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2014 Craftsman 26 in 208cc Model 88970 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review

Paul — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 11:02:27 +0000

2014 Craftsman 26 in 208cc Model 88970 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review

Is This The Best Snow Blower For You? This snow blower is identical to the Craftsman 88691 except it does not have power steering. If you really like the 88691 but don’t need the easy steering this is the one! This “better” 26 inch snow blower (Craftsman 88970) will easily handle 9 inches or more snow on a 3 car drive 80 to 100 feet long.

If you are replacing an older 24-26 inch snowblower you will appreciate the upgrades this one has over your old machine.

by: Paul Sikkema

What makes this snow blower “better” ?

Poly skid shoes that don’t mark your new patio or stained driveway yet are as tough as the steel shoes on other brands.
Single handed 4-way chute control. The extended chute puts the snow where you want it and it so strong it has been driven over by a pickup and still bounces back to it’s original shape.
The efficient Overhead Valve motor with electric start is sized to get you job done quickly and efficiently.
Large, deep tread tires
Extended chute with a lifetime warranty.

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 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 handle 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.

This Snow Blower Has Been Around Longer Than Most. Can You Trust It? 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. This snow blower is one of the best Craftsman has ever sold.

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.

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 your hand to release the chute and your forearm to move it from side to side. [box type=”info”] In other words with your left hand reach over the top of the control handle and grasp the knob. 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.[/box] 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: Craftsman 26″ 208cc Dual-Stage Snowblower 15 x 5 in.

Note! If the item is in stock at your local Sears you can order it here and within 30 minutes pick it up. If the item is not stocked you can order it here and it will get to the store in about 5 days. You can have it delivered or pick it up!

Be Careful! This snow blower is sold through Sears and Sears.com ONLY! You may find other “factory-direct discount” stores and websites trying to sell it, but make sure they are authorized Sears sales representatives.

Craftsman 88970 Review

Is This One Of The Best Rated Snow Blowers for 2013? 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.

Does This Get a Best Snow Blower Rating For 2013? In the Good, Better, Best rating system this snow blower rates a “Better” for ease of use, durability and long life. 4-Way remote chute, electric start, adequate engine all factor into this “better” rating. It uses a strong Craftsman motor that has plenty of power for it’s 26 inch size and 9 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.

Customer Satisfaction: When you go to sears.com to read the reviews of this snow thrower you will see over 4 years of reviews. Overall customer satisfaction is great but there are a few negative reviews I want to note. 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 the 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.

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. 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 use it before the first snow. Take it out and practice with it in 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 $769 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.

Service & Parts Availability: 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.

Ease Of Use: This snow blower has the 4-way chute but it does not have power steering. You will like the control you get with the extended chute and the fact that snow does not blow back at you as much. This uses a “standard” drive sytem. There is no differential so both wheels drive all the time giving you the best traction. Because of this this snow blower can be hard to turn on dry pavement or in your garage. This is one snow blower that you have to “manhandle” to turn it. If you are used to this design you will get along fine. If you have back problems or a physically smaller than average I suggest buying a snow blower like the Craftsman 88691 Craftsman 88691 with power steering. 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 this unit has. The extended chute allows you to put the snow exactly where you want it.

Key Features and Benefits: (From Sears.com)

This 26 in. Craftsman® Dual-Stage Snowblower has a 208cc* 4-cycle OHV engine and push-button electric start.

208cc* 4-cycle OHV Craftsman® engine provides more power, longer life, and improved fuel economy – no mixing of gas and oil required. Move more snow with a more powerful engine and save time out in the cold
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 break up hard-packed snow and discharge 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 and pitch 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
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
* As rated by engine manufacturer.

Click Here To See Current Price, Order Online, Pick Up at your local Sears store, or have it delivered to your home: Craftsman 26″ 208cc Dual-Stage Snowblower 15 x 5 in.

The post 2014 Craftsman 26 in 208cc Model 88970 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

2014 Craftsman 30 in 357 cc Model 88396 Electric Chute Two-Stage Snow Blower Review

Paul — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 17:30:51 +0000

2014 Craftsman 30 in 357 cc Model 88396 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review

Is This The Best Snow Blower For You? This premium 30 inch snow blower (Craftsman 88396) will easily handle 16 inches or more snow on a 3 car drive 150 feet long.

Craftsman is offers a snow blower for every homeowner, from “good” models that are the least expensive on the market to a “premium” model that is larger than you tractor mounted snow thrower.

I am giving this snow blower my “best value” rating for 30 inch snow blowers for 2014. The combination of features, durability and service and parts availability make this one of the best snow blowers on the market. As a homeowner with a large driveway this is a great choice.

by: Paul Sikkema+

What makes this snow blower premium?

Tool-less drift cutters. These are easily stowed so your snow blower doesn’t take up so much room when parked in your garage.
Poly skid shoes that don’t mark your new patio or stained driveway, yet are as tough as the steel shoes on other brands.
Electric, 4-way chute control. I really like this feature and is one of the specific reasons this now blower got the best rating for 2014. One industrial grade thumb controller lets you put the snow exactly where you want it. This new design is better than any previous idea because the motors are located away from the snow.
A big motor with electric start sized to get your job done quickly and efficiently.
Large, deep tread tires
New HID LED light. This new light gives you the illumination you need to move snow all night long.

This snow blower by Craftsman is a premium snow thrower at a “value” price. Craftsman has put all the features you asked for on this size snow blower, yet they have kept the cost hundreds of dollars lower than other brands.

What you can use this snow blower for: For paved and gravel surfaces, patios, sidewalks and walkways. It will do grass pathways and trails by raising the skid shoes up. It will handle all types of snow including heavy, wet blizzard snow. Because it has larger tires than most of the other snow throwers you can go out in the back yard and easily clean a spot off for your dogs or make a path out to the utility shed or milk barn. You can use this to clean your patio and deck and the poly skid shoes will not scratch the surface. This is the right snow blower if you have a stained concrete drive. This snow blower will easily handle 16 inch and deeper snow falls. It will handle deeper snow falls if you live in a snow belt. The six forward and two reverse speeds will let you go slow for the heavy stuff and faster for the lighter snows.

The Electric 4-way Chute Control. Can You Trust It?

I feel this is the most innovative chute controls to come along in years. Why? I spent some time with the electric 4-way chute control at the manufacture’s corporate headquarters and talked to the engineers who designed it. It is very easy to operate and will prove to be “bulletproof.” Instead of placing the electric motors out on the chute itself where there are moisture and vibration issues, the motors on this design are placed back out of the way under the handle. These motors have their own unique story. The engineers who designed this control wanted the most rugged motor possible. So instead of engineering a new motor just for this application, they went out and looked at the most dependable motors being produced in the world today. Electric motors that put up with all kinds of abuse and still keep working year after year. I’m not going to tell you where they came from (you’ll just have to ask me in the comments) but I will tell you that if you work in a factory, office building, retail store, or travel to work by train you use these motors all the time.

The other critical component, the control switch comes from one of the most abusive environments known. This little 4-way switch that sits conveniently under your left thumb has been proven reliable in one of the most damaging applications around. A Skid-Steer Loader. Think about it, a skid steer works in all weather conditions. Hot, cold, rainy, sunshine. The temperature range is -40 degrees to over 120. The vibration, dust and other hazards are some of the worst around. These switches get hit with debris and usually a hand, leg or other body part when getting in and out of the machine. If you have ever worked around a construction site or farm you know how much abuse these switches take. I am confident you will have no problems with this new electric 4-way chute control.

What you may not like: This snow blower is 30 inches wide and probably won’t 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 34 inches wide.

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: Craftsman 30 In 357cc Dual-Stage Snowblower w/ EZ Steer, Electric 4-Way Chute Control 16″ x 6.5″ X-Trac

Be Careful! This snow blower is sold through Sears and Sears Hometown Stores ONLY! You may find other “factory-direct discount” stores and websites trying to sell it, but make sure they are authorized Sears sales representatives.

Craftsman 88396 30 in with power steering and electric chute

Is This One Of The Best Rated Snow Blowers for 2013? That unit has been rated as one of the best snow throwers by other review magazines for 2011-2012. The drive system has been around for many years and is one of the most dependable transmissions around. The previous version without the new Just One Touch chute control has received 4.1 out of 5 stars with over 100 reviews. I expect this snow blower to get even better reviews because of the new electric chute.

Does This Get a Best Snow Blower Rating For 2013? In the Good, Better, Best rating system this snow blower rates a “Best” for ease of use, durability and long life. Power Steering, electric chute, electric start, large engine all factor into this “best” rating. It uses a strong Craftsman motor that has plenty of power for it’s 30 inch size. 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 if you need a larger snow blower this one ranks in my personal “top five” list. It is a great value for the size, has plenty of power to handle any snow, and “creature features” like the power steering and electric chute that makes this one of the easiest snow blowers to use.

Customer Satisfaction: Only the electric chute control, LED Headlight and drift cutters are new. So the reviews you read of the 2012 models apply. The only negative reviews I read had to do with today’s fuels. You will see that everyone is happy with this snow thrower. It has plenty of power, capacity and throw distance, and that it has had virtually no mechanical issues.

Value: At around $1229 it is a good value. If you have a smaller drive look at smaller snow blower. This snow blower is advertised as a premium snow blower at a value price and I have to agree. You get more “creature comfort” features for the money with this snow blower than most other brands.

Service & Parts Availability: Service and parts are easily available through the store where you purchased it. On this size snow blower the one of the 10,000 Sears Service Techs comes to your house to repair the snow blower. You never have to transport it to a repair center. A 3 and 5 year protection plan is available from Sears that covers all defects, most wear and tear items, and fuel related issues at you home. No one else covers fuel issues.

Ease Of Use: This is one of the easiest snow blowers to use because it has power steering and electric chute. It doesn’t matter if you are 5 ft, 100 lbs or 6 ft, 350 lbs you will be able to easily operate this snow blower. Yes, you can buy this one for your wife and she will enjoy using it. The power steering and electric chute make is a breeze to use. 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 this unit has. The electric chute control is intuitive and will put the snow exactly where you want it. Other features like good knobby tires, a headlight and electric start make this snow blower a much better choice than the economy models from other brands.

By the way if the snow blower wants to ride up over a drift, check the shear pins before you write a bad review. If it pulls to the left or right check the tire pressure

Key Features and Benefits: (From Sears.com)

Move more snow with a more powerful engine and save time out in the cold. This 30 in. Craftsman® Dual-Stage Snowblower has a 357cc* 4-cycle OHV engine, EZ Steer for better maneuverability and electric 4-way chute control.

357cc* 4-cycle OHV Craftsman® engine provides more power, longer life, and improved fuel economy – no mixing of gas and oil required. Move more snow with a more powerful engine and save time out in the cold
Push-button electric start allows for easy and sure starts in cold temperatures
30 in. clearing width and 21 in. intake height lets you clear more snow with each pass, ideal for large to extra large paved and gravel driveways and sidewalks
12 in. serrated steel auger and 12 in. impeller break up hard-packed snow and discharge heavy, wet snow
6 forward and 2 reverse, power-propelled speeds save time and energy, allowing operator to adjust speeds to match need
Trigger controlled EZ Steer system allows operator to turn unit with ease, increasing maneuverability while reducing user fatigue and time
Electric 4-Way chute control – 190 degree chute rotation and pitch control with the ease of thumb movement to discharge the snow where you want it, without removing your grip from the operator’s position
Extended chute design keeps a tighter discharge pattern to increase throwing distance and reduce snow blow back
In-dash LED headlight illuminates the clearing path
Tool-less drift cutters cut into taller snow drift and drop snow in front of snow thrower path to increase efficiency
16 in. x 6.5 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
* As rated by engine manufacturer.

Buy Here: Craftsman 30 In 357cc Dual-Stage Snowblower w/ EZ Steer, Electric 4-Way Chute Control 16″ x 6.5″ X-Trac

The post 2014 Craftsman 30 in 357 cc Model 88396 Electric Chute Two-Stage Snow Blower Review appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

2014 Craftsman 28 in 277 cc Model 88395 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review

Paul — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 17:17:05 +0000

2014 Craftsman 28 in 277 cc Model 88395 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review

Is This The Best Snow Blower For You? Craftsman is offers a snow blower for every homeowner; from “good” models that are the least expensive on the market to a “premium” model that is larger than you tractor mounted snow thrower. This premium 28 inch snow blower (Craftsman 88395) has all the features you want like power steering and 4-way chute and will easily handle 12 inches or more snow on a 3 car drive 100 feet long.

by: Paul Sikkema

What makes this snow blower premium?

Tool-less drift cutters, These are easily stowed so your snow blower doesn’t take up so much room when parked in your garage.
Poly skid shoes that don’t mark your new patio or stained driveway yet are as tough as the steel shoes on other brands.
Single handed 4-way chute control. The extended chute puts the snow where you want it and it so strong it has been driven over by a pickup and still bounces back to it’s original shape.
The efficient Overhead Valve motor with electric start is sized to get you job done quickly and efficiently.
Power Steering. The trigger controlled steering gives you full traction when you need it, yet is so easy to use even your “grandmother” can use it.
Large, deep tread tires
New HID LED light. This new light gives you the illumination you need to move snow all night long.

This snow blower by Craftsman is a premium snow thrower at a “value” price. If you follow Craftsman you know this size has been missing from the line-up for a few years now. With this new snow blower Craftsman has put all the features you asked for, yet they have kept the cost less than other brands.

What you can use this snow blower for: For paved and gravel surfaces, patios, sidewalks and walkways. All types of snow including heavy, wet blizzard snow. Because it has larger tires than most of the other snow throwers you can go out in the back yard and easily clean a spot off for your dogs or make a path out to the chicken coop. You can use this to clean your patio and deck and the poly skid shoes will not scratch the surface. This is the right snow blower if you have a stained concrete drive. This snow blower will easily handle 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.

[box type=”warning”] 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. 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 use it before the first snow. Take it out and practice with it in 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.[/box]

What you may not like: This snow blower is 28 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 31 inches wide.

Owners of the 4-way chute control on this unit eight love it…..or hate it. What most owners don’t understand is the control is actually designed to use your hand to release the chute and your forearm to move it from side to side. 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: Craftsman 28 In 277cc Dual-Stage Snowblower w/ EZ Steer 16″ x 4.8″ X-Trac

Craftsman 88395 28 in with power steering and 4-way chute

Is This One Of The Best Rated Snow Blowers for 2012 – 2013? This snow thrower is new. It has not been rated yet. That said, 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.

Does This Get a Best Snow Blower Rating For 2012-2013? In the Good, Better, Best rating system this snow blower rates a “Best” for ease of use, durability and long life. Power Steering, 4-Way remote chute, electric start, large engine all factor into this “best” rating. It uses a strong Craftsman motor that has plenty of power for it’s 28 inch size. 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 2012-2013? I normally don’t give you my opinion, but I do expect owners to like this machine. It is a great value for the size, has plenty of power to handle any snow, and “creature features” like the power steering and 4-way chute that makes this one easy to use.

Customer Satisfaction: I don’t expect any issues, but 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. 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 use it before the first snow. Take it out and practice with it in the driveway. (If there is a manufacturing issue, you will find it now instead of when the snow is 12 inches deep.)

Value: At around $999 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.

Ease Of Use: This is a very easy snow blower to use because it has power steering and the 4-way chute. It doesn’t matter if you are 5 ft, 100 lbs or 6 ft, 350 lbs you will be able to easily operate this snow blower. Yes, you can buy this one for your wife and she will be able to use it. The power steering makes it a breeze to use. 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 this unit has. The extended chute allows you to put the snow exactly where you want it. Other features like good knobby tires, a headlight and electric start make this snow blower a much better choice for most people than the economy models.

Key Features and Benefits: (From Sears.com)

Move more snow with a more powerful engine and save time out in the cold. This 28 in. Craftsman® Dual-Stage Snowblower has a 277cc* 4-cycle OHV engine, EZ Steer for better maneuverability and 4-way chute control.

277cc* 4-cycle OHV Craftsman® engine provides more power, longer life, and improved fuel economy – no mixing of gas and oil required. Move more snow with a more powerful engine and save time out in the cold
Push-button electric start allows for easy and sure starts in cold temperatures
28 in. clearing width and 21 in. intake height lets you clear more snow with each pass, ideal for large to extra large paved and gravel driveways and sidewalks
12 in. serrated steel auger and 12 in. impeller break up hard-packed snow and discharge heavy, wet snow
6 forward and 2 reverse, power-propelled speeds save time and energy, allowing operator to adjust speeds to match need
Trigger controlled EZ Steer system allows operator to turn unit with ease, increasing maneuverability while reducing user fatigue and time
4 Way chute control – 190 degree chute rotation and pitch 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
In-dash LED headlight illuminates the clearing path
Tool-less drift cutters cut into taller snow drifts and drop snow in front of the snow thrower path to increase efficiency
16 in. x 4.8 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
* As rated by engine manufacturer.

Buy Here: Craftsman 28 In 277cc Dual-Stage Snowblower w/ EZ Steer 16″ x 4.8″ X-Trac

The post 2014 Craftsman 28 in 277 cc Model 88395 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

2014 Craftsman 45 in 420 cc Model 88398 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review

Paul — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 16:32:02 +0000

2014 Craftsman 45 in 420 cc Model 88398 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review

By: Paul Sikkema

Is This The Best Snow Blower For You? This is Craftsman’s biggest snow thrower! At first look it appears just like the Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet 45 in snow throwers but there are some subtle differences. The Craftsman 88398 has drift cutters, sealed, maintenance free ball bearings, stronger than steel poly skid shoes and is serviced right at your home by Sears Home Services. You never have to take your Craftsman anywhere to get it repaired . This Craftsman is designed for anyone that needs to clean a very large driveway or large, wide sidewalks. This snow thrower features heated hand grips, huge capacity, large deep tread tires, big motor, power steering and electric start. It handles not only the heavy, wet snow on your driveway but also clear the piles of snow left by your snow plow or ATV.

This is a specialty snowblower and I normally don’t recommend this snow thrower because of it’s size. It is too large for most of you. It works best for large flat areas like parking lots, city sidewalks, school sidewalks and three car driveways. Don’t buy this if you have a steep incline to clear. Don’t buy this if your sidewalk is less than 45 inches wide. Even though it weighs almost 500 lbs and has dual wheels ….. it has has traction issues on steep driveways and sidewalks.

WHAT TYPE OF SNOW DO YOU TYPICALLY GET? (Powdery, Light, Moderate, Wet & Heavy.) This is Craftsman’s largest capacity snow thrower. It will handle all types of snow well.

WHAT TYPE OF SURFACE WILL YOU BE CLEARING? (Paved, Gravel, Patio, Deck, Turf.) The Craftsman 88398 has Polymere rust-resistant, non-marking, reversible skid shoes. These non-marring shoes are the tougher than steel, yet they won’t scratch your patio or leave brown rust marks on your cement sidewalks and driveways. If you do manage to wear them out they are reversible to give your double the life over steel skid shoes.

HOW MUCH SNOW DO YOU NEED TO CLEAR PER SNOWFALL? (Less than 3″, 3″-6″, 6″-9″, More than 9″) The 22 inch intake height will let you power through most drifts. Tool-less drift cutters let you cut cleanly through deeper drifts. This snow thrower will handle 20 inch snow falls easily.

Buy Here Craftsman 88398 at Sears!

What you can use this snow blower for:For Paved and Gravel surfaces. (Because of it’s size you may have traction issues using it on unfrozen gravel) Moderate to wet and heavy snowfall. Because it has larger tires than most of the other snow throwers you can go out in the back yard and easily clean a spot off for your dogs. This snow blower will easily handle 20 inch and deeper snow falls. It will handle even deeper snow falls if you get blizzards often. The six forward and two reverse speeds will let you go slow for the heavy stuff and faster for the lighter snows.

45 in Craftsman 88398 (2013 Review) at Sears

What you may not like: This snowblower is big and heavy! It will not work well for you if you have to go over more than a step or two. Even though it is a big snow thrower it is very easy to use and balanced well. Don’t buy this if you have a steep incline to clear. Again, don’t buy this if your sidewalk is less than 45 inches wide. Even though it weighs almost 500 lbs and has dual wheels ….. it has has traction issues on steep driveways and sidewalks.

Sears is the Official On-Line Retailer: This snow blower is sold through Sears and Sears Hometown stores only. Click Here To See Current Price, Order Online, Pick Up at your local Sears, or have it delivered to your home: Be sure to click on the “Special Offers” tab to see the online only specials!

Click Here for Craftsman 88398 at Sears!

Be Careful! You may find “factory-direct discount” stores trying to sell this snow blower but make sure they are an authorized Sears Retailer. Make sure the “factory-direct discount” store won’t leave you “out in the cold” when it comes to service. Sears gets your snow blower serviced quickly at your home if there is a warranty issue.

Is This One Of The Best Rated Snow Blowers for 2013? Mechanically this Craftsman 88398 snow thrower is rated well and has no maintenance issues, but there are some reviews out there complaining about traction. If you need to clear large areas like city sidewalks, school walkways or huge, flat residential driveways don’t be afraid to buy this machine. The snow blower itself has been around for many years. The engine is only 3 years old but it is developing one of the best service records around. It has six shear pins in the auger so if you do hit something they break instead of damaging the gearbox.

Does This Get a Best Snow Blower Rating For 2013? In the Good, Better, Best rating system this snow blower rates a “Best” for ease of use, durability and long life. Power Steering, remote chute, electric start, large engine all factor into this “best” rating. It uses a strong Craftsman motor that has plenty of power for it’s 45 inch size. In fact the motor is one of the most dependable on the market today. The huge 16 in impeller and discharge chute move snow well and don’t clog when blowing wet, heavy snow.

Is This One Of The Best Snow Blowers for the Money 2013? I normally don’t give you my opinion, but if you need a snow blower this large the price is reasonable.

Customer Satisfaction: Owners who knew what they were buying like this machine. It has virtually no mechanical issues.

Value: At around $2300 it is a good value for the size. You get many “creature comfort” features for the money with this snow blower.

Service & Parts Availability: Service and parts are easily available at your home. Just call 1-800-4MY-HOME and Sears comes right to your home and repairs the snow thrower. If the service tech does not have the part with him, he can quickly order it while he is still at your house. The in-home repair is usually quicker than if you take another brand to a servicing dealer. If you want to service it yourself parts are readily available here Save 10% on your purchase at Sears PartsDirect.com (use coupon code 90055 for the discount)

Click here for the parts you should have at your home!

Ease Of Use: This is one of the easiest snow blowers to use because it has power steering and remote chute. It doesn’t matter if you are 5 ft, 100 lbs or 6 ft 300 lbs you will be able to easily operate this snow blower even though it is one of the heaviest snow throwers on the market. Heavy duty power steering makes this a breeze to use. The chute is the largest and doesn’t clog. Other features like good knobby tires, a headlight, heated handgrips and electric start make this snow blower a good choice.

Key Features and Benefits: (From sears.com)

Maximize Snow Removal Performance with This 45″ Dual-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Featuring a brawny 420cc engine, the Craftsman 45″ Dual-Stage Gas Snow Blower is built for heavy-duty use. Extra wide 45-inch clearing width means your driveway will be clear in minutes. The deluxe Glide-Tech skid shoes slide over pavers and bricks smoothly ensuring damage-free performance. Features like plow style handles, EZ Steer system, heated hand grips and push-button electric start make snow removal a breeze.
Dual 16″ x 6.5″ X-Trac tires in this 45″ Dual-Stage Gas Snow Blower offer greater traction in slippery snow terrains. In-dash LED headlight sheds a glow on your clearing path, enhancing visibility for added safety. Watch in amazement as the tool-less drift cutters knife through hard-packed, icy snow drifts, making it easier to power your way through and efficiently clear them. Park this potent snow thrower in your garage reassured that the patented deluxe Glide-Tech skid shoes will eliminate the chance of rust stains.
Use the remote chute control on this Craftsman 45″ Dual-Stage Gas Snow Blower for a 190-degree rotation adjustment while on-the-go
With six forward and two reverse, power-propelled speeds you can power through everything from light powdered snow to heavy wet slush

A 45-inch clearing width and a 22-inch intake height lets you clear a wide driveway with ease
Extreme capacity discharge chute throws large volumes of snow in a tight pattern avoiding snow blow back
Single hand operation enhances the ease for on-the-go adjustments
420cc four-cycle OHV Craftsman engine comes with trigger controlled EZ Steer for better maneuverability
16″ x 6.5″ X-Trac tires and tool-less drift cutters are ideal for use in heavy snow conditions
Heated hand grips and mitten-grip starter handle for comfortable operation in cold temperatures
Large deluxe Glide-Tech skid shoes keep driveway damage-free
It’s available in a black/red finish
Item Weight: 490 lbs.
Two year limited warranty

Buy Here Craftsman 88398 at Sears!

The post 2014 Craftsman 45 in 420 cc Model 88398 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

2014 Craftsman 33 in 357 cc Model 88397 Review Two-Stage Snow Blower Review

Paul — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 13:56:20 +0000

2014 Craftsman 33 in 357 cc Model 88397 Two-Stage Snow Blower Review

Is This The Best Snow Blower For You? This is Craftsman’s biggest practical snow thrower for 2013! At first look it appears just like the Cub Cadet 33 in snow throwers but there are some subtle differences. The Craftsman 88397 is $500 cheaper, has drift cutters, sealed, maintenance free ball bearings, stronger than steel poly skid shoes and is serviced right at your home by Sears Home Services. You never have to take your Craftsman anywhere to get it repaired . This Craftsman is designed for anyone that needs to clean a very large driveway or large, wide sidewalks. This snow thrower features heated hand grips, huge capacity, large deep tread tires, big motor, power steering and electric start. It handles not only the heavy, wet snow on your driveway but also clear the piles of snow left by your snow plow or ATV.

By: Paul Sikkema

I highly recommend this snow blower instead of a tractor mounted unit for most home owners. It has a higher capacity than the Craftsman tractor mounted snow blowers and is much easier to maneuver in tight areas of your property. Yes, you will have to walk

I also recommend this snow thrower to municipalities and owners who have large areas and large snow falls to deal with. Sears has the best parts network. If you ever need parts you can quickly order them through searspartsdirect.com. Keep a set of belts, skid shoes and shear pins in your shop and this snow blower won’t let you down! It works best for large areas like parking lots, city sidewalks, school sidewalks and three car driveways. Even though it weighs almost 400 lbs it is very easy to maneuver and use.

WHAT SIZE DRIVEWAY WILL YOU BE CLEARING? (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large) This snow thrower is large enough to handle any size of driveway, parking lot or sidewalk complex. There is no higher capacity walk-behind snow blower on the market. It is not as heavy-duty as the Ariens Professional Series 36 in. Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower (926040) buy it is also $1000 less.

WHAT TYPE OF SNOW DO YOU TYPICALLY GET? (Powdery, Light, Moderate, Wet & Heavy.) This is Craftsman’s best large capacity snow thrower. It will handle all types of snow well.

WHAT TYPE OF SURFACE WILL YOU BE CLEARING? (Paved, Gravel, Patio, Deck, Turf.) The Craftsman CX Series 33 in 357cc Dual-Stage Snowblower w/ EZ Steer 16″ x 6.5″ X-Trac has Polymere rust-resistant, non-marking, reversible skid shoes. These non-marring shoes are the tougher than steel, yet they won’t scratch your patio or leave brown rust marks on your cement sidewalks and driveways. If you do manage to wear them out they are reversible to give your double the life over steel skid shoes.

Buy Here at Sears: Craftsman CX Series 33 in 357cc Dual-Stage Snowblower w/ EZ Steer 16″ x 6.5″ X-Trac

33 in Craftsman 88397 (2013 Review) at Sears

What you may not like: This snowblower is big and heavy! Even though it is a big snow thrower it is very easy to use and balanced well, but it will not work well for you if you have to go over more than a step or two.

Buy Here at Sears: Craftsman CX Series 33 in 357cc Dual-Stage Snowblower w/ EZ Steer 16″ x 6.5″ X-Trac

Is This One Of The Best Rated Snow Blowers for 2013? Mechanically this snow thrower is rated well and has no maintenance issues. It has been around for a few years now and the only real changes to it have been engines and paint schemes. If you need to clear large areas like city sidewalks, school walkways or huge, flat residential driveways don’t be afraid to buy this machine. The engine is 4 years old and is developing one of the best service records around. It has six shear pins in the auger so if you do hit something they break instead of damaging the gearbox.

Does This Get a Best Snow Blower Rating For 2013? In the Good, Better, Best rating system this snow blower rates a “Best” for ease of use, durability and long life. Power Steering, remote chute, electric start, large engine all factor into this “best” rating. It uses a strong Craftsman motor that has plenty of power for it’s 33 inch size. In fact the motor is one of the most dependable on the market today. The huge 16 in impeller and discharge chute move snow well and don’t clog when blowing wet, heavy snow.

Is This One Of The Best Snow Blowers for the Money 2013? I normally don’t give you my opinion, but if you need a snow blower this large the price is the best of all the high-capacity units.

Customer Satisfaction: Owners who knew what they were buying like this machine. It has virtually no mechanical issues.

Value: At around $1800 it is a great value for the size. For less than 1/3 the price of a Honda snow blower you gets 90% of the capacity and features. You get many “creature comfort” features for the money with this snow blower.

Key Features and Benefits: (From sears.com)

Enjoy Removing Snow from Your Sidewalk with this 33″ Dual-Stage Gas Snow Blower

Housing a powerful 357cc engine, the Craftsman 33″ Dual-Stage Gas Snow Blower is designed to deliver maximum performance. A 33-inch clearing width and 22-inch intake height helps you clear more snow in less time. A 16-inch serrated steel auger pulls snow into a powerful 16-inch high-speed impeller that can discharge large volumes of heavy, wet snow.

Tool-less drift cutters on this 33″ Dual-Stage Gas Snow Blower knife through hard-packed, icy snow drifts, making it easier to power your way through and efficiently clear them. In-dash LED headlights illuminate the clearing path and heated hand-grips keep your fingers comfortable on those windy and snowy days. With a two-year limited warranty, this brawny snow thrower is perfect for use during those wintry days.

With six forward and two reverse, power-propelled speeds, the Craftsman 33″ Dual-Stage Gas Snow Blower can power through any kind of snow
A 33-inch clearing width and 22-inch intake height lets you clear a wide driveway with ease
Remote chute control and joystick pitch control allow easy adjustment of height and distance of snow discharge
Extreme capacity discharge chute throws large volumes of snow in a tight pattern avoiding snow blow back
Single hand operation eliminates starts and stops, allowing you to use the other hand for on-the-go adjustments
357cc four-cycle OHV engine comes with trigger controlled EZ Steer for better maneuverability
16″ x 6.5″ X-Trac tires and tool-less drift cutters are ideal for use in heavy snow conditions
Heated hand grips and mitten-grip starter handle for comfortable operations in cold temperatures
Large deluxe Glide-Tech skid shoes keep driveway damage-free
Available in a black/red finish
Two year limited warranty

Buy Here at Sears: Craftsman CX Series 33 in 357cc Dual-Stage Snowblower w/ EZ Steer 16″ x 6.5″ X-Trac

The post 2014 Craftsman 33 in 357 cc Model 88397 Review Two-Stage Snow Blower Review appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

Changing The Oil, Wheel Maintenance, Drive Shaft Maintenance on your Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Husqvarna, Ariens Snow Blower

Paul — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 16:40:00 +0000

Changing The Oil, Wheel Maintenance, Drive Shaft Maintenance on your Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Husqvarna, Ariens Snow Blower

by: Paul Sikkema

Craftsman has put together short videos that go through the basic maintenance you should perform on your snow blower to keep it running this season. These videos are short and to the point. If you follow them – you can perform the task and save yourself $100 or so for a “tune-up” at your local repair shop.

These videos will give you the information you need for 90% of the 2-stage snow blowers on the market. This includes all Craftsman 6 speed snow throwers, Cub Cadet 6 speed snow throwers, Troy-Bilt 6 speed snow throwers, Yard Machines 6 speed snow throwers, Husqvarna 6 speed snow throwers, and most other brands with 6 speeds forward.

I am including pictures of a Husqvarna to show you that all of the current brands are different – yet basically the same. If I can do this, you can do this.

AFTER the videos, I put together a list of the minimum tools you need to do all the maintenance on your snowthrower. Of course this is a list of Craftsman tools – because all these tools have a complete, no questions asked, life-time warranty.

Craftsman Snow Thrower – Changing the oil

Changing the oil on another brand is basically the same. The drain tube/plug may be on the side of the bottom of the engine instead of the back.

Oil Drain Plug on Husqvarna

If the oil drain is on the side, I usually put a block of wood under the transmission housing to lift the back of the snow blower off the ground and remove the wheel. That way I can get an old ice cream container right up to the drain tube to collect the oil. Some people put a piece of cardboard down under the used oil container to soak up any drips. If you spill some on your cement floor, oil dry, kitty litter or sawdust all work well to soak up the oil. Put the oil dry on the spill and leave it for 24 hours. If there is a stain left use Dawn/water to scrub the stain.

If you have never changed oil in an engine before I want to warn you that if you get it on your hands it can be very hard to get off. The dirt in the oil stains your hands. Wear vinyl gloves. Washing your hands thoroughly with Dawn will usually clean most of it off though.

Save the oil. You are going to use some of it in the next two videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q3OjHkYfgA : :

In the video Craftsman suggests warming the engine up before changing the oil. If your work area is 45 degree Fahrenheit or warmer I don’t recommend doing this. Why? Your snow blower engine is designed to run in cold temperatures and should not be run for more than a minute when the temp is above 45 degrees. Instead of warming up the engine, I just set up the container I am draining the oil into on the ground, open the drain, and then walk away for 20 minutes or so.

By the way: When I get an empty cooking oil bottle in the kitchen, I use it to store my used engine oil out in the garage. I use the oil for lubricating shafts and when I get too much it is easy to transport to a recycling facility.

Craftsman Snow thrower – Wheel Maintenance

You don’t need a grease gun to do this task. Any automotive store sells a container of wheel bearing grease about the size of a Planter’s peanut can. One container will last you 10 years. I use a paper towel to wipe the grease on the axle.

It is a good idea to do this on your lawn tractor also. That way if you ever have to remove a wheel it will come off easily.

Craftsman Snow thrower – Driveshaft Maintenance

Watch the video and look a the picture of the Husqvarna transmission. The difference is MTD produced snow blowers use gears to reduce the speed, Husqvarna and others use chains.

Here is where you can use the engine oil you drained from your engine. Use that old oil to lubricate the shaft. I use a paper towel dipped int he oil to lube the shaft.

Husqvarna Friction Drive Click For A Larger View

Try not to get oil on the big aluminum disk and the rubber “tire”. Oil on those two items will cause your transmission to slip. If you want to lay a rag or paper towel on the disk to protect it when you lube the shaft.

I suggest when you get the snow blower tipped up and the transmission cover off, put the gear selector in 6. Lubricate the shaft. Then put the gear selector in R2 and then lubricate the other side of the shaft. You can also wipe oil on the gears/chains.

List of tools you need to work on your snow blower quickly and safely:

Go through this list of tools and see get what you don’t have. You can buy these online, pick them up at your local Sears or have them shipped right to your home. Click on each item to review it and/or buy:

1. 3/8 inch Socket Set: The new Universal Craftsman sets will handle most nuts and bolts including the new Torx style. Here are 3 different sets. The basic set is what you need. The other two sets have more tools so you can do more stuff around the house.

2. Spark Plug Sockets: Spark plugs on the new OHV engines require a special spark plug socket to get them safely in and out of the engine. This set covers all the spark plugs for small engines (and most cars, trucks and power sports)

3. Screwdriver Set:

4. Pliers Set:

5. 3/16 Punch:

6. Safety Glasses:

7. Hammer: Any old beater will do…….. including a claw hammer in your kitchen drawer.

The post Changing The Oil, Wheel Maintenance, Drive Shaft Maintenance on your Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Husqvarna, Ariens Snow Blower appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

Adjusting Skid Shoes, Replacing Shear Pins, Lubricating The Auger on your Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Husqvarna Snow Blower

Paul — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:43:41 +0000

Snow Thrower – Adjusting Skid Shoes, Replacing Shear Pins, Lubricating The Auger on your Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Husqvarna Snow Blower

by: Paul Sikkema

I am including pictures of a Husqvarna to show you that all of the current brands are different – yet basically the same. If I can do this, you can do this.

Go through this list of tools and get what you don’t have. You can buy these online, pick them up at your local Sears or have them shipped right to your home.

Craftsman Snow thrower – Adjusting your skid shoes and shave plate

Craftsman made this video on adjusting the skid shoes and replacing the shave plate. In the video it shows removing the shoes and reversing them. You ONLY need to do this if they are worn. For your new snowblower you only need to loosen them and slide them down. My driveway is fairly smooth so I adjust them so there is about 1/8 inch clearance between the shave plate and the ground. (the thickness of cardboard) If your driveway or sidewalk is rougher, adjust them so the shave plate is higher.

If you are clearing a gravel or dirt driveway you may want to start at about 1/4 inch. If you are still throwing rocks, raise them higher.

Here is a short video on the Glide Tech Skid Shoes:

And another video, this one is about optional roller skids:

Here is a picture of a Husqvarna with steel skid shoes. You adjust these the same way.

Skid shoe on a Husqvarna

Craftsman Snow thrower – Shear pin replacement

Here are the correct shear pins for your 2012-2013 Craftsman Snow Blower.
Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins Order a package or two and duct tape them to your handle bar. Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Yard Machines, MTD Pro all use this shear pin.

Every once in a while you will shear a pin and it won’t eject itself out of the snow blower. If that happens you will have to drive it out with a punch and hammer. Don’t use a nail unless you grind the end of the nail flat. The point of the nail can cause the sheared pin to flare and make it even harder to get out. I had one last year that sheared flush. I couldn’t find the hole! I eventually found it by using a flashlight and slowly rotating the auger on the shaft until I saw a very fine circular line. That was the edge of the sheared pin.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7KnJJzc630

Here is a picture of a Husqvarna shear pin. Husqvarna uses a special bolt. DO NOT replace it with a standard bolt. You can get Husqvarna Shear Pins here: Husqvarna Outdoor PP40003 Snowthrower Shear Pins

Husqvarna Shear Pin

Craftsman Snow Thrower -Auger Maintenance

To keep you snow blower is tip-top shape you should lube the front shaft at least once a year. This will help the shear pins eject easier if you break one.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLHf3l9NUIY

List of tools you need to work on your snow blower quickly and safely:

3. Screwdriver Set:

4. Pliers Set:

5. 3/16 Punch:

6. Safety Glasses:

7. Hammer: Any old beater will do…….. including the claw hammer in your kitchen drawer.

The post Adjusting Skid Shoes, Replacing Shear Pins, Lubricating The Auger on your Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Husqvarna Snow Blower appeared first on MovingSnow.com.