Craftsman 179cc 22 in. Compact Two Stage Snow Thrower Model 88755 Review
Sears item# 07188755000 Mfr. model# 88755

NOTE: This snow thrower has been replaced with the Craftsman 179cc 22″ Dual Stage Snow Thrower Model 88779. Click on the link to view the new 2009 model.

This model replaces the Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower Model 88700 from last year. The new model has one change from the previous model.

Pros

- This is the cheapest and most basic two-stage snowthrower in the Craftsman line. The design is simple. One handle controls the auger/blower and one controls the single forward speed.  To move the chute you simply stop the machine, reach down and adjust the chute.

- It does have electric start and has plenty of power for the 22 inch width.

- It a two-stage snow thrower so it will throw snow farther than most single-stage snowblowers.

Cons

- This is a cheap unit.  MTD builds this snowthrower for Sears as an entry level two-stage machine and that is all you get.

-The balance is all wrong.  When you push down on the handles on the larger machines you only have to push down about 20 lbs to lift the front, but on this machine it feels more like 40 lbs. Smaller people may have a harder time using this machine.

- The tires are small and look like they are made of plastic.  The tires don’t have the strong, aggressive tread the larger machines have.  I haven’t used one of these machines myself but I don’t think they will have much traction.  With the balance wrong and with the poor tires I feel you may be pushing this machine most of the time because it will not have enough traction to pull itself.

- The biggest disappointment this year is the good old Tecumseh Snow King engine has been replaced with a Craftsman Branded engine. You know how much I like the old Snow King. MTD has been using this engine manufacture for some time now but this is the first time this engine has been offered on a Sears product. After searching on the Internet the only complaint I found is a few independent repair shops are having problems getting parts for the motor.  It is an overhead valve engine so it is quieter, smoother running and more fuel efficient than the old Snow King.

- Because of the 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 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 two-stage snowblower. No, it doesn’t have a joystick chute control, six speeds, headlight, power steering and other accessories, but if a single-stage snowblower just doesn’t throw the snow far enough for you and you have a small area to clean, this snowthrower will work just fine.

I will suggest you read the review for the Craftsman 179cc 24 in. Two Stage Snow Thower Model 88955 before you purchase this machine. For a few dollars more you get a much better snow thrower.

strong>NOTE: This snow thrower has been replaced with the Craftsman 179cc 22″ Dual Stage Snow Thrower Model 88779. Click on the link to view the new 2009 model.

You can read more about this snow thrower and order it online using this link Craftsman 179cc 22 in. Compact Two Stage Snow Thower Model 88755. If you order it online you can pick it up at your nearest store and not get charged for shipping. You can get the snowthrower 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.

I will also suggest that you purchase an extra package of shear pins with your machine and duct tape the package right to the handles.

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