Ice Fish Ohio Forum

Ice Fishing => General Discussion => Topic started by: PKAuD on February 19, 2015, 09:56:54 PM

Title: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: PKAuD on February 19, 2015, 09:56:54 PM
Looking ahead to next season and i'm going to invest in a power auger. Gas vs. Propane, that is the question. Anyone running one of the propane machines? I'd like to hear anyone's input on them.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: quackpot on February 20, 2015, 05:20:30 AM
I'm going to look into a propane auger also. I've heard nothing but good things. I to stay as light as possible.
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: Fishin 2 on February 20, 2015, 07:08:31 AM
Jiffy model pro 4 9", got mine this year and love the no gas smell, was out last week, -10 actual temp, fired right up. Sure makes some ice fly, a little sluggish at the bottom of hole till it gets warmed up but then look out. As far as weight, mine weighs 36 lbs on a bathroom scale, little heavy but theres no pushing down.Will never go back to gas for sure.
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: PKAuD on February 20, 2015, 07:05:39 PM
Awesome! Thanks for the input. I really like jiffys, their gas models eat ice like no other.
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: Fishin 2 on February 20, 2015, 08:11:27 PM
The only drawback to the pro 4 models is you must haul, store it with the plug up, otherwise it will allow crankcase oil into the carb. The pro 4 LITE models however, you can lay any way you want. I cut a milkcrate at a corner down a ways to accommodate the auger bit but it will set, plug up in my frabill magnum when being transported. Need to make a new carrier for my atv and snowmobile . It has a high profile when hauling due to the plug up  restriction.
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: CrapPie on February 20, 2015, 08:32:55 PM
Jiffys are $499 and weigh approx 39lbs, eskimos are $399 and weigh approx 32lbs. Jiffys are higher geared and "APPEAR" to go faster,but run on 1 blade.Witch means the auger has to turn a full 360degrees to complete a cutting turn. The Eskimos "APPEAR" to run alot slower but they cut with two blades witch is why they are geared lower.They complete a cutting turn every 180degrees..With that said they both cut at an equal pace.So dont let the water flinging jiffy fool ya at its high speed..However i prefer either over a gas machine cause   theres less carb issues,fumes and who wants to smell gas if you overspill or spring aleak. One little propane bottle can keep ya warm in your heater and drill your holes and are cheap n easy to refill...SO,im suggesting an eskimo propane due to cheaper price and lighter wieght but i might just be a weak tighta$$ haha? Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: wannafish on February 21, 2015, 04:34:46 AM
i just bought the eskimo and will get to take it out for the first time today i got mine on amazon for $407 with free shipping it seems nice fires up easy and over all pretty light i went with the eskimo because i can resharpen the blades myself and eskimo built the motor special to run on propane i heard the eskimo cuts 5 holes to the jiffys 3 if its true or not i don't know but i will re-post after i get to run mine today and let you know how i like it
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: wannafish on February 21, 2015, 09:46:05 PM
took my eskimo out today it was a little hard starting at maybe 5 pulls but i dont disconnect the tank and bring in the shanty to keep it warm...overall i was really happy seems to have plenty of power and i was drilling through 16-18 inches of ice
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: PKAuD on February 22, 2015, 07:20:37 AM
Thanks wanna fish!
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: Fishin 2 on February 22, 2015, 12:41:45 PM
Jiffy Pro Propane Ice Auger vs. Eskimo Mako (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2rSAycgerI#)
Jiffy vs. eskimo, hmmm
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: CrapPie on February 22, 2015, 02:29:50 PM
Im not sure what this video proves, thats a gas eskimo,propane jiffy. Poorguy with the jiffy gets wet feet.I bet he wished he bought a Eskimo HC40 propane after he sat down to fish.Wonder if both had new or sharp blades? Hillbillly youtube comparison videos can be so misleading.. I want to race this guy(20holes) with my Eskimo propanehc40 and compare clothes dryness,deafness and a back pain test afterwords. I win! And have an extra 100 bucks in my pocket!
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: Fishin 2 on February 22, 2015, 08:21:06 PM
Well, if ya like gas smell on your hands and on your stuff, guess gas is for you, me I like propane, seems you can use whatever you or your budget dictates but you asked , They showed ya, jiffy will make the ice fly, I'm done, have a good day, sorry fella's, just can't please em all.
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: Fishingoat on February 22, 2015, 10:48:02 PM
I have a gas lazer mag lite with the Tecumseh engine before they changed over to Honda.  I bought it new 5-6 years ago.  Runs like a champ.  Been thinking of converting an old weed wacker engine over to propane and mount my hand auger to the arbor to give it a try.  That way I will have one for those lakes that do not allow gasoline.  There are conversion videos on you tube.  Doesn't look to hard.  I figure if a cordless drill can punch holes a weed wackier engine should be fine. Don't know for sure tho.
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: Minnowhead on February 23, 2015, 03:16:49 PM
Ran the Jiffy Pro4 and the Jiffy Pro4 lite. Both are awesome augers. Propane is the way to go. My 2 cents  8)
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: PKAuD on February 25, 2015, 06:40:21 PM
Thanks all. Seems like both are a win win.
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: wballard77 on February 26, 2015, 04:02:56 PM
Im not sure what this video proves, thats a gas eskimo,propane jiffy. Poorguy with the jiffy gets wet feet.I bet he wished he bought a Eskimo HC40 propane after he sat down to fish.Wonder if both had new or sharp blades? Hillbillly youtube comparison videos can be so misleading.. I want to race this guy(20holes) with my Eskimo propanehc40 and compare clothes dryness,deafness and a back pain test afterwords. I win! And have an extra 100 bucks in my pocket!

The video proves that a if you spend $240.00 more on an auger it will be faster.  Watch my $240 worth of lures catch more fish, faster!
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: Fishingoat on February 28, 2015, 08:21:17 PM
Can you use a propane power on lakes that do not allow gasoline or electric only?
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: fishingful on February 28, 2015, 09:16:34 PM
I would think so. Unless your not allowed to have a heater or lantern there.....
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: Fishingoat on February 28, 2015, 09:33:07 PM
Not many signs posted in the parking lots about heaters.  That would just be outright mean.  i will have to look into them just out of curiosity.  Too expensive to buy another power auger but see how allowing them on electric only lakes is a nice feature.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Thoughts on propane power augers
Post by: Garyoutlaw on October 14, 2015, 01:24:19 AM
I have been reading every bit of info I could find on the web for propane augers & finally found a deal from an unlikely local source - Dick's (online) was offering 15% off with free shipping for Columbus Day & I will receive score card rewards later in the mail. After tax I was able to get the Eskimo 8" for just shy of $400 -  Now I'll be tortured till ice season wanting to play with my new toy