Strikemaster Auger Question

[steeplechaser2]

I know this probably belongs in the equipment forum, but so many guys drill 100s of holes on URL that I thought I might get more "expert" answers here.

I've got an old strikemaster2000...the kind with no plastic parts except the gastank...the beast has been indestructible and a sure starter...I replaced the plug last year and it really hums BUT....

the joint where the auger attaches to the powerhead is a little wobbly...it still drills to beat hell, but I'm wondering if I should look into repairing the unit or drill her (excuse the language ) until she drops....

I have a brand bew strikemaster2000 in the garage (x-mas gift), so I'm thinking about selling the old and using the new....but I can't make a decision....any help????diagnosis????

[Random guy]

Sell both of them and buy a Jiffy?

Here is how I would look at it steeplechaser, do you trust that "wobble" to hold up after you have packed all the gear, drove all that way and set up all that stuff only to find out that wobble was worse then you thought. I would use the new one while the old one is repaired and keep one of them for a spare.

The strike masters I have seen tortured tend to fail in the gear box or the the units with the plastic cased gearbox would bust.

[fishlakeman]

Steple,

I have the same auger, all metal, no plastic. I've had her for 13 years and she's still going strong. I had a friend run over it with a suburban that took out the gas tank and air filter,etc and it still works like a champ.

I would take it in to strikemaster, or a reputable dealer and ask them what they thought. Strikemaster is a great company to work with, if anything give em a call, and they'll give u a straight answer.

I personally think that the Tecumseh 2hp motor on those things is a workhorse. I love the chipper blades on the Jiffy's, but to my experience with 3 different guys, is that their powerheads have needed constant tuning (3hp). Eventhough the 2000 is slow, its quite a bit lighter and still will drill with that dull chipper blade.

I don't see how you can go wrong, u have 2 great augers that will perform. It's up to you, and as Jon mentioned, u can always use the old one as a backup.

[Antler_Creek_Taxidermy]

I had the same thing happen to my strikemaster a couple years ago and I took it to the strikemaster company in Big Lake. It turned out that the brass bushing was worn out. They said it common for it to wear out with the chipper blade because people tend to lean their weight on the auger to make it cut faster. They replaced the whole lower gear assemblly for around $40 (I think). It was replaced in less than 20 minutes. I also bought a 2 bladed lazer auger attachment that I put on that same motor(you will be amazed at the differnece between a chipper blade auger and the lazer's serrated blades). Great company to do bussiness with!