Review of Craftsman snow blowers: characteristics, pros and cons, prices, customer opinions
Snow removal equipment for clearing small areas is needed by utility companies and private homeowners.
The technical equipment market offers customers snow blowers with different characteristics that can remove snow drifts efficiently and quickly enough.
One of the most popular manufacturers on the world stage is Craftsman. We'll talk about Craftsman snow blowers in this article.
Content
Manufacturer's description
Craftsman Snow Blowers – equipment produced by an American company. This company has been operating in the equipment market for almost 100 years, specializing in the production of goods for agriculture and farming.
The distinctive features of the equipment are reliability and ease of operation. Due to its high functionality, such equipment allows you to maintain local areas in perfect order, even in heavy snowfalls.
The model range includes samples with one-stage and two-stage cleaning. The former are characterized by low power and are more suitable for clearing fluffy snow from a small area. The latter work more intensely, as they have higher power.
Craftsman snow blowers have a wheel locking system, which makes it easy to turn the machine around and continue clearing snow in a different direction. Good cross-country ability of the snow blower is ensured by large, stable wheels designed for operation in winter conditions with low temperatures and ice.
A separate option in some models is a structural addition - a detail for cutting snowdrifts.
Advantages and disadvantages of Kraftsman snow removal machines
Craftsman snow removal equipment has been in good standing with customers for years remains among the bestsellers due to its following advantages:
possibility of operation in difficult weather conditions;- reliability;
- durability;
- consulting and warranty services;
- good maneuverability;
- wide range of models;
- innovative screw shape;
- ease of operation;
- reliable, damage-resistant bucket;
- strong gutter.
The disadvantages of the technique include:
- relatively high fuel consumption;
- single-stage cleaning models do not always cope with snowdrifts and wet snow;
- difficulties with original spare parts.
The more complex work a snow blower has to do, the greater the fuel consumption.
9 popular models
The Craftsman company produces various snow blowers, which allows you to select the option that best suits a particular consumer in terms of functionality and price.
88691
Craftsman snow blower model has a high-class gasoline engine with a power of 7.5 hp. The auger and wheels are driven, there is a friction transmission, 8 speeds - 6 forward and 2 reverse. The auger in the snowfield is of increased strength.
The width of the bucket allows you to clear a strip 66 cm wide at a time. The device weighs 93 kg and costs from 76,000 rubles.
88173
Craftsman Snow Blower Model 88173 has a more powerful gasoline engine - 6.5 hp. The device can be used not only for maintaining the area near private housing construction, but also helps to cope with snow piles in parking lots, park paths, etc.
The manufacturer provides 2 reverse and 6 forward speeds. The width of the bucket is 61 cm. The collected snow is sent using an auger and impeller into a chute, the position of which can be adjusted. The device weighs 75 kg and costs from 60,000 rubles.
88172
88172 is a compact Craftsman snow blower designed for home use. It is suitable for cleaning small areas - paths near the house, driveways, etc.. According to its characteristics, the snowfield can cope with light, newly fallen snow and with a thin layer of wet snow.
The model has a four-stroke gasoline engine. The power of the device is 5.5 hp. The manufacturer provides 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. The snow capture width for each pass is 61 cm. The direction of snow throwing is adjustable. The weight of the snow blower is 83 kg. The model costs from 69,000 rubles.
88970
This Craftsman model refers to medium-power professional equipment and is suitable for clearing fairly large areas - from 4 m². Rated power – 7.5 hp. The engine is installed by MTD. Starting is possible both from an electric starter and manually.
The wheels on the snowfield are large, with deep tread.In one pass, the snowfield clears a strip of 76 cm, which allows the device to be used for caring not only for the local area, but also for clearing areas. Model weight – 121 kg. Price – from 71,000 rubles.
88396
The self-propelled device model 88396 Craftsman is quite powerful, 13 hp. The gasoline engine is MTD. In a snow blower It is possible to unlock the differential to increase maneuverability. There are six forward speeds and two reverse speeds.
The snow grip width is 66 cm. The snowfield weighs 97 kg, costs from 101,000 rubles.
88395
The Craftsman is designed to handle snow removal in challenging weather conditions. Engine power – 8 hp. The vehicle has high cross-country ability, has stable wheels with deep tread..
It is possible to start the snowfield from a 110-120 V network or manually. It is possible to unlock the differential. There are 2 reverse and 6 forward speeds. In one pass, the device cleans a path 71 cm wide. Additional ease of use is provided by heated handles and the presence of a headlight. The snowman weighs 105 kg, its price starts from 85,000 rubles.
25357
Craftsman Snow Blower provides snow grip with a width of 69 cm and a height of 56 cm. The control is located on the operator panel. There is a wheel drive and the ability to adjust the direction of snow ejection. Engine power – 9 hp. The device weighs 100 kg. Price – from 70,000 rubles.
88830
The powerful and maneuverable Craftsman snow blower allows you to clear paths up to 76 cm wide with each pass. The engine is petrol. There is an electric starter. It is also possible to unlock the differential. The weight of the equipment is 110 kg. Price – from 99,000 rubles.
88397
A fairly powerful Craftsman gasoline machine Designed for cleaning medium-sized areas. The engine power is 13 hp, which allows you to clean not only fluffy, but also wet snow.
The cleaning system is two-stage, the auger is metal, powerful. The width of the bucket is 84 cm, the weight of the apparatus is 186 kg. This equipment costs from 129,000 rubles.
Preparing for launch
Snow removal equipment from TM Craftsman is gasoline-powered. Before starting the engine, you need to study the instructions and check the condition of the device - auger, wheels, oil level and the presence of gasoline.
Oil
A new Craftsman device arrives to the buyer with oil in the engine. Its level must be checked before each start. For these purposes, a cover is used, which is also a probe.
Petrol
For work in Craftsman used motor gasoline not lower than AI-87. When refueling the snow tank, do not allow foreign substances to enter the fuel tank. The tank should be filled with good ventilation, away from sources of fire. If fuel spills on the body, it must be wiped off.
Before removing the fuel tank cap, you should clean the surrounding area.
User manual
Starting the Craftsman must be carried out according to the instructions that came with the specific model. An electric starter can be used to start some models. But it is designed for a 110-120 V power supply.
Starting with a manual starter is carried out according to the following algorithm:
Move the throttle to the FAST position.- Move the air damper to the CHOKE position for a cold engine or RUN for a warm one.
- Press the fuel pump button 3 times.Closing the vent.
- Smoothly pull the starter handle towards you.
- Slowly bring it back.
- When the engine heats up, move the choke to the RUN position.
Before stopping the Craftsman engine, allow it to run for some time to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate. After this, remove the ignition key.
A drive is used for movement and the required speed is selected. The thinner the snow and the lighter it is, the higher the speed you can set. It is recommended to start with a slower one. If you need to set a different speed, the snowfield must first be stopped. The movement lever is on the right handle.
The lever near the left handle controls the auger. To stop their movement, the lever must be released.
Maintenance and storage
Before performing any maintenance on your Craftsman snow blower, turn off the machine and wait until the auger stops. The spark plug is unscrewed to avoid spontaneous movement.
Maintenance procedure:
- every time you use it, check the oil level and tighten any loose fasteners;
- after the first 5 hours of operation, change the oil (drain the used oil, and fill in 600 ml of new oil);
- after 25 hours of operation - change the oil, lubricate the shaft, wheels, steering axles with oil;
- After 100 hours of operation, replace the spark plug.
Where can I buy?
You can buy a Craftsman snow blower in online stores or centralized sales points that specialize in selling equipment for caring for gardens, vegetable plots and plots.
Purchasing from official distributors guarantees the purchase of original equipment. The cost of a snow blower depends on the place of purchase and the chosen model.
Reviews
Reviews for Craftsman snow removal equipment are mostly positive. Buyers appreciate the high maneuverability of the devices, their functionality and ease of operation. The disadvantages include the high cost of the product and the difficulty of purchasing original spare parts.
Alternative options on the market
In addition to TM Craftsman equipment, other snow blowers produced by such market leaders as Honda, Daewoo, CHAMPION are also in good standing with customers.
Honda HSS 655 EW
Self-propelled snow blower has a four-stroke gasoline engine. The device copes with cleaning a small area. The engine is started manually. A two-stage cleaning system has been installed.
The range of throwing snow mass is very good - up to 14 meters. For each pass, a strip 55 cm wide is cleared with a snow cover of up to half a meter. The unit weighs 67 kg. Price – from 167,000 rubles.
CHAMPION STT1170E
Self-propelled CHAMPION has tracks instead of wheels. Engine – powerful, four-stroke engine, 11 hp. The manufacturer provides an electric starter, headlight, and heated grips. Snow capture 0.7 x 0.55 m.
There is a switchable differential lock. The weight of the snowflake is 121 kg. Cost – from 107,000 rubles.
Daewoo Power Products DAST 9070
Self-propelled snow blower Daewoo has a powerful engine (9 hp). The device is equipped with an electric starter.A strip 67 cm wide and 55 cm high is cleared per pass.
The delivery set includes a headlight. The handles are comfortably heated. The weight of the snow blower is 103 kg. Cost – from 140,000 rubles.
Do-it-yourself repairs
During operation of the Craftsman snow blower, malfunctions and breakdowns are possible. One of the common problems is weak release of collected snow.. In most cases, it is possible to correct the situation on your own.
When removing wet snow, a situation may arise where the snow mass sticks tightly to the Craftsman auger and chute. To clean the equipment, you should stop work, turn off the engine and, using special tools, clean the bell and auger.
Video on the topic of the article
You can see one of the Craftsman models in action in the video:
Conclusion
Craftsman is a trusted, popular snow blower designed to clear snow from small to medium sized areas. Such self-propelled vehicles are good helpers during a snowy winter..
With proper use and proper care, Craftsman snow blowers last a long time.
