4 stroke Auger?

[Huey]

How did StrikeMaster 4 stroke auger work for guys last winter? Did it start OK on really cold days? I'm thinking of getting one this fall and would appreciate any advice.

Thanks, Huey

[hanson]

I talked my dad into buying one last winter. He absolutely loves it. Starting is not a problem,even in really cold, subzero weather. Its a torque machine, it cuts really fast, and is super light. Two thumbs up!!

[Burchoid]

Is this something a guy buys because he need a new auger? Or because he wants the latest and greatest? I have had the same lazer 8" 2HP auger for I think 5 years now, and it still runs like a top, even in ultra cold weather. I even modded it so that it runs at full RPMs. From the factory they run at about 1/3 throttle. It cuts about 2x's faster than any other auger I have seen yet! We're talking 18" of ice in about 3 seconds or so.

[deepportage01]

Dude, can you please tell me how you got the rpms up on yours? Thanks.

[newoodhntr]

How do the 4 strokes work on opening old holes like in a shanty? Newoodhntr

[Burchoid]

I would almost have to show you ... there is a spring that is connected from the throttle wire to the actual throttle lever on the motor itself. The spring is way too stretchy and loose. Even when you "floor it" the spring can't get tight enough to pull the throttle all the way open. I don't know if this is on purpose or not, but it is the case with ALL 2HP tecumseh motors from StrikeMaster. I replaced my spring with a smaller, tighter spring. I used the spring from a retractable pen. It allows the throttle to open wide at full RPMS when I slam down the little black lever on the handle bars. Ice flies about 2 feet in the air and my auger burns a hole through the ice!! WOOT!!

I am in Oakdale if you want to come take a look.

[hanson]

Quote:

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Is this something a guy buys because he need a new auger?

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Heck no. Keep using yours if thats what you prefer.

How are these for benefits though?

- The 4 stroke does not have the exhaust like a 2 stroke auger does. Works great in the permanent shack. You don't have to leave the door & windows open to clear the fog.

- You don't need to premix your auger gas. No more "special" gas can for the auger gas. No more trying to find oil for the auger, or remembering where you put the bottle at.

- One of the lightest production augers available. Even lighter than your Lazer 8" 2hp. Its easier on a guy, like my dad. Now he doesn't mind augering a few more holes.

- It is great at opening old holes. The plastic "cup" on the bottom steadies the auger in the old hole.

[deepportage01]

Hanson about how much are the 4 stroke augers going for?...... Burchoid, thanks for the offer but I think I got it in the bag I'll let you know how it works out.

[hanson]

Last winter they were around $500 but the price dropped seriously towards the end of winter as merchants were trying to clear inventory.

If I had a little extra cash, I would be buying one myself. I run an Lazer Mag Xpress 8" which is about 5 years old now and wouldn't mind the upgrade.

[Reynolds]

I would love to pick up one of these myself. It gets tiring dragging my 3hp 10" around all day. I literally think this auger is about half the weight of mine. Is it true that these augers have to be laid on a certain side, otherwise they may be ruined?

[stmichael]

I think that they are nice, but, I am not a fan of the plastic on the auger. I saw one last year that had a missing chunk of plastic on the auger (broke off)

They probably made them out of plastic to keep the weight off, but, I do not think that it was a smart choice to sacrifice durability. I am a firm believer in Strikemaster with the exception of this model.

The strike lite unit is only offered in 8" weighs 20 lbs.

The strikemaster mag 8 1/4" 2000 weighs 25 lbs. (10 1/4" inch 28 lbs.)

Laser 224 8" weighs 26 lbs. (10" -29 lbs.)

2 HP Stealth STX™ w/8" Stealth STX Cutting Technology (30 lbs)

2 HP Stealth STX™ w/8" Stealth STX Cutting Technology & Comfort Grip Handles (30 lbs)

Nils - no weight listed.

These are only examples from a few models, I did not want to waste too much time comparing, this is just to give an idea of what is out there.

I just wanted to show the weight advantage from one to another. To me I will live with the extra 5 lbs and 3 seconds longer to drill a hole, if, it is going to save me substantial $$.

[hanson]

Quote:

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Is it true that these augers have to be laid on a certain side, otherwise they may be ruined?

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You heard correct. The auger has to be laid down so the piston faces up/ gear case down. That way the oil in the crank stays in the crank when you aren't using it. Strikemaster engineers designed the auger so you couldn't really set it down any other way than the proper way.

As far as the plastic handles and plastic auger flighting go, they are made from a very similar material that trolling motors are made out of. I don't see too many guys on here whining and screaming about the durability of their Minn-Kota and wished they made one out of metal still. I think the point is that the plastic material can withstand normal use and abuse found in the world of operating an ice auger. Remember, the plastic flighting is only there to bring the ice chips and shavings to the surface. Does it have to be metal to do this job? There is still a steel shaft that runs down to the cutting head.

[pegleg]

Hanson, I totally agree with everything you said about the 4 stroke. I bought one last winter when Gander Mountain was closing them out - normally sold for $499 and I got it for $349. Sold my 1 year old Lazer for $200 and I wouldn't go back even though the Lazer is a great auger. 4 stroke no smoke, lighter, quieter and no mixing of gas (plus it doesn't really use much gas at all - must have drilled 100 holes last winter and still had a 1/2 tank).

[stmichael]

I guess it does not have to be durable if you do not need all the flightings in order for it to be operational. The shafts on the trolling motors are thicker (how many people use the trolling motor in below zero conditions). I am only speaking from what I saw. I understand that there are going to be a certain amount of defects no matter what the product is.

Aren't the handles made of the same material? People have been complaining that these also break, the handles are solid.

Do get me wrong, I like the powerhead, just not a fan of the auger bit. I prefer not treat my auger as gentle as the fishing poles. How about running across the lake with it strapped to the wheeler, bungee cord breaks and it takes a tumble, what are the chances that the flightings are going to be okay.

I was giving my opinion and if people do not agree that is fine, just an observation I felt needed to be expressed, particularily to someone looking into these 4 strokes.

[Huey]

Guys-

Thanks for the input. Sounds like the StrikeLite starts and cuts holes nice. I'll have judge the plastic and laying it down a certain way part for myself. I like the lightweight and no mixed gas part.

BTW, Is it wrong that it's Aug, I'm wearing shorts, and I'm already getting pumped for icefishing? It's starting to get cold at night!

Have a great Labor Day.

Huey

[Bruce Mosher]

I really liked my 4-stroke last winter. Started great with a little choke and cut well. Very lite! Bruce Mosher