Strike Master 4 Stroke Honda. Enough HP??

Thinking about purchasing a SM Honda 4 Stroke 8″ auger. Pros and Cons? Is it enough HP. What is the trade off for a 4 stoke vs 2 stroke? Any thoughts? ?

I bought one last year. I love it. I really wanted it for the fact it will never leak out oil like some 2 strokes. It does seem to be a little short on power. You simply let the blade do the work and it cuts plenty fast. I would never consider anything over the 8″ bit with it though.

Drilled a bunch of holes last year with my buddy’s. Loved it. Easy start, quiet operation, easy to carry.

Seemed like it liked catching on the bottom on the ice when drilling a hole.

Didn’t have any issues drilling through 30″ of ice.

I would miss the 2 stroke noise and smell if I trade in my Model 30

It does seem to catch the bottom of the holes. I believe I found out last year I give a little upward lift before it gets through the bottom and that solved it. Still seems odd as it rips through ice with ease until the last centimeter

TripleA wrote:

It does seem to catch the bottom of the holes. I believe I found out last year I give a little upward lift before it gets through the bottom and that solved it. Still seems odd as it rips through ice with ease until the last centimeter

That’s actually best practice for most augers, especially the lazer series. It can be an indication you may be pushing down on the bit too hard. Let the blades do the work and the thing cuts great.

Joel

I have ran the Honda the past 2 seasons, have even ran the 10″ for lake trout and plenty of power. Like Joel mentioned, no need to push down on the handle of the auger, let the drill do the work. You won’t break any speed records with the Honda, but if treated well it will run for a long time.

Just went out to the pole building and gave the Strikemaster/Honda a few pulls just to check….started right up with last seasons fuel (premium + seafoam). Drills holes like a champ. Only slightly noisier than an electric.