Just checking to see if anyone knows if Jiffy changed anything on the propane ice auger they introduced last year. Thinking hard about biting the bullet on one. You guys that bought one last year, were you happy with it?
propane ice auger
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 9:32pm
#1
propane ice auger
I bought a Pro 4 last year.... and love it. Started in one pull every time and it's a lot lighter than my Model 30.
I talked to Wade at Dakota Tackle and he said they made some changes from last year, and got rid of the few problems they had. I guess I wouldn't have a problem buying one.
Best part is if you use a Bronco style vehicle you dont get that nasty gas smell. Otherwise if your old one works still I wouldnt bother, friend bought one last year and other than the smell it didnt work any better than my 3hp 10inch jiffy that is 18yrs old.
Neat
Is anyone seeing anything but the 500 dollar price on these?? I've researched the heck out of them and can't find anybody higher or lower.
to be honest with you guys I really like my Eskimo Mako. i have a 9 inch and it cuts just as fast as a jiffy, the blade spins slower so it doesn't throw ice everywhere, and it is a lot cheaper than any jiffy. Plus replacement blades are 30 bucks. i know jiffy has been around a long time but since they all have chinese engines on them now what is the difference.
I'm still uncomfortable with Jiffy's cable throttle system, was shopping one last winter and just couldn't pull the trigger on it. I went with a Strikemaster with chipper blades instead and am happy.
Does anybody have problems with those 1lb cylinders freezing up on their Pro4? That makes me nervous.
Not too hard to get lighter than a model 30 .
I have a pro 4 and love it, But the tank freezes up when its cold out when driving to the lake. I take the tank off or but the whole auger in the back seat. When out on the lake leaving it sit outside i have never had problems.
You're right. But is sure is noticeable when you have to walk out onto the ice.
I just bought a Pro 4 and fish in Northern Ontario. It starts well, cuts great but I have had problems with the throttle sticking. The spring is way too weak so the throttle sticks and the propane leaks out. Also the auger coupling pin is a real pain in the cold so I threw that out and replaced it with one that does not have that cheap plastic cover that you have to try and slid up to hold the pin in place. Any suggestions on the weak throttle spring? I have emailed Jiffy about the spring issue and am waiting for a responce
All you gotta do is take a piss on the tank and in a minute or so you will have pressurized propane again, you can thank me later!
Agree 100%. The propane auger would be nice for no smell and no mixing of fuel, however, I was on a budget and did a TON of research. I ended up buying a Eskimo Mako 10 inch 43 cc. motor. It has surpassed all of my expectations. Have drilled quite a few holes and blades are still doing great. Starts great in the cold weather, and is always running on the first or second pull. Actually put it up against the propane auger the other weekend (8 inch) and on 16 inches of ice, it came in behind the new jiffy by a mere second or two. Paying half the price, and still cutting just as good, but a lil slower, im ok with that. Online at fleet for 269.99 shipped to my door. Scheels wanted over 300 and would not price match for some reason? Dont get me wrong, if I had the money, the propane auger would be in my pickup.
Also, weight was a big issue for me since it is in the back of the airplane once in awhile. The ten inch mako is over 10 pounds lighter than the jiffy, so that was also a big factor for me. If we had a bigger airplane, I would have the jiffy though.
I'd like to see one of these propane augers in action drilling through 30+ inches of ice, and even throw an extension on one where it's thick enough up north. Then leave the thing outside for a few hours in minus temps and try it again. My gut feeling is that this auger has a rough go with thick ice and extreme temps given the tendency for the propane cylinders to get fussy. I'll stick with my gas powered strikemaster.
I agree with the little green bottle in the very cold worry, however I saw sdwxman's pro-4 in action and I haven't seen an auger as fast and smooth as that thing ripped through the ice.
J
I agree. I used a friend's and was really impressed by the no warm up, lugging power, fast cut with 10". Heavy though.
Buddy of mine purchased one this year and it is awesome, He fishes almost every weekend of the winter and he loves it. i am very impressed. I was in Cablea's last weekend and i recall them priced about $415. with all the specials they run thru the year (ex; spend $500 and get $150 in credit) they can be a pretty good buy.
I drilled a couple of holes this weekend with a buddies. The throttle seemed to stick and i got wet every hole I driiled. I'll stick with my eskimo it drills quick enough and it starts after 3 primes and 1 pull for 4 years now. Don't get me wrong those propane jiffys are an okay auger. But, I do recall earlier this year my cousin had trouble with his that he bought last year not running worth a hoot. He traded that one in and says his new propane jiffy is alot better auger than the first.
never tried a propane one but the old reliable "electric" auger still does the job. hook 2 cables to a battery (probably your cars and hit a button and you drilling holes baby!no gas no propane just ease of use. figured id that in there. good luck all.
Yeah. I have drilled about 100 holes since that time on Oahe in early Jan. That thing rocks! Starts first or second pull, and cuts like hell. I wish I would get a commission for as many Jiffy propane augers I have sold after letting other use it.
Justin - the bite was hot on Oahe last week. Fish were much bigger this time around.
eskimo is the way to go had it for 2 yrs cant be beat.
i have a newer jiffy stealth gas and really like it, but, after using the propane i would go that direction in a heart beat. It has just as much power as my gas. And yes, i often fish 30+ inches of ice.
Electric? there are three augers hanging on the wall at our LOW cabin. We take two with us every time out and the electric is still hanging on the wall. Heavy, slow, did i mention HEAVY!!!!! brand new POS!
So how many holes thru 20" of ice on one propane tank?