Comments about Eskimo (Ardisam, Inc.) Eskimo Mako Series Power AugersOff:

I drill alot of holes with my auger, but I also depend on it to not break down. My Eskimo recoil has broke apart twice in two seasons, once at the N.W. angle. The second time it broke the plastic pieces destroyed more parts then the flipping auger is worth. Try to get parts or parts list is like drilling a hole by hand. I'm going back to S.M.

Comments about Eskimo (Ardisam, Inc.) Eskimo Mako Series Power AugersOff:

First of all- read all the reviews. You'll get a sense for those that know how to use a motorized piece of equipment and those that should stick to hand augers. This unit starts quickly. In 15º weather and 20kt. winds it started on the second or third pull on its first time out of the box. I propped it up against the Jeep as I unloaded at a new spot, it slid down the side of the Cherokee and hit the ground- twice (slow learner). After that abuse, I got to my spot and it started first pull. Its a great auger. The fuel cap is special- it has a rubber gasket and screw vent. You open the vent to use- you close when you're done. It will likely leak fuel and flood the carb if you don't close the vent when you sled it. The starter coil- if you don't give a full pull, it doesn't recoil. There isn't a problem with it- its so it doesn't rip the handle out of your hand. If this happens, grab the rope, slowly pull it all out, it will recoil back in.

I usually go a little heavy on the 2-stroke oil for the first tank. New engines usually seat better and more lube is better than less in my opine.

Blades are wicked sharp- my snowsuit was no match when I was taking off the plastic cover plate. Do not push down!! Let the machine do its job. It will rip through the ice fast at about 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. Never needed full throttle, its got power. I can say that this auger is so worth the money, I'm very happy. Take care of it, follow the manual and you'll be very satisfied. USE FRESH WINTER GAS- not from your weed-whacker!

Comments about Eskimo (Ardisam, Inc.) Eskimo Mako Series Power AugersOff:

I had a strikemaster last season that I payed 400.00 for.. Sent it back at the end of the season.. All you guys who think SM is the way to go, its not.. They have plastic handles and bit casing, not to mention plastic carb guards that connect to other components that break inside and leave plastic all over your exhaust.. They break EVERYWHERE! This eskimo is a "decent" built auger.. I dont care about weight, more metal the better, It means its durable. We shall see how durable this eskimo really is this season but If I had to put my money on it.. Jiffy is #1 in augers.. All reinforced metals, less broken components..

Comments about Eskimo (Ardisam, Inc.) Eskimo Mako Series Power AugersOff:

Ive had Strikemaster,jiffy, and eskimo augers. The Eskimo auger topped them all. Always starts by the second pull. Runs smooth. It also has the rugged viper engine. The other two augers are wanna bees. I'm out on the ice alot,and need a dependable auger. It,s the Eskimo for sure...

Comments about Eskimo (Ardisam, Inc.) Eskimo Mako Series Power AugersOff:

The auger did not stand up to the elements. Since day 1 it leaked fuel like crazy and seemed to bog slightly in real cold conditions. Took into a small engine shop and they said something was wrong with the Carb and would cost over $100 to fix.

Comments about Eskimo (Ardisam, Inc.) Eskimo Mako Series Power AugersOff:

I origionaly wanted a strikemaster, my dad was talking to a guy that had one and his brother had an eskimo, he said the eskimo would outdo the strikemaster any day. I got the Eskimo mako 10", it works awesome, starts first pull every time, the 2 blade is fast, even for a 10". The 43cc, 1.8 hp engine handles thick, hard ice no problem, plenty of power. Good on gas too, easily 150-200 holes per tank.

Comments about Eskimo (Ardisam, Inc.) Eskimo Mako Series Power AugersOff:

had problems with the pull start cord recoil. Seems to me the recoil springs are junk. Would pull to start and the cord wouldnt retract without some help. Motor runs fine but, I shouldve bought a SM.