Looking for a new Auger?
Is the Eskimo HC 40 is the auger for you? Lets take a dive into this auger.
This propane-powered auger has been out for a few years now and is still looking like a top of the line option. I bought it the first year it came out, which made me a bit nervous as I usually like to wait and see how things pan out before I buy. But now I have seen a few years of use. I am glad I took the risk. I got the 10" model as it was a mere $10 more than the 8" counterpart.
Most of the reviews that were negative had to do with shipping; the box being damaged, plastic protectors cracked, so I wasn't too concerned to order this auger. I was really looking forward to propane which would negate the smell of gas in my vehicle and be a bit cheaper to run for the winter. I'm the type of ice fisherman to drill 10-20 holes or more in a trip and I fish every weekend. One or two propane canister lasts me all year.
The Quantum auger is a great auger. The blades are replaceable (and I never go anywhere without a spare set) and they do need to be sharpened. With my usage, every year would probably work OK, however, if you are fishing for 'bows in shallow water and even touch the sand, or hit a log, the blades are done until they are sharpened. This is the reason I always carry a spare. But, buy a new set every couple of years, keep a spare and you should have no problems drilling through the ice. 
Does this auger to well in harsher conditions? It actually does. The program canisters can act up, and if you have the ability to keep them in a warm space (see the Shappell Wide House blog) that can help. Only a couple of times, in the harshest of conditions, have I had an issue.
With regular maintenance; replacing the oil, storing it properly, checking the spark plug, you can keep this auger going for, well at least 3 years as mine has been. Hopefully it will be with me a lot longer.
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