Stihl augers

thorne · #1 03-08-2012, 09:05 AM

As I previously posted, my 2hp Tecumseh Jiffy Auger self destructed last weekend. So I have been researching every fishing forum in Canada and the USA, reading reviews, calling sale reps, what ever trying to find the best, most reliable,etc auger out there. Seems a newer models of all the usual suspects have some issues, leaving no clear winner. I know people have had augers of all brands for years and years, however those are no longer as everyone is swapping things up with new machines that will only time will tell if they pan out.

So what I have found is no matter what the piece of equipment, Stihl seems to come out on top for reliability and customer satisfaction. Have its a pricey rig. About $1000.00, but I have already lost $500.00, so I figure do it right once. Thing is its hard to find someone who uses one. Stihl doesn't actually make an ice auger, they are "Earth Augers" But they do come with ice drills and they are the ones used by the guys doing the ice road testing so it shouldn't be an issue.

I was just hoping on hearing from someone first had who uses one, and if it's worth the money. Any help would be appreciated. Mostly looking for info on cutting speed. My old Jiffy would throw ice chips and snow and cut really fast, but after using Geezle Auger which turned much slower, I kinda liked not having my boots and tent filled with ice shavings. The Stihls definately turn slower then typical Augers, but if it takes me 30 seconds to drill a hole compared to 15 seconds, the world will not end. Reliability and longevity far out weigh speed...

Mike_W · #2 03-08-2012, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thorne

they are the ones used by the guys doing the ice road testing so it shouldn't be an issue.

I heard the same thing about the husqvarnas!!

I have seen the Stihls and they seem big and bulky.

The Husqvarna is nice and light, starts runs and cuts like a hot dang!!

TyreeUM · #3 03-08-2012, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_W

I heard the same thing about the husqvarnas!!

I have seen the Stihls and they seem big and bulky.

The Husqvarna is nice and light, starts runs and cuts like a hot dang!!

I really like the husqvarna, but it is underpowered (in my opinion) for anything bigger than 8"

Stewie · #4 03-08-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TyreeUM

I really like the husqvarna, but it is underpowered (in my opinion) for anything bigger than 8"

there are different size motors for different size bits for the Husky... I believe the 8 and 10" are the same... I have the 10" and cuts fast and smooth

TyreeUM · #5 03-08-2012, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

there are different size motors for different size bits for the Husky... I believe the 8 and 10" are the same... I have the 10" and cuts fast and smooth

I also have the 10" and I just feel it is underpowered compared to other 10" augers on the market, just my opinion. Punching a ton of holes with an auger that takes 3 times as long to drill a hole will tire you out. I also really hate the blade style on this auger and much prefer the chipping style of jiffy. That being said, it has to be the most reliable motor on an auger I have ever used. I have drilled well over 1,000 holes with it this year and am on my third set of blades. Flip the choke, one pull, flip the choke back and the thing starts every time. After it starts, you could set it on the ice and it would run until it ran out of gas.

Mike_W · #6 03-08-2012, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TyreeUM

I also have the 10" and I just feel it is underpowered compared to other 10" augers on the market, just my opinion. Punching a ton of holes with an auger that takes 3 times as long to drill a hole will tire you out. I also really hate the blade style on this auger and much prefer the chipping style of jiffy. That being said, it has to be the most reliable motor on an auger I have ever used. I have drilled well over 1,000 holes with it this year and am on my third set of blades. Flip the choke, one pull, flip the choke back and the thing starts every time. After it starts, you could set it on the ice and it would run until it ran out of gas.

I think the husky is better off with an 8 inch I have a 40 lb 3 hp 10 inch jiffy for fishing lakers and big pike other than than that the 8 inch is the best bet, holes are quick auger is light. Nothing beats a 8 inch husky for mobile white walleye and perch fishing.
I have a 8 inch bit for my jiffy and it drills about the same speed as the 8 inch husky....make sure your blades are sharp.

AppleJax · #7 03-08-2012, 09:29 AM

I just bought a husqvarna, 22 pounds and cuts 30 inches of ice in 26 seconds, with no effort. By far the best auger on the market for ergonomics and reliability. They are on sale at Wholesale for 709.00 right now. Go buy one, you will not regret it. They sell under the Normark name but are a Husky motor with a mora auger.

Stewie · #8 03-08-2012, 09:29 AM

I have a Husky and have never had any issues…

I fish with a buddy who picked up a Stihl this season… like was said above it is a lot bigger than my Husky but it runs great and cuts ice no problem… His only complaint is with the drill it came with… seems the paint chips off real easy…

thorne · #9 03-08-2012, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

I have a Husky and have never had any issues…

I fish with a buddy who picked up a Stihl this season… like was said above it is a lot bigger than my Husky but it runs great and cuts ice no problem… His only complaint is with the drill it came with… seems the paint chips off real easy…

There is what I was looking for....someone who has used one...thanks! Anyway of asking your. Buddy if he regrets dropping a grand on it? Was it worth it?

thorne · #10 03-08-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_W

I heard the same thing about the husqvarnas!!

I have seen the Stihls and they seem big and bulky.

The Husqvarna is nice and light, starts runs and cuts like a hot dang!!

Yep looked at those as well, and they are a good machine, but they have aluminum gears and to much stress has been chewing gears. PLUS the Stihl has the torque break, so if it gets jammed it just stops and doesn't give you a twist. Price is pretty close as well. The Stihls also are very multi functional, the have earth attachments, wood auger attachments, and concrete coring capabilities. It's pretty much a power head you just throw on what you need.

Mike_W · #11 03-08-2012, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thorne

Yep looked at those as well, and they are a good machine, but they have aluminum gears and to much stress has been chewing gears. PLUS the Stihl has the torque break, so if it gets jammed it just stops and doesn't give you a twist. Price is pretty close as well. The Stihls also are very multi functional, the have earth attachments, wood auger attachments, and concrete coring capabilities. It's pretty much a power head you just throw on what you need.

Well did you need a ice auger or would earth auger and wood auger even get used?
I have read quite a bit about the Husqvarnas and never heard of the gears getting chewed up, where did you hear this?

If you need a earth auger get the stihl if you want a light packable machine get the Husky

thorne · #12 03-08-2012, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_W

Well did you need a ice auger or would earth auger and wood auger even get used?
I have read quite a bit about the Husqvarnas and never heard of the gears getting chewed up, where did you hear this?

If you need a earth auger get the stihl if you want a light packable machine get the Husky

I talked to a couple of local distributers who sell both and they have had a few huskys returned or related for gear damage, but that being said, it's no where near the rate conventional auger break down. They are solid machines, which is why I was really looking at them. As for using it the Stihl for other purposes, yep! Sure will. I build stuff, lots of stuff. I have no doubts as to the quality or reliability of Stihl products, I was just concerned about the ice drilling capacity as the rpms are alot slower then a typical ice only drill, but thanks to the above post, apparently it isn't an issue.

Thanks for the input guys, I love the amazing amount of experience and information on here. Couldn't help but think of the $$ Value of market research sites like this and others across North America provide manufactures. They would be crazy or just plain dumb not to be trolling looking for opinions and ideas....

AppleJax · #13 03-08-2012, 09:44 AM

Where did you hear the Husky motor has aluminum gears? I know the transmission housing is aluminum but aluminum gears would just be silly...

thorne · #14 03-08-2012, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleJax

Where did you hear the Husky motor has aluminum gears? I know the transmission housing is aluminum but aluminum gears would just be silly...

Straight from the distributer. Timberland supply. Was also mentioned on a few other forums I found. I have never seen it for myself so I can't say for sure, can only hope people are being straight up.