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2014 Craftsman Quiet 26 in 208 cc Model 88694 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review
Is This The Best Snow Blower For You?
Not only is this snow blower easy to use, it is one of the quietest 2-stage snow blowers on the market. This is the snow blower you should buy for you wife and grandmother (not the cheap small one) This snow blower is so easy to use if you can walk behind this unit, you can use it. Why? Because the snow blower has power steering, it is balanced well and the controls are easy to use. You drive this snow blower with two small levers under the handles. No manhandling an awkward, heavy machine. No locked up solid axle that requires you to skid the wheels to turn. No “pin-lock” differential that leaves you with no traction in heavy or slippery areas.
MovingSnow’s Best Buy Craftsman 88691
This is the best value snow blower on the market with this feature. And it’s not a bad machine either. This Craftsman 26 inch snow blower will easily handle 9-14 inches or more snow on a 2-3 car drive 80 to 100 feet long. Yetit is small enough so it will fit through the side door of your garage.
by: Paul Sikkema
Hearing damage is not reversible, so its prevention should be taken seriously.
The new Craftsman 88694 and 88972 set a new environmental standard of being 45% quieter than last years 88691 and 88970.
Background: When noise levels in the workplace reach 85 decibels (dB) or higher, OSHA requires employers to take steps to reduce this hazard and prevent hearing loss in employees. At that level of sound, people typically have to shout to hear each other, and hearing damage can begin to occur if the exposure persists. Many municipalities are also creating noise ordinances. Each community addresses noise issues in its own way, and noise ordinances often reflect local concerns and peculiarities. Some are vague and subjective; others may explicitly define maximum decibel levels that are allowed at certain specified times of day. A typical gas powered snow blower can be as loud as 90 db. (Lawn mowers 92 db) It is a good practice for you as a homeowner to also be aware of loud equipment and reduce your noise exposure whenever possible.
For reference, a normal conversation can be about 70 dB, a typical gas powered two-stage snow blower is 90 dB and a jackhammer is 130 dB. At higher levels, damage to hearing can occur much more quickly than at lower decibels. The decibel scale is logarithmic, so as the number increases it does so exponentially. For example, if a circular saw operates at 107 dB and another operates at 96 dB, the noise energy of the second saw is 90 percent less than the first saw, meaning it’s a lot quieter (although it’s still very loud). Manufactures are encouraged to create new quieter products under the Buy Quiet Program.
What is Buy Quiet? Buy Quiet is a prevention initiative by the CDC which encourages companies to purchase or rent quieter machinery and tools to reduce worker noise exposure. This is accomplished when new businesses start up or when older equipment is replaced. Buy Quiet provides information on equipment noise levels, so companies can buy quieter products that make the workplace safer. It also encourages manufacturers to design quieter equipment by creating a demand for quieter products.
What does this have to do with snow blowers? The other review sites have not realized that you and I not only want a snow blower that will move lots of snow (or sawdust in the case of one review site) a long distance but that we also want a snow blower with ergonomic and environmental features. The new Craftsman 88694 and 88972 sets a new environment standard of being 45% quieter than last years 88691 and 88970. In fact these snow blowers are so quiet that they are below the OSHA threshold for hearing protection. Craftsman has not officially stated that they are now selling products under the Buy Quiet initiative but with the introduction of the Quiet Mower this year and now the 88694 and 88972 Quiet snow blowers they are one of the first retailers to assist you in helping to keep you neighborhood quieter and more environmentally friendly.
My Opinion: Craftsman designed this new snow blower the right way. They re-engineered the engine so it now gives you a lot less noise but doesn’t lower the power. Even though the muffler is huge compared to the old muffler, it doesn’t take up any more room on the snow blower. One of the benefits of this new design is the fuel tank is also relocated and is larger then the old version.
The rest of the Model 88694 snow blower is the same high quality machine that you are used to with the previous Model 88691. Since the only items that have changed are the fuel tank and muffler we will not have to take a wait-and-see on this snow blower. It has the same quality and durability you expect from Craftsman.
I am giving this snow blower my “Best Buy” rating.
What makes this snow blower a “best buy”?
- Power steering makes this snow blower one of the easiest to use. Two small levers under the handles let you “steer” this snow blower with your fingers. This method is the easiest way to manuever a 26 inch snow blower.
- Poly skid shoes that don’t mark your new patio or stained driveway yet are as tough as the steel shoes on other brands.
- Quiet Engine. This engine is 45% quieter than last years model.
- The efficient Overhead Valve motor with electric start is sized to get you job done quickly and efficiently.
- Large, deep tread tires. These tires will give you the traction you need to clean your drive, sidewalks, patio and go out and clean a spot off the lawn for your dog.
- Extended chute with Single handed 4-way chute control with a lifetime warranty. The chute is so tough you can drive over it with a pickup and not damage it. (Try that with a metal chute) It is slippery so snow does not stick to it and it will not rust.
- This snow blower by Craftsman is a great snow thrower at a “value” price. If you follow Craftsman you know this size has been around for a few years now and is one of the best rated snow blowers on the market. It is very popular because of the size, features and the affordable price. This machine is a proven winner and it will last for years if properly taken care of.
What you can use this snow blower for: For paved and gravel surfaces, patios, sidewalks and walkways. Will do grass pathways and trails. All types of snow including heavy, wet blizzard snow. It has tires large enough so you can go out in the back yard and clean a spot off for your dogs or make a path out to the storage shed. You can use this to clean your patio and deck and the poly skid shoes will not scratch the surface. This snow blower is a good choice if you have a stained concrete drive. It handles the occasional 12 inch and deeper snow falls. The six forward and two reverse speeds will let you go slow for the heavy stuff and faster for the lighter snows. If you regularly get 14-20 inch snow look for a snow blower with a larger motor.
This Snow Blower Id New. Can You Trust It? In reality this snow blower has been sold now for at least 4 years and has a proven track record of being a very reliable and capable machine. Only the gas tank and the muffler on the engine were changed for 2014. This snow blower is one of the best Craftsman has ever sold. Of course if you use a fuel stabilizer and take care of the machine it will be one of the best you have owned.
What you may not like: This snow blower is 26 inches wide and will probably fit through the side door of your garage. If you have to go through that side door to move snow make sure the door is at least 30 inches wide. It only has a 208cc engine. This engine has plenty of power for “midwest” snows but if you live in a snow belt please look at a snow blower with a larger engine.
Owners of the 4-way chute control on this unit either love it…..or hate it. What most owners don’t understand is the control is actually designed to use the palm of your hand to release the chute and your forearm to move it from side to side. In other words with your left hand reach over the top of the control handle and grasp the knob like the end of a baseball bat. Squeeze the red button like you are making a fist. Use your forearm to move the handle from side to side for the chute rotation and push it forward and back for the deflector. This works very well because you use the strength of your forearm to change the rotation of the chute, but it does take some getting used to.
Sears is the Official On-Line Retailer: Click Here To See Current Price, Order Online, Pick Up at your local Sears store, or have it delivered to your home: Quiet 208cc Dual-Stage Snowblower Check out the “Special Offers” tab at sears.com to get the best deal online.
Be Careful! This snow blower is sold through Sears and Sears.com! You may find other “factory-direct discount” stores and websites trying to sell it, but make sure they are authorized Sears sales representatives.
This Will Be One Of The Best Rated Snow Blowers for 2012 – 2014? There are no reviews on sears.com at the moment but I expect new owners to like this snow blower a lot. Why? Because it has been around longer than most. In reality only the gas tank and muffler have changed. This snow thrower has had many upgrades over the years and has been rated as one of the best snow blowers for the last two years. The drive system has been around for many years and is one of the most dependable around. The transmission is proven reliable on this size. The impeller, auger gearbox and shear pin system has proven itself over the years.
Read on to learn more:
Does This Get a Best Snow Blower Rating For 2012-2014? Using the Good, Better, Best rating system this snow blower rates a “Best” for ease of use, durability and long life. 4-Way remote chute, electric start, adequate engine all factor into this “best” rating. It uses a strong Craftsman motor that has plenty of power for it’s 26 inch size and 9-21 inches of snow. In fact the motor is one of the most dependable on the market today. Don’t be afraid to buy this snow blower if it fits your needs.
Is This One Of The Best Snow Blowers for the Money? I normally don’t give you my opinion, but I do expect owners to like this machine. This is one of the “best values” on the market for 2014. Craftsman has kept the price about the same as last year and it will be very hard to find a comparable snowthrower from the other brands for a similar price. If you want an easy to use 26 inch snow blower seriously look at this machine.
Customer Satisfaction: No one has reviewed this snow blower on sears.com yet but I know the overall customer satisfaction will be great if you remember to do 2 things. First, always use a fuel stabilizer or fresh non-ethanol fuel. If you are going to leave your snow blower sit for more than 2 weeks use a fuel stabilizer. Today’s gas is designed for auto use, not for these small engines. Second, buy extra shear pins now! The auger system is designed to be protected from damage by the shear pins breaking and if you replace one with a bolt you stand the chance of destroying your auger gearbox. Third, get used to it before the first snow. Go out and play with the chute control, learn to start it, and practice with it.
I am not going to tell you to buy a protection plan, but todays fuels are not designed to be used in small engines and Sears is the ONLY retailer that will repair fuel related problems if you have the optional protection plan. For less than the cost of one carburetor repair you can have 5 years of protection that includes wear and tear.
Here are a few tips to get the best out of this snowblower. 1. Read the operator’s manual and familiarize yourself with the operation of the machines BEFORE you have to blow snow with it. 2. The 3 or 5 year home protection plan can be a great value. Sears will fix your snow blower and give the satisfaction that it will work for you for the 3 or 5 years. If they can’t repair it they will replace it for free. 3. Practice using the chute so you really understand how to use it. The deflector has a tensioning adjustment that you can change it for light or heavy, wet snow. 4. When you get your new blower home, get it out of the box, learn how to start it and practice with it before the first snow. Take it out and drive it around the driveway. (If there is a manufacturing issue, you will find it now instead of when the snow is 12 inches deep.) 5. Use a fuel stabilizer like Stabil (Marine) or Seafoam. Put it in your gas can when you fill it at the pump.
Value: At around $899 it is a good value. Watch for special “Shop Your Way Rewards” sales, no interest or cash back with a Sears Card, Family & Friends, and Midnight Madness Sales. Check out the “Special Offers” tab at sears.com to get the best deal online
Service & Parts Availability: Service – With this snow blower you have the choice of calling 1-800-4MY-Home and have a tech come out and fix it OR take it to your local Sears and they will have it serviced for you. With a protection plan either way is no-charge to you. Parts – I have a 21 year old Craftsman snow blower that I use every year. All the parts for it are still available through searspartsdirect.com. Parts are available now for your new snowthrower and I expect them to be available 15-20 years from now.
Ask me in the comments below and I will show you how easy it is to get your parts. It is not hard to get parts for your Craftsman snow blower and the motor.
Ease Of Use: This snow blower has the 4-way chute and power steering. You will like the control you get with the extended chute and the fact that snow does not blow back all over you as much. This uses a “power steer” drive system. There is no differential so both wheels drive all the time giving you the best traction. When you want to turn just pull the trigger under the handle and the snow blower turns for you. No “manhandling” If you have back problems or a physically smaller than average I suggest buying this snow blower. It is balanced well so you if you do have to lift up the front to go over an obstruction you easily can do it. Under normal snow removal conditions you will appreciate the traction and agility this unit has. The extended chute allows you to put the snow exactly where you want it.
Key Features and Benefits: (From Sears.com)
- Craftsman 208cc Quiet engine – 45% quieter.
- Move more snow with a more powerful engine and save time out in the cold. This 26 in. Craftsman® Dual-Stage Snowblower has a 208cc* 4-cycle OHV engine, EZ Steer for better maneuverability and 4-way chute control.
- 208cc* 4-cycle OHV Craftsman® engine provides more power, longer life, and improved fuel economy – no mixing of gas and oil required.
- Push-button electric start allows for easy and sure starts in cold temperatures
- 26 in. clearing width and 21 in. intake height lets you clear more snow with each pass, ideal for medium to large paved and gravel driveways and sidewalks
- 12 in. serrated steel auger and 12 in. impeller breaks up hard-packed snow and discharges heavy, wet snow
- 6 forward and 2 reverse, power-propelled speeds save time and energy, allowing operator to adjust speeds to match need
- 4 Way chute control – 190 degree chute rotation control with the ease of a joystick to discharge the snow where you want it, without leaving the operator’s position
- Extended chute design keeps a tighter discharge pattern to increase throwing distance and reduce snow blow back
- 15 in. x 5 in. X-Trac tires provide superior traction in heavy snow conditions
- Deluxe Glide-Tech™ skid shoes eliminate garage rust stains and driveway damage, by sliding along pavers and bricks
- Single hand operation eliminates starts and stops, freeing up a hand for on-the-go adjustments
- Mitten-grip starter handle – easy to grasp and turnover recoil start while wearing gloves
- Plow style handles for comfort and control with panel design for convenient shear pin storage
- 2-year limited warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty on upper and lower chute
Click Here To See Current Price, Order Online, Pick Up at your local Sears store, or have it delivered to your home: Quiet 208cc Dual-Stage Snowblower Check out the “Special Offers” tab at sears.com to get the best deal online
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Tom H.
The model 247.886940 is TERRIBLE. Shute control (side to side) is a real pain, n often gets stuck. Engine controls are poorly located, especially the choke. Worse yet is it’s not properly geared. 6 spds but gd luck using anything over 2! DO NOT BUY !. Absolutely hate this thing.
James
Craftsman snowblower needs lot of maintenance every year for somebody new to snowblower it’s a Nightmare inspite of taking extended Warranty
Have to take your heavy snowblower to the shop
I think electric snow blower better
Jim
Is there a way to get more power from this Craftsman Snowblower?
Paul
Hi Jim, The cc’s determine the power. In HP terms that engine has about 6.5 HP. To get more power you would have to replace it with a 243cc or sell off the snow blower and buy one with the 243cc engine. Here is one that’s a direct replacement: Troy-Bilt Storm 2665
Crsig
So, I’m ok with the Amsoil 0W-40 verse the 0W-30. Also , any recommendations for greese on the mobbing parts and joints. Was thinking of a spray Metal protector like Amsoils HD Metal Protector. Wasn’t sure if it needed to be a thick oil or not.
Paul
@Crsig, Yes.
DON’T lube anything unless it specifically calls for it in the manual. Today’s snow blowers use lubricated-for-life bearings or poly wear plates.
On your snow blower rattle each front auger section before you use it in the fall and make sure they are free to spin if the shear pin breaks. You can easily remove the shear pin and spin it if you want. If they are stiff use a penetrating oil (NOT WD40) to free them up.
All “painted” metal on your snow blower is actually a baked-on powder coat so there is no reason to use an expensive metal protector.
Craig
Paul. I just purchased a left over Craftsman 247-886940 with the quiet engine. To my knowledge the unit has not been started. The manual states to use 0W-30 Syn oil. I would like to use Amsoil but for their 4 stroke oil they only have 0W-40. Would that oil be ok to run. Or would I be better off to use something else. If it matters I live in Colorado at 9100′ on the back side of Pikes Peak.
Paul
Hi Craig, I trust Amsoil. Their 4-stroke oil is a great oil. You engine will start just as easily and last a long, long time.
Manny
Hi Paul, great site and reviews! I was wondering if there is an accessory to add as headlight to the Craftsman 88694. I leave in the Boston area and read the comments about being underpowered but I think for my budget, I am OK with putting a bit more effort to clean my driveway (2-car, around 60-70 ft). Also: Are there issues with the chute made of plastic (not metal)? Lastly, according to the Sears website, the handles can be folded for the snowblower to take up less storage space. Is this true? I am wondering about what happens to the chute control if you do that.
Paul
Hi Manny, The snow blower is a little under powered if you get snow like you did last year. Understand it will get the job done – it just won’t be as fast as the heavy-duty machines. The price is right though!
That chute doesn’t break. It’s not the plastic that you are used to. Instead it’s a polymer that is rated for winter cold.
When you assemble the snow blower – remember how you lift the handles, tighten the thumbscrews on the handle and how the cables line up. Then do just the opposite to drop the handles when you go to store it.
There is no alternator on that engine so you can’t install a headlight but there are some really great bicycle and work lights out there that you can clip on the handles. The guys over at Sweethome just reviewed over 149 lights and this one came out on top as a good, inexpensive light. Check it out here: Cygolite Dash 350 USB Bicycle Headlight – DSH-350-USB
Zvi Lampel
I just completed assembling this unit, but I cannot find in the instructions how much gasoline I should get to put into it. (I know the oil is already there.) Please advise.
Paul
@Zvi, Look inside the fuel tank. Is there a screen with a red bar? Fill the fuel tank to the red bar. If there is no screen, fill the tank to 1/2 inch below the opening.
Devin Williams
I’m really torn between this snowblower (Craftsman Quiet 26 Inch Snow Thrower Model 88694) and the Ariens Deluxe 24. Does this model have one or two seperate belts to drive the Auger/second stage? I know the Ariens has two belts. Both are in the same price range but this one has a more quiet engine, though it is a bit smaller at 208cc vs. the Ariens 248. Also, the Ariens has a built in headlight for night time… Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.
Paul
Hi Devin, Only the Ariens Deluxe and Platinum series snow blowers use two auger belts. Everyone else uses one.
You didn’t tell me where you live so to answer your question please do a Google search for “average snowfall your city, state” If your average snow is less than 50 inches the Craftsman is a good choice. If your average snow is under 60-80 inches the Deluxe 24 is a better choice.
If you can use a larger 28 inch snow blower the Craftsman 28 inch Model 88394 also has a larger Quiet Engine and a headlight. It’s the same price as the Deluxe 24.
John johnston
Thanks for a great site.
I had decided on the 88964 then I read what you said about the husqvarna so I looked at those because my daughter wants to use the machine. I read a lot of reviews about the husky’s throwing their belts. Can you comment on that? My budget is $900. Right now I can get the st227p for $900 at Lowes. The bigger engine appeals to me as I live in Boston. I don’t have a lot of area but I do have some winding 30″ walkways. So 88964, st224p or st227p. Thoughts?
Thanks,
JJ
Paul
Hi JJ, Your daughter will be able to use the 88694 just a easily as the 200 series Husqvarna’s. The handle height on all the Craftsman snow blowers with power steering is lower.
I actually do not recommend the Craftsman 88694 or the 200 series Husqvarna snow blowers for the Boston area. These machines work well for areas like Chicago or New York where the average snow fall is around 40 inches but the Boston area has been getting 2 to 3 times as much snow for the last 2 years. I have been only suggesting heavy-duty snow blowers. (Heavy duty snow blowers have larger engines for the size and larger/heavier components to handle the additional snow)
You are correct the 88694 is way underpowered for your area but a 250’ish engine on a larger, 27 inch snow blower won’t appear to have that much more power.
I highly suggest going with a heavy duty snow blower like the 3 stage Craftsman Pro, 300 series Husqvarna and Ariens Deluxe. So, to stay within your budget and still get enough power/size I would recommend the Ariens Deluxe 24 or the Craftsman Pro Series 24″ 277cc model 88870. If you have to shop at Lowes look at the Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 277-cc 24-in. The Husqvarna ST324 there is out of your budget. Your daughter will be able to use all of these machines as easily as the 200 series Husqvarna’s.
David Gorrell
Just purchased the 88694 Craftsman (Nov 2015) At this point I cannot comment on the capability of the machine until our next snowfall. (I’m at 7000′ in Utah)
Crankcase capacity is 20 oz so I added about 10 oz and turned the engine over with the electric starter with the ignition off. I rechecked the oil and found it barely showing on the dipstick. I added 4-5 oz more oil and then attempted to start the engine by hand. It would not start by hand or electric until I located the choke knob and gave it full choke. It then started and ran but was smoking dark grey smoke, so I shut down and checked the oil again. NOW it was overfull ! So I drained about 10oz from the rear oil spout and ran it again for about 1 minute. This time the dipstick showed full.
At full power the engine is MUCH quieter than my previous old Toro 11hp. Maneuvering with the finger-triggers is very easy and intuitive. The Toro was the “PowerShift” model that was really difficult to maneuver. It was also a 32″ so I will have to make a few more passes with this 26″. The engine seems to want partial choke even after warming up. I am using 89 octane ethanol-free gasoline. (I am in the Utah mountains at 7000’ and temperature was around 30 deg.)
I will update the review once we get enough snow to test the pickup and throw of this machine
Paul
Hi David, Thanks for reminding me to state: 2-stage snow blowers come with the oil already in the engines. If the snow blower was transported with the engine laying on it’s side or tipped up it may take a few minutes for it to drain down into the crankcase. If they are tipped upside down they will leak oil into the shipping crate and you will see a big oil stain in the box. You should check it then to make sure there is enough oil.
Also: When you start a cold snow blower engine – open the fuel shutoff valve if equipped and/or put the throttle to full (rabbit). Then push the primer bulb 2-3 times (if your primer bulb has a little hole in the center make sure your finger is over the hole) Then set the choke to full close.
Also: Most snow blower engines will not operate with the choke all the way open. Some days they will, but on another day when it is colder or wetter or warmer – they won’t. That is why the chokes have 4 positions. When the engine is cold start it with the choke fully closed. When the engine fires bring the choke open one notch at a time until it smooths out. Most engines will produce a dark grey smoke until the choke is opened up. Sometimes in the middle of your job you may have to adjust the choke.