walley Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I am having problems with my 3 cycle jiffy I was thinking about trying the 4 stroke ice auger, anybody have any opinions on the 4 stroke auger? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huey Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I have a 4 stroke auger, Strikemaster StrikeLite, and like it. I've used it for 2 seasons and it has always (knock on wood) started, ran, and drilled holes nicely. The +'s are it is light, quiet, no mixing oil w/ gas, no carrying a mixed gas can, and less fumes. The minus is that it is possible to break the plastic fluting on the auger. I did that late last winter when the ice was thick. Strikemaster replaced it no questions asked.If you do a search, you'll find lots of opinions on this auger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slipperybob Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I plan on getting a 4 stroke this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ameyers41 Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I have the strike lite and I like it a lot. Light, quiet. I only pull my stuff by hand, so the plastic flighting hasn't been an issue for me, but I could see how it could be if you bang it around travelling.I only have limited use of 2 strokes, but I wouldn't hesitate going with the 4 stroke. Also sounds like strikemaster has been taking care of their customers who break the plastic flighting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Hudson Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 Been running the Strike Lite for 3 years now.. Issues I have had were powerhead seals blowing out and the plastic flighting breaking.For the seals, StrikeMaster has remedied this problem with a new breather tube assembly. The older style would not allow the engine to breathe correctly or remove the condensation that built up into the breather tube. No problems with this now.For the plastic flighting, this was my fault. As with this auger bit, in deeper ice (over a foot), you need to make sure you clean the hole out as you cut down to the water. By simply lifting the auger once or twice before you break through, you remove excess shavings/slush to prevent excess force on the bit. This allows the bit to cut great and not break. This type of scenario should be used on all bits actually, IMHO. In deep ice, pressure can break welds and twists even pure metal bits.Overall, I love the Strike Lite. Quiet, fast cutting, light, and no more mixing of gas!! I have run bits from 5" to 9", both metal and composite, on this powerhead. All work great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northlander Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 Jim have you heard anything about Jiffy and Strikemaster not being able to get the US Tech motors any more? I hear they are looking to China and other motor brands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harvey lee Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 I believe you are correct on this one Steve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Down Deep Posted October 19, 2008 Share Posted October 19, 2008 One of my fishing buddies has one and was with him several days last winter. No problems with overall power or reliability, but don't leave them outside overnight if is going to be below zero because the one he has won't start until he warms it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huey Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 Jim have you heard anything about Jiffy and Strikemaster not being able to get the US Tech motors any more? I hear they are looking to China and other motor brands. US Tech motors?Are these the 2 stroke Tecumseh motors that SM and Jiffy have been using for years? That would be abig change.FYI Maybe everyone knows this already, but the strikelite has a 4 stroke motor made by Robin Engines in Japan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rod bender Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 You won't be disappointed with the Strikelite. The speed it drills is very equivilant to the Lazer (which I owned for several years) but the weight is what I purchased it for. When hole hopping I carry the auger in one hand and the Marcum/rod in the other. I haven't had one problem and I've owned mine for 2 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Brelje Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 rod bender, if i were catchin perch like that i wouldn't have a problem with the auger if it took me an hour to drill . My father has had a stike lite and has no complaints with the express auger on it. Had a few problems with the carbon auger but SM traded it in for the express auger with no questions asked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Johnson Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 Calm down... ***StrikeMaster still uses U.S. Techumseh motors No need to spread rumors guys I had a meeting at StrikeMaster and brought this to their attention and you will have the same motors in their augers this year as you have in years past. Nothing will change. I don't know about Jiffy, but I can assure you that StrikeMaster didn't go to China for their motors for any auger you intend to buy anytime soon. Where did some of you hear this info? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trapperdirk Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 I recall seeing that too Matt and that Tecumseh had basically shut its USA doors and moved on to cheap labour pastures . TD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BartmanMN Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 Been running the Strike Lite for 3 years now.. Issues I have had were powerhead seals blowing out and the plastic flighting breaking.For the seals, StrikeMaster has remedied this problem with a new breather tube assembly. The older style would not allow the engine to breathe correctly or remove the condensation that built up into the breather tube. No problems with this now.For the plastic flighting, this was my fault. As with this auger bit, in deeper ice (over a foot), you need to make sure you clean the hole out as you cut down to the water. By simply lifting the auger once or twice before you break through, you remove excess shavings/slush to prevent excess force on the bit. This allows the bit to cut great and not break. This type of scenario should be used on all bits actually, IMHO. In deep ice, pressure can break welds and twists even pure metal bits.Overall, I love the Strike Lite. Quiet, fast cutting, light, and no more mixing of gas!! I have run bits from 5" to 9", both metal and composite, on this powerhead. All work great. Jim, could you post a picture of the new breather tube assembly? I wanted to see if mine has the upgraded tube or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finn Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 Hey Matt, where did you get your info? I heard from insiders in auger business that Tecumseh engines are going to ship their last engines by end of December and after that no more engines or parts for Jiffy or Strikemaster engines. This is going to be a serious issue. Jiffy has one new chinese motor and Strikemaster has yet to find one for next year. How are we going to get parts and service for our augers after this year? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
croixflats Posted October 26, 2008 Share Posted October 26, 2008 If you get a four stroke moter how do you get that fix of two cycle aroma in the air. You know, that aroma that takes you back to ice fishing when you start up the chain saw in the middle of summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zamboni Posted October 26, 2008 Share Posted October 26, 2008 Whats that Nils 4 Stroke weigh??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyle Sandberg Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Pretty sure its the same as the stikelight, around 23 pounds.Guys, Matt said he had a meeting with the guys up at Stirkemaster. How can you chalenge that credibility? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harvey lee Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 The exact weight of a Nils 8 inch auger is 22 pounds. I have had no issues to date with any of the Nils auger I have owned. I will say this, treat the shaver blade right and it will treat you good. On a lake like Upper red with alot of sand in the ice, the blade will dull a bit qicker than a shaver blade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTro Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Whats that Nils 4 Stroke weigh??? Nils doesn't make a 4 stroke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zamboni Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Originally Posted By: zamboniWhats that Nils 4 Stroke weigh??? Nils doesn't make a 4 stroke. I know I have seen ads for one. Just can't remember where Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harvey lee Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Correct Darren. 2 stroke only as far as I know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now ↓↓↓ or ask your question and then register. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.