Strikemaster Strike-Lite question?

[mnhunter2]

Was wondering if anyone has a review of the 4 cycle strike-lite auger performance with the new non-steel auger and how well they start when its really cold?

[munchy71]

Mine runs great! I had absolutely no issues with starting it las winter. The composite vanes on the auger are tough, too! They survived a fall from my 4-wheeler that cracked the plastic shroud that wraps around the motor . Mine bounced around ia a trailer all the way to Waubay last year without so much as a scratch. I'm pretty hard on equipment and have yet to break the composite auger.

-Munchy

[Kodiak]

starts easy, very quiet, no smoke, pump gas....the only bad thing about it is you have to set it down a certain way and carry it a certain way or the oil gets in the plug. That would be the only downfall, its got the lazer blades and the thing has some torque. If you can spend the extra 175 bucks go for it. you will not be dissapointed in your choice!

J

[zamboni]

Yep, love mine. No auger issues, starts right up, and if you can be just a little patient, like I was last season, Gander knocks $100 off at the end of the season

[NAMASafetyDirector]

Used one about 5 times last winter and overall it worked really well. The composit flighting on the one I was using did break a portion of the auger about 1/2 way up however but it didn't seem to affect the operation. The only major problem I found was in late season when the ice was getting up to 40"+ thick the auger did seem to run a little low on power especially trying to break through the last 2-3" inches if hard crusty ice. The two stroke augers seem to have a little easier time pushing through due to higher auger r.p.m. But I agree with the other guys, much easier to deal with and works great 95% of the time!!

[hanson]

Quote:

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The only major problem I found was in late season when the ice was getting up to 40"+ thick the auger did seem to run a little low on power especially trying to break through the last 2-3" inches if hard crusty ice.

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Be careful at this point. I'm thinking late, late season when the ice is starting to get soft, you have to repeatedly pull the auger out to clear the slush out of the hole or you'll lock the auger in solid. Happened last year on Upper Red to my dad's Strike-Lite. Took a solid half hour, 3 guys, 2 ice chisels, and broke all the plastic flighting off trying to get that auger out of the ice.

That plastic "cup" on the bottom of the auger where the blades attach is a nuisance. It packs with slush real bad. When its really cold outside, water and slush freeze into there in no time at all when drilling 20 plus holes in a run. Then you are dead in the water until you find a way to get the ice out of there. Beat on it with something? Yeah right. Melt with a torch? Ha... plastic auger!

I've got really, really mixed opinions on these augers. There are a few things I absolutely love and there are a few minor problems which really bug me.

My overall review is high! Love them! However, there are a few small problems and annoyances that need to be remembered.

[pegleg]

Hanson, I totally agree with you on your review. I didn't lock mine up to the degree you did but if you had an ice crust on the blades it would just spin. I broke the plastic auger also last winter. Last week I took it back to Strikemaster in Big Lake and they were willing to replace the plastic auger at no charge. Decided to buy a steel auger to mount on it for $80 rather than mess with the plastic one again. The guy that worked on my auger at Strikemaster said he has a steel auger on his also. Great auger otherwise though and hopefully the steel part is the best of both worlds. Quiet 4 stroke with no smoke plus cuts like a regular Strikemaster auger.

[CDE]

I have had my Strike Lite for 2 years now. Love the engine. Last year had lots of problems with ice build up and would stop cutting. Emailed Strikemaster on it this fall. Their suggestion, Spray the blades with Pam. I think I will stick to my old auger blade and the 4 stroke head.

[Kodiak]

how about knocking the slush out of the cup before setting it down to freeze.

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

The strike lite head with a 224 bottom would be my choice. This would be a S/O item. There are places that will take the time to help if interested.

[CDE]

Never got a chance to set it down. It iced up while cutting the holes.

[hanson]

Quote:

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Never got a chance to set it down. It iced up while cutting the holes.

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Yep. If you cut more than 15 holes at a time when its 0 below, the slush and water will freeze and buildup after each hole until its packed full and you are left with a slight problem.

A regular Lazer auger will do this as well but the ice always seams to bust off in the cutting process. Not the case with the Strike-Lite as the ice is collecting on the plastic "cup" and not necessarily the blades. Once the "cup" ices up so much, there is no where for the shavings to go.

[Matt Johnson]

A tip that should be used with any auger is to tap the throttle after punching a hole once the auger is out. That will clear away any slush and water. I've punched up to 30 holes in one pass with my StrikeLite on below zero weather without any problems. So, once you finished cutting a hole and you pull the auger out of the ice, tap the throttle for a quick spin to clear any excess slush and ice chips, it will make a world of difference when looking to keep your auger up to speed...

[Kodiak]

i tap my foot on the outside of the cup everytime i drill a hole to clear it out.

[munchy71]

If you give the auger a little gas as you're pulling it out of the hole you've just finished, you can also clear enough slush from the hole that you can fish it without having to skim it.

Also, whenever you have enough chips in the hole to cover the auger "fluting" on the shaft. You need to lift the auger to clear the chips from your hole. You don't have to take it all the way out, just give the auger a second to move some debris outta the hole. Sometimes on thick ice, it's necessary to do this a couple of timese before you break thru.

I'd love to see what the guys that have broken the plastic fluting on the Stike-Lite's did to break it. As long as you clear your hole while drilling, don't store your auger upright in a partially drilled hole, tap the slush out of the cup after every hole and don't throw other gear in on top of it during transport, there's absolutely no reason why the plastic should break...

-Munchy