With the advent of new-age cutting machines like the Strikemaster Solo, we’re seeing a bigger jump in performance in one year than we have in almost a decade of steady improvements. My 3hp Lazer Pro cuts almost twice as fast with half the effort that my previous Lazer Mag did. However, like it or not, almost all engine manufacturers are moving towards plastic muffler guards and motor shielding. Not only is it a cost savings, more importantly, it’s a weight-saver. With those savings however, we as anglers need to be a bit more creative in how we transport these finely-tuned cutting implements across ice.
Never being one to learn from others mistakes, I’ve discovered a few things about my Solo this year. Normal use hasn’t put a single scratch in the thing. However, slamming it in the bottom of my Otter sled as an afterthought before moving 5+ miles across rough ice cracked my muffler guard. It makes sense. The forces of man and nature we put these things through is above and beyond what we ask of our other outdoors equipment and then some. I certainly wouldn’t throw my rifle and scope in the bottom of an Otter sled, take off across an open expanse of ice, then expect it to shoot straight, let alone be in operable condition at all.
After a short conversation with the folks at Strikemaster, and comparing notes, here’s what we’ve learned thus far:
- 3-point attachments like the Mad Dog Auger Carrier are the preferred method of transport if you’re using an ATV or snowmobile. Easy to attach and relatively good to work around during the rest of the year, this is what I have on my ATV when I’m using it to move across the ice.
- Bottom of an Otter sled – make sure to set the auger in the sled with rubber tabs down. This provides clearance and shock absorption for the powerhead, and I haven’t had any problems when transporting in this manner. Also, make sure to set the powerhead towards the rear-portion of the sled, rather than forward, as the sloping front of the sleds will make contact with the engine even if it’s resting on the tabs. Nestle it amongst your gear so it’s locked in, as you don’t want it jumping around. For folks that carry way too much on the ice like me, that’s never a problem.
From my own personal experience, there are a few things that don’t work out so well. Never put the auger on top of the bench seat or individual seat rails. Too much metal on metal and the powerhead isn’t supported. Don’t rest the auger on its handle-sides either. The violent bouncing you get from a sled moving across the ice will eventually break something.
Good luck out there, and let us all know any/all tips you come up with as well!
Joel
