Craftsman (21") 179cc Single Stage Snow Blower With Electric Start

We used to live in the upper peninsula of Michigan -- the snow belt. Now, we live in far northern Wisconsin -- so, I'd say we are snow blower experienced. I initially was a little skeptical about this unit -- cheaper and built by MTD.

We already have an Ariens single stage and John Deere dual stage tank for the heavier snows. When I saw the Black Friday $379 sale, I jumped, I figured my wife could help with the snow and I would get done in half the time.

Well, it all worked according to Hoyle. The unit is easy to start, it's light, blows like hell and runs smoothly. We'll have to wait and see if it lasts, but right now I am 110% satisfied. So....if you see the same deal that I did, I can't see how you could go wrong. Heck, if it eventually is my $379 Lake Superior boat anchor, I'm good. Have a good winter, eh? Buy the Craftsman.....

We used to live in the upper peninsula of Michigan -- the snow belt. Now, we live in far northern Wisconsin -- so, I'd say we are snow blower experienced. I initially was a little skeptical about this unit -- cheaper and built by MTD.

We already have an Ariens single stage and John Deere dual stage tank for the heavier snows. When I saw the Black Friday $379 sale, I jumped, I figured my wife could help with the snow and I would get done in half the time.

Well, it all worked according... more

Snow blower leaked (poured) gasoline at random times when stored in a climate controlled garage. Service tried to repair it twice and it's still leaking. Policy is that it has to be returned 4 times for the same problem before I'm given a replacement product. No effort is being made to expedite the repair even though we're in the snowy season.
DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT.

My son started a lawn service and needed a machine that could fit in his car trunk. The first unit leaked oil, the second unit had its chute base mounted backwards. ( it was pointed towards user ) you have to install the chute yourself and its an idiot proof install with three pins and three screws, so it only goes on one way. The third unit runs great with zero problems and is quite powerful . Easily busting down drifts taller than the opening. The first day he did 32 houses without a problem. I know this is not a professional snow blower but hoping it will last. It will be interesting to determine the long term durability. It is also very fuel efficient. Sears also took another $50 off for the inconvenience. Good customer service.

My son started a lawn service and needed a machine that could fit in his car trunk. The first unit leaked oil, the second unit had its chute base mounted backwards. ( it was pointed towards user ) you have to install the chute yourself and its an idiot proof install with three pins and three screws, so it only goes on one way. The third unit runs great with zero problems and is quite powerful . Easily busting down drifts taller than the opening. The first day he did 32 houses without a... more

I bought this snow blower from Sears on January 4, 2011 to upgrade from a Sears 88520 snow blower that I found not to be adequate enough for the occasional heavy snowfall that I get in my area. This snow blower will go through moderately heavy snow and throw it an adequate enough distance almost as quickly as a smaller two stage machine. Though I had a carburetor issue with it when I bought it, Sears fixed it under warranty that I wound up having to straighten things out with them when they made a mistake and charged me for the servicing that should have been covered under the warranty. Despite these initial issues, it has been a good machine. Getting spare parts was not a problem. Doing routine maintenance such as changing the oil and draining the fuel tank is fairly easy. All I have to do is remove the back panel and I can get to what I need to service. It is easy to adjust the scraper bar. The engine starts easily even with the pull cord. It is on the heavy side and the impeller when it is turning has the strength to pull the machine forward. It is able to knock down plow piles though it has to be done slowly and patiently. If you nose it down a little, it will clear right down to the bare pavement. I was able to clear a layer of ice with the machine in February 2011 by pointing the nose down a little and letting the impeller break up the ice. Even last winter when I received a total of around 21" of snow in the big storm in February (2013), it was able to clear the snow even though I did it in two stages.

Overall, this machine is a good choice for the homeowner that usually doesn't deal with more than a foot of snow.

I bought this snow blower from Sears on January 4, 2011 to upgrade from a Sears 88520 snow blower that I found not to be adequate enough for the occasional heavy snowfall that I get in my area. This snow blower will go through moderately heavy snow and throw it an adequate enough distance almost as quickly as a smaller two stage machine. Though I had a carburetor issue with it when I bought it, Sears fixed it under warranty that I wound up having to straighten things out with them when they... more

Unless the snow is dry and the lightest fluffiest, this thing turns into a snow pusher rather than a snow blower. Your hand is going to be in the chute to clear it more than any snow coming out of that chute. The chute isn't so much a chute as is is a snow stopper.

I'd rather have my 10 year old Craftsman single stage snow blower (green and black) back. At least that could throw slightly wet snow. Thing thing? Forget it!

Snow blower hard to push after 1st year good use sound like metal to concrete. The paddles maybe gone alright. If so life of paddles way too short on this product. Second snow blower of this kind by Craftsman the old one never had a problem in 12 years. Disappointed at the quality of this one!