pro and cons of new solo engines

[fish-a-man]

What are some thing you like about the new solo's compared to the tecumseh engines? any dislikes of them?

[Bigslugger]

Well they start easy. Mine doesn't even need priming and only takes 2 pulls no matter what. Also mine doesn't need time to warm up, when it starts it runs like it has for a few minutes.

No complaints here

[fish-a-man]

what about the noise issue? i have heard that they are much louder than tucumseh engine's

[JimBuck]

They aren't louder than a jiffy. I think it's a non-issue. Nice engines.

[silverbulletguy]

Not much louder if any. 2 pull start. And don't forget no vented gas cap = no gas leaked in back of truck.

[shnelson]

My solo starts like a champ, can usually start it up from cold on the second pull. I also have to agree that they don't seem to care about warming up (even though I make sure to let it).

Compression button is a nice plus, as well as the non vented gas cap.

My only complaint on the solo so far is the widely recognized recoil stick. It is nice that Strikemaster openly addresses this issue and provides a quick fix video though!

[&JAG]

what about the noise issue? i have heard that they are much louder than tucumseh engine's

They have a different echo than the old tecumseh. I personally like the sound it doesn't seem much louder, but the deep rumble gets your heart pounding.

[slabbin@thecabin]

they almost sound like a chainsaw. the best I have ever owned but I do agree with the recoil sticking. it is good to know strikemaster is open about the issue.

[hotrod1]

I love my new 3hp Solo. I don't think it is any louder then my older auger. It starts in 2 or 3 pulls. No gas dripping out of the cap is a huge bonus.

Out in subzero temps over new years weekend, drilled many holes and no problem with the recoil.

[Tallguy]

The Solo starts no problem in these cold temps. Great auger!

[fisherdog19]

It absolutely rips through the ice, much faster than the tecumseh.

[cabin]

Cuts very fast, easy start. Re-coil problem is such an obvious defect. Makes me question Strikemaster product testing.

[tonkapat]

After using one recently it seems they could use a more aggressive blade angle as the motor has no issues with turning the bit. Definately an improvement over the old engine.

[harvey lee]

After using one recently it seems they could use a more aggressive blade angle as the motor has no issues with turning the bit. Definately an improvement over the old engine.

After using one last winter there was no doubt in my mind that it cut as fast as my Nils and left the hole much cleaner.

As far as the the lube issue with the recoil, Strikemaster has addressed that issue very well I thought.

I was more than happy with the performance of the new Solo and the German motors are typically AWESOME.

[fish-a-man]

i am always skeptical when a product comes out with a huge change to it, but i guess the change was good for the product (maybe next year they will figure out a better system for the recoil) now i am hoping to be able to run one soon so i can see the difference first hand. thanks for the response guys.