Craftsman 179cc 21 inch Single Stage Snow Thrower with Electric Start Model 88705 Review
Sears item# 07188705000 Mfr. model# 88705
The good news: This is a completely new snow thrower. The bad news: This is a completely new snow thrower.
Pros
- This is a completely new and redesigned snow thrower. The design is simple. One handle controls the auger/blower. To move the chute you simply stop the machine, reach down and adjust the chute.
- More metal in this snowblower than last years model.
- Overhead valve 179 cc fuel efficient engine. Plenty of power for the 21 inch width
- It does have 110v electric start.
- While auger on the snowthrower is running you can lift the handle and the machine will pull itself into the snow. (the spinning auger pulls the machine forward)
- Lightweight so you can lift it up stairs, etc. Should work well for cleaning decks and patios.
- Balanced well. It is easy to push and use.
Cons
This is a completely new machine so there is no service record on it. I think it is built better than last years Craftsman single stage units but time will tell.
- Single-stage snow throwers do not throw the snow very far. Sometimes they will not even throw the snow completely off your drive and you will have to move the snow twice to get your drive cleared. Single-stage snowthrowers work well for 6 inches or less of snow but really increase your work if it snows more than that. For example, I have a 28 inch two-stage snowblower …. my neighbor has a 22 inch single stage. We both have about the same amount of driveway. Last year we got an early snow, a bunch of 4 to 6 inchers and three snows of 12 inches or more. We never had any days above freezing so the snow stayed all winter. Because his single-stage snowblower didn’t throw snow as far as my two-stage by February my neighbor had snow piled higher than his pickup while I only had snow two feet deep along my drive. Once when we had 14 inches it took me 30 minutes to clear my drive and I finally went over and helped him after he had been out there for over two hours.
- Because of the completely new machine including a new motor and the possiblility of your local repair shop not being able to easily get parts (read non-authorized Sears Repair Center) I would strongly suggest buying the optional protection plan on this machine. Buying the optional protection plan will ensure the machine will work for 3 or 5 years. Sears has two different types of plans available. A 3 or 5 year plan where you bring it to your Sears store for repair and a 3 or 5 year plan where you call 1-800-4MY-HOME and Sears sends a mechanic right to your house.
In summary
This machine is not for me but it may be just what you need. It is a simple, basic single-stage snowblower with electric start. No, it doesn’t have a joystick chute control, six speeds, headlight, power steering and other accessories, but if a two-stage snowblower is just too big for your driveway, this snowthrower will work just fine.
If you have a two car wide driveway (16 feet) where you can park two or more cars (40 feet) or longer please read the review for the Craftsman 179cc 24 in. Two Stage Snow Thower Model 88955 before you purchase this machine. A two-stage machine may be a better choice for you.
You can read more about this snow thrower and order it online using this link Craftsman 179cc 21 inch Single Stage Snow Thrower with Electric Start Model 88705 Review
If you order it online you can pick it up at your nearest store and not get charged for shipping. You can get the snow thrower delivered to your home from the store for a normal charge. Sears has this model on sale a lot for $50 to $150 dollars off the retail price. They also have a 30 day price guarantee so you can buy it, watch the sale ads and come into your local Sears and get the difference refunded to you.
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