN on the Strikemaster website...but i would only recommend it for rock free, sandy soils!!!

Tin Can

12-18-2004, 01:18 PM

Nice way to get worms though aeh Koby

Tin Can

I intentionally purchased the 8' as opposed to the 10' just assure that the trans would have a longer life.

I am very happy with my choice of Strike Master especially when I am drilling two holes right next to each other and break half way into the 1st and the drill does not walk.

.

eyecatcher

12-19-2004, 12:12 AM

I have a jiffy thhat I bought in 1986. 3hp 9". I have put a new sprk plug in it 4 times in all those years. I change blades when they start to get dull. I tried shapening them, but it seems that once they lost their edge, they just won't take a new one and hold it for any time. I always carry a spar set with me. I have a 24" extention for the jiffy because I was fishing jams a lot.never had a problem drilling as much 5' of ice. I have never had a minutes trouble with the jiffy but I have fished with friends who have SM and Eskimos and they have all had problems.
My vote is with the Jiffy.

szpak

12-19-2004, 12:38 PM

I like my Jiffy 3hp 8" auger, it's reliable, it cuts fast & it's made in the USA. It is heavy, if you are looking forr something light weight check out the 2hp model.

perchguy

01-21-2005, 09:23 PM

stinger63

01-21-2005, 09:29 PM

Theres no need for an power auger unless the ice is more than 10 inches thick.Anything else a chain saw is lighter to carry and cheaper depending on the brand.

Ed Michrina

01-21-2005, 10:01 PM

I bought a SM auger last week and it would not start. I took it back to the dealer and they gave me a new one. I had the same problem with the new one. I took it to a local repair shop and was told that there was really nothing wrong with it except that it had a Tecumseh engine and they are hard to start. The mechanic showed me few tricks for getting it started but it is still difficult. I was wondering if anyone had run into a similar problem.

I have an older SM with the same engine. I Just got back from Simcoe it was 14- below 0 . mine wouldn't turn over cuz evrything was too cold (it was hard to pull the starter cord) . I warmed it up in the hotel for a few minuets and it started like a dream. after that sitting on the ice for hrs, It would start right up. What helps me is- put the choke all the way . pull it until it starts then move it up to center choke (while rinning) let it run a few seconds and move choke off. The big trick is just to let it run for a few minuets to warm up. I then lift the blade off the ice and let it fly a few seconds . Its set to go.

gsepan

01-21-2005, 10:17 PM

I Just got back from Simcoe

Ed,

I've been waiting for your post on how you did. I'm up there next weekend and about to bust at the seems!!!:yikes: Please tell me all good things... limit catches etc. even if you have to stretch the truth a little.
;)

Ed Michrina

01-21-2005, 10:35 PM

gsepan we went out of keffers, Cooks bay. the whole bay is 12" or better with no pressure cracks. we fished just left of the green huts a few 100 yards and got non stop fish, all day. The problem was they were all fat 8 inch perch. we prob. got 500 perch and kept all 9 to 10 inch with a few 11's for our limit for two of 200 perch. The lake was locked up but not all safe. I think the big fish moved into the lake , they were getting hogs our last day at the teepee or (A-frame houst) just north of cooks bay. That could change and I'd think most of the lake would be great fishing by the time you get out . PS the old best western is now a hole in the wall. I won't get in to that but they took 20 bucks off the room

when we were on cooks bay. the first day you could see the fish on the bottom in 19 fow. the second day due to snow and clouds we just lost the bottom by a foot or so. we did notice when we brought a fish up the whole school would follow and stick around untill you threw the fish back in. That is how we ended up with the bigger than 8 inch fish. we would pull the school up and use a jig to pick out the bigger ones. It was a blast. I'll post a photo but my camera was frozen so its not a clear photo.

THE RIG:
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/4763P1190002-med.JPG

HALF THE CATCH. MY HALF :)

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/4763P1200008-med.JPG

mwakely

01-22-2005, 07:17 AM

Save your money and buy a Lazer Hand Auger they are lighter and just as fast as a power auger. I have a Strike Master Power Auger I bought in 1979 and I fire it up every year but never use it in lower Michigan. So if ya only fish lower Michigan I'd save my money.

Hunt4Ever

01-22-2005, 10:46 AM

Strikemaster Lazer Mag Ultra. 9" hole and worth every cent. I will NEVER hand auger through 20+" of ice again!

patcheroo

01-22-2005, 10:54 AM

I will NEVER hand auger through 20+" of ice again!

:yeahthat: ...........................Patch

Pauleye

01-24-2005, 11:03 PM

I was looking for some feedback or advice on what brand or model gas-powered ice augers anyone’s been using or has had experience with and WOW I finally found it on this Site!!! :)

Basically there are two major manufactures; StrikeMaster & Jiffy that are readily available from most of the larger fishing shops around my area.

I owned a 9” triple blade model from StrikeMaster however after just a few trips it stopped cutting through the ice and would severely bind up in the ice hole if you paused for a second. The store I bought it from took it back for full credit because there was a recall associated with this model and due to the poor drilling performance. The new 8” & 10” four-blade models from StrikeMaster look impressive and I had one on order until I found out that StrikeMaster is also recalling all of their 10” four-blade models because of ice drilling problems.:yikes:

I'm still looking, however it sounds like the Jiffy models are built to last and have fewer problems. :confused:

tommy-n

01-24-2005, 11:47 PM

I have a jiffy that is 30 years old and still works, has the old style auger were the blade is not replaceable. I have been thinking about buying a new auger for the power head. Do you guys think it's worth it or just buy a whole new auger. The engine runs good, had the carb rebuilt last year.

FrankaB

01-25-2005, 09:18 AM

I bought a Jiffy 3hp last year. Hard starting at times and seems to stall a lot. I'll have it wide open drilling a hole and it will stall half way through, starts right back up and I can finish the hole. Fresh gas didn't seem to help. Anybody else had this problem? I was looking in Jiffys web site for a service center and there isn't one in the 810 area code, not to happy about that.

Dawg

01-25-2005, 10:33 AM

FrankaB - I think the 3 stage choke is a pain when they're cold. Found mine stalls if the fuel cap vent is too tight, but idles smooth when open. However, I've found if they're too loose they make a great sinker @ $8.95/pop (whole gas cap) - I plan to make a safety harness. I also think that the SM has a retainer that keeps the vent screw from backing all the way out, something I plan to pass along to the engineers at Jiffy.

Also name brand oil mixes better.

Ed Michrina

01-25-2005, 12:09 PM

last time out I opened the nob for the air vent and losened the cap just to make sure. no problems.

Rencoho

01-25-2005, 12:37 PM

FrankaB, I've got a Jiffy 3hp 10inch thats does exactly as you described, stalls halfway into making a hole, gets really frustrating, I can't seem to get it to run smoothly. I've had it worked on several times, it still stalls. Like to get rid of it but I would feel bad selling it with the problems it has.

willie

01-25-2005, 09:53 PM

also have a 3hp 10in. same problem as everyone eles,stalling.but what i have found is don't use the choke at all!! prime 3-4 times if it does'nt fire after 3 pulls prime 1-2 more they flood very easy.also mine seems to be very COLD BLOODED once it's started let it idle revving it up to keep it running after, warm up,start drilling.once warmed up (15-20 seconds) i know it sounds like a long time,it drills like crazy.also this seems to be a one time deal with the priming after the frist startup after sitting for the a week starts 1-2 pulls without priming (don't over prime/no choke)also what i have found is it does not sound like a chainsaw when no load is applied RPM wise seems to sputter but under a load sound normal.i'd spend another $400.00 to replace it.

Houghton laker

01-26-2005, 07:52 AM

I read a similar post where someone said with that problem...hang your auger with a full tank of gas...start it and run it full bore till it dies...after that it will run much better...??? I know mine was new last year and like you said...it would die while drilling holes , but start right back up......I have used it enough now where it runs great and no more stalling!! When first started in the morning though...I always let it warm up a little!

FrankaB

01-26-2005, 08:48 AM

Houghton laker

01-26-2005, 09:19 AM

Do me a favor and when you get a response let me know what they say!! I also got mine from Thornebros. , I got me flasher there also....great place for top of the line products!!

Marrble Eyes

01-26-2005, 09:35 AM

I got mine last year too. Melon posted a thread last year about a good deal that he got with his at Thorne Brothers, so I got one. I just PM Melon and he says he has the same problem with the stalling. I was starting to think it was just me. Maybe your right HL, maybe its just not broke in yet. But I bet I get a answer soon. I just forward this thread with everyone complaining about the 3hp stalling to Jiffy.com. We'll see what happens.

I bought the Jiffy 8" LIGHTning series, 2hp version this winter. I had it want to stall a couple of times right after starting myself. I don't to date see a need for the 3Hp model unless I had gone with a bigger auger blade. I was punching holes this weekend that were 10-12 inches with no problem at all. I don't think I would want to haul around another 7lbs on top of what this one weights.

I just give it 15 seconds or so to warm up, and hit the throttle a couple of times before I start to auger a hole. It only seemed to do it right when starting up cold.

I blame it on being cold blooded. Since I started that routine it hasn't happened again.

I'll also say this, some things a fella shouldn't wait until he's 40 to buy. THIS IS ONE OF THEM.

Hey Ed, You got skies for that trailer when the snow gets deep, or you switch over to a sled and tote sled?

no neck

01-26-2005, 01:24 PM

I have a 3 hp Lazer Mag 8in blade SM that did the same thing. Took in in for service 3 times.

Started fine at the shop but when you went to drill a hole , STALL.:bash:

Finally contacted SM and talked to a tech. He said engine mfg. always sets them up wrong.:confused:

Contact SM , they will tell you which screws to turn and it will run great.

I love mine now.:grouphug:

wally-eye

01-26-2005, 01:36 PM

Pretty simple. Buy the most expensive one you can afford.......

FrankaB

01-27-2005, 09:06 AM

Thank you Frank:

This information has been circulated to Several People. And is
currently
being looked into.

Thank you for your interest in Jiffy Ice Drills.

Best regards,

Becky Justinger
Sales Account Executive
Feldmann Engineering & Mfg. Co., Inc.
Manufacturer of: Jiffy Ice Drills
BADGER Earth Augers
TurfVent Aerators
Website: www.jiffyonice.com
800.344.0712 ext. 101
E-mail: becky@jiffyonice.com

callie

01-27-2005, 09:13 AM

Jiffy: Feldman enterprises has, by far the most trustworthy, reliable and just downright effecient product out there.

William H Bonney

01-27-2005, 10:16 AM

These fellas are right, let the auger "warm-up" for a second. Also,, the stalling while drilling has a lot to do with "how" you're drilling the hole. I see so many guys try to drill a hole by placing the auger on the ice while its idling,( trying to line up the hole) then they slowly, hit the gas and try to keep it straight,,, DON"T DO THAT!!!!!!!! It will stall. Get that sucker goin' FULL TILT then stick it in the ice,, its not like a hand drill. Also, as with any type of drill, with whatever your drilling,, all of the ice/wood/dirt doesn't come outta the hole,, lift up on the auger a little bit so you get that extra ice outta the hole, then just keep goin'.

Dawg

01-27-2005, 11:56 AM

I bought a replacement cap and it is properly engineered so that the vent screw won't back entirely out. I was quite surprised since the Jiffy was brand new but it apparently had an older model gas cap.

Jacob Huffman

01-27-2005, 05:22 PM

My dad has used the same Jiffy 8" for over 20 years.I think he has rebuilt the carb and had to get a new gas cap but other than than it has been excellent.

MUSHY1

01-28-2005, 09:46 AM

The best power auger is the one that doesnt require a motor......Motors are too loud and they scare already wary fish, "Drill your own hole, and it will warm you Twice"

Mushy1

FrankaB

01-31-2005, 09:04 AM

Well I'd finally had enough of my auger stalling, so I looked at my operators manual for any carburetor adjustments. It says to take it to a authorized Tecumseh dealer for any adjustment. I don't follow directions very well. I went with the trial and error method on my high and low speed adjustments. Most 2 cycle engine manuals tell you the adjustment, except Tecumseh I guess. Worked for me, it ran like a champ this weekend, no stalling.