Craftsman Snowblower

[cardo1111]

The problem now with snowthrowers is if you spend less than about $1000. you will likely get a machine with a China manufactured engine for example: LCT or Powermore, I believe Sears uses Powermore these engines don't have much of a track record but from what I have read so far parts are expensive and they are not as reliable as Briggs & Stratton engines, this is how snow thrower manufacturers have increased market share by offering cheaper machines, increasing profits, so buyer beware.

[kriegmeister3000]

Now that I've bought the snowblower it doesn't seam to want to snow. Go Figure!!!

[kriegmeister3000]

Here is a tip. When putting the chute on. Put some lithium grease on the base of the chute. I dxid this and it works great.

[kriegmeister3000]

Simplicity is the best money can buy. These days there is not a whole lotta money to go around for some people. Simplicity does have it's flawes like the aluminum auger pulley and let's not forget about the chute universal joint made out of nylon. When you go to the simplicity dealer to get new parts they are made out of STEEL. I know this because I lived it.

[MrMesaDude]

Sears makes crappy snowblowers. Spend the $ and get a Simplicity.

[kriegmeister3000]

Getting one this week =)

[rudolphna54]

Have this snowblower. I HATE the Chinese Made engine. It's a Chinese designed, and built engine, sold under many brands. Stormforce, Craftsman, MTD powermore, Harbor Freight among them. These particular engines are made by Chongqing Vision industry, of China. It's fuel efficient, but has little torque, adn the carbeurator is poorly tuned, with no adjustments available.

[DODOBROWN313]

@rudolphna54 I bought an mtd. If anything breaks the good people from sears come to my house and fix it. Buy one with a warranty and kick back and relax.

[lightningbolt543]

but what if you have a stoney driveway like if your driveway is just stones what do you do?

[AsktheBuilder]

@lightningbolt543 Uh, you set the guides at the bottom up higher.

[blaine7651]

thanks for the tips. when i snow blow my grandma's driveway, its all cracked and i have to be careful. on mine it is nice and flat which makes it a lot easier. next fall i will try and clear off all the debris from it.

[mareesherrr]

Have you heard of a Lawnmaster Sno-Commander. I just bought a 1964

[viper1966]

Bought on this year

love it except the plastic skids

Ditched those after 3 times and installed 2 inch solid rubber casters

What a diff, it,'s a one hand job now

[JAG03064]

The engine has no carb adjustments and the choke shaft allows water to run into the carburetor so you have to constantly use dry gas. There is no air filter on the carb so anything can get into it. If you tip the machine up even slightly it will stall. This is the second motor. I'll take a used model with a Tucumseh engine any day. Briggs buying Tucumseh is a joke! Briggs have never been good in cold weather so why screw with a good thing continue with Tucumseh design, it works!

[joek0617]

@JAG03064 briggs have worked for me, you just need to make sure it's a winter engine, i've had far more issues w/ tecumseh

[flynnlandscaping]

wat about simplicity , toro, ariens and im 13 and i hate mine

[Dorisequador]

Are you Old timer Craftsman very good video and boots nice boots.

[scrapcrapMandM]

plasic chutes are terrible it broke the first winter we had it

[Maxfli82]

I have a Sears Crafstman 6.5hp blower (I think it was built by Murray) and when it runs, it's a ton of fun. However, the plastic chute is the worst part as it has a tendency to break under a lot of use. They should've built that out of metal.

[flamethrower41]

Dude I love your videos do some more snow blower vid kk

[ronnierascal12]

snowblowers aren't a bunch of fun and the fact that it matches your outfit doesn't rule the world.

[GingerInferno247]

@ronnierascal12 Exactly what I was thinking!

[mikosaaol]

my sears 5hp - 24 is over 25 years old. it got tracks not tires. still running strong.

[Olddog231]

noticed while shopping for on that alot of brands are identical with engine and overall looks with no difference among them which shows to me alot of these brands are name only

[ronofontario]

Come do my driveway... I'm lazy

[goyherder]

The biggest pain about snow blowers is planning out the path or route to take so you don't end up throwing snow on top of your old work, its sort of like tetris only more of a work out.

[ev22336]

Are you having any problems with the chute?

[AsktheBuilder]

@ev22336 None at this time.

[ev22336]

@AsktheBuilder Thanks, i just bought one except mine has the zero radius turning, Craftsman are great machines, im just a little bit concerned with the plastic chute

[garrett6699]

@ev22336 I have the same snowblower. The cables to control the up and down movement of the chute are frozen every snowstorm. The side to size always works.

[hujipher]

crack at 0:09 pause it

[ItsColdUpNorthh]

I was just wondering, because I bought a craftsman snowblower last year, its 305cc so it's powerful, and I wanted to know what it's like going down a hill in, I live in a very hilly area. The snowblower has a 6 speed gearbox.

[colbycous01]

flimsy, and plastic over priced crap. buy a reconditioned older one from a shop you trust. way better made and about 1/4 the price, and every piece of it will be american made.

[AsktheBuilder]

@colbycous01 I only approved this message because I want you to tell all of us how after it's reconditioned every part will be American made. That's just not possible. Where did you get this information?

[colbycous01]

@AsktheBuilder because thats what i do, recodition older machines, about 1 a week. nothing rarely goes bad on the older ones. clean, sand, oil or grease, repaint every part. the engines are steel lined, reseat the valves, us made diaphrams, ect.. hate sears,, their very propriatary with their parts and part#'s. it may be your post, but im not sure how you feel the right to screen anyones post wheather they agree with you or not. we all have our own opinions, and thy all count. good day sir

[AsktheBuilder]

@colbycous01 First, I have a clear cut Comment Policy on the home page of this channel. You should probably read it. Second, I challenged your post because you said, " ... buy a reconditioned older one from a shop you trust. way better made and about 1/4 the price, and every piece of it will be american made."

That's not accurate. How can you prove that every new or existing part is made in the USA? I'm splitting hairs, but I just can't let a comment go like that unchallenged.

[colbycous01]

@AsktheBuilder i have many machines from the 60's and i would not trade any for a newer machine i intend on keeping myself. to sell yes, but not to keep. new ones work fine yes, but there way to expensive for what your getting,, a blower that will last 10 years not 50. my personel blower is a 68 haun eclips 26" with a teccy engine, and it starts with 2 pulls EVERY time no matter how long it sits, or cold. tillers are the same, cast iron,steel and brass gears as opposed the aluminium new ones

[christhetromboneguy]

save your back it will! im only like 13 years old but after a lot a shoveling will cuase major back pain!

[christhetromboneguy]

@AsktheBuilder ya nothin is american nomore...but if it was a blower that was 700$ would cost ya a grueling couple a' grand...

[joek0617]

@colbycous01 yep, go gilson! i have a 40 year old 5 hp gilson that has had less problems than my brand new toros, which were all plastic, my gilson is all steel and cast iron . although areins isn't bad. there's someone that even sells parts for my gilson. tho i do like the remote chute control...

[NullH3ad]

I got me a 24" craftsman this season, and I'll agree that these machines are epic.

[Joeyad4]

it doesnt have a transmission like a car... it doesnt have a transmision at all... all it is 2 wheels that ride on each other.. so the higher speed you are in the farther the other wheel gets from the center of the one its riding on

[AsktheBuilder]

I have to disagree. Look up the definition of transmission. Plus, you miss the point. A car has different *speeds* possible with it's transmission as does this machine.

[joedinaadi]

i have the 21" craftsman , would it be ok to leave the choke on halfway when using it? .. it works better

[AsktheBuilder]

I'm Ask the Builder, not Ask the Mechanic. :->

[enigma9051]

Should be Ok, It's caused by having a buildup of gum from leaving gas set in the tank over summer. You could try using a carb cleaner, but it's really difficult to get them cleaned properly unless you get it overhauled.

I ran for three years using 1/2 choke - bought a new carb last summer when I learned that Tecumseh stopped making engines.

[motrukmowingandmore]

I do that with mine sometimes but if you do that you might bogg the engine down if you get into some thick snow, it could flood it or stall it, but otherwise that is OK

[cubcadet2]

i dont think it would be good but look at the carb on it , it maybe dirty soget so carb cleaner from like homedepot and google search how to clean a carb. in the pust mower ( to much steps for me to list) but u may need to replace or rebuild the carb but just clean it out or spray some carb cleaner> but first take the air filter off and replace it if it`s dirty and the spray carb cleaner in the were the air hole is or watch some youtube videos on how to clean the carbs in push mowers

[colbycous01]

@joedinaadi yes, but youll carbon up your plug. you need only to adjust your main jet at high speed with 1/4 turns till it runs better. if you dont have a main jet (such as newer machines) youll have to replace your jet. be sure to ask for one made in america.

[ib4224]

Mr. Carter,

What model was the Craftman snowblower and the price. I enjoyed your demonstration.

[AsktheBuilder]

It's 26-inches wide. Who cares what the price was when I got mine? All that matters is what the price is now and how it compares to others. Prices change. That's why I *never* discuss or mention prices in my videos. It's bad information to include.

[05clenharth]

its not a good engine its a cheap Chinese clone engine

[libertyvillebadboy]

Great video, Tim.

Larry Costello

[geolamme]

I have the same product and I love it. Living in Maine we need one now and then LOL. Don't forget to spray the area where the auger is and the shot it will make cleaning it out easier. And remember, take care of our toys and they will take care of you!!!!!

[Algonquin]

Great video! What is the displacement of the engine or HP rating of this model?

[DeFRaG0]

john deere one was better did the john deere one have the electric starter like this one? on the side note this one seemed like u can control it a bit more than the other. none the less great machines and great videos thanks for the upload.

[AsktheBuilder]

I don't know if I agree with you at all. The JD one has the starter, but it weighs a ton. The Sears Craftsman one is LIGHT and throws the snow as far. The trouble comparing the two videos is the snow in THIS video was much wetter, so it doesn't leave the chute with the velocity as you saw in my JD video. You'll NOT be disappointed with a Sears one, In fact, I just took possession of a second Sears one I was so happy with this one. I want to have a backup.

[allinasmile]

How well would a snowblower work on a gravel drive? Mine's about 200'+ and on a highway where the trucks regularly plow me in. Shoveling 'bout killed me last winter! Thanks

[AsktheBuilder]

They work great. You adjust those plastic feet on the sides to keep the metal blade off the gravel about an inch.

[hchia17]

I would think the only reason they woud put cover on muffer is because We all know some idiot would touch it so he or she can sue for quick money, since we all know people will sue for anything

[AsktheBuilder]

And that's exactly what's wrong with this nation. People being too selfish and not wanting to take responsibility for their actions.

[TheLoneWolf1124]

no no no its a glove warmer, you stick your gloves on it and it warms em up without touching the muffler itself an burning it...maybe. your probably right tho, people are sue happy in this country

[slimjim355]

i dont even use a muffler, its more powerful without one

[hondacl0n3]

now, why do you need some covers to block your muffler. is it something fancy for new models or something to keep the snow off the muffler to prevent rust. now if you dont have one should you buy one or you cant but one?

[dudechillinathome]

You don't. They do fine without them. and mufflers take 20+ years to get to the rusting point where you have to replace one. they're dirt cheap anyways

[DirtballGearhead]

I dont know if anyone else noticed this... but a snowblowers transmission is completely different from a cars... a car uses gears that are attached to the engine which reduce and enlarge ratios. A snowblower uses a planetary transmission- or at least this one does- and that transmission changes speeds by moving a rubber disc across a metal plate that spins from the engine. Based on the distance from the center of that metal plate, the snowblower moves faster or slower. 2 very different trans

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for that information. My comment about the similarity was based on the fact the snowblower had a transmission - not the type of transmission. Had I been demonstrating a push lawn mower, I would have said the transmission was in my legs - meaning I control the speed of the lawn mower by how slow or fast I walk.

[DirtballGearhead]

Haha ok, i guess i just wanted to clear that up for others, not trying to be mean. Great youtube channel you have going by the way, its a great way to inform consumers which seem to be getting less and less informed each day thinking that cheapest is always the best. It is nice how you stick to the main facts and keep it interesting by going over everything in short where it would normally get boring.

[lundsay]

not to be against the video but sheer pins arent expensive, there less then $10, and the shoot is plastic, it well shatter, i purchased a 10.5hp craftsman SB 10 years ago it has had no problems. it has a steel shoot, if you plan on buying a snowblower, make sure the shoot isnt plastic!

[AsktheBuilder]

I appreciate your comment. But you have me wondering. You didn't explain *why* the chute would shatter? The snow? No way? Ice chunks? Maybe, but the sheer pins would stop that. Tell us *how* you know this would happen. Do you have photos of shattered chutes? Or, are you just conjecturing? You do realize there are many different plastics, and many do NOT shatter. Perhaps the vendor who made this machine use a plastic that will not fail.

[lundsay]

when you lower the chute, the plastic chute could be frozen, working the heavy wet snow. pretty much experence from last 2 mastercrafts SB that i have owned with the plastic chute, the aim snap in haif. thats is why i am happy that my craftsman has a metal chute

[domainjester]

If I may... I have a Craftsman, not the model you have but it has plastic - I've been through LITERALLY 6 plastic chutes but only 2 sheer pins. In my case, when a plow comes by it leaves chunks of ice, even curb or pieces of road. They are pretty small and actually make it past the blades no issue. They hit the plastic chute and start cracking away where it connects to the snowthrower - before you know it, it's shooting everything straight up all over you. Craftsman offers no better replacement

[AsktheBuilder]

Perhaps they will after they read your comment. It's now out there for the world to see.

[domainjester]

I've actually written them, no plan to. I've got a metal shop fabricating me one at the moment. It's a great machine otherwise.

In your video you mention saving your back it can also easily save your life. Worth well more than the purchase price. Thanks for your videos!

[byhammerandhand]

A man and his toys, errr, tools. Arrr arrr.  Glad you are enjoying the snow in NH. I got to use my son-in-laws snowblower in Cleveland this winter. You should have seen my wife's eyes roll when I told her one would be nice to have.

[AsktheBuilder]

This was my first year using one. I'm sold. They do better than a plow. You can see in the video the blower takes it right to the blacktop. On most days, within hours the blacktop was snow and ice free and dry within hours!

[shoefrmperu]

It would sure be awesome if you were my grandpa.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks, but you'll just have to make it without me. If you've lost yours, I was in the same boat. I never got to meet either of my grandfathers. Both had died before I was born.

[shoefrmperu]

Your awesome (:

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks, just having some fun with a great machine and a video camera. It was a fantastic day when we shot this video. Not too cold, light wind and temps in the upper 20's F.

[NCCAJAX]

Next time go for a hydro-stat trans, you'll never go back to gears.

[tikolyco]

6 forward speeds? what are you going to do Tim? clear the freeway?

and who is that black man who always gets hurt in all the Danger signs? some one get him a manual.

[AsktheBuilder]

Fifth and sixth gear are only used to clear 1 or 2 inches of snow or to move the machine somewhere fast. No way can you go that fast with heavy snow. That little man in the manuals does some silly things. He's always putting his hands and feet where they don't belong.

[tikolyco]

Who is this black man who is always getting him self hurt in all the DANGER signs?

He shouldn't be too hard to find... by now he is in pieces!... we gotta get him away from machinery ASAP!!!

[Electrotime]

That snow blower was the exact same thing as my cub cadet. They are identical, they just have different names and mines yellow.

[skandaa]

a snow melter would be even cooler, either way, good video.

[AsktheBuilder]

You got that right. What a mistake it was to kill all the dragons so many years ago. Talk about pet snow melters......

[mstruckerboy]

You're good at this!

[mpgomatic]

You must have gotten hammered again ... just got a powder report from Killington this afternoon ... 19 inches!

[AsktheBuilder]

We did, but it wasn't too bad. This video was taped with 7 inches of really wet snow, the wettest of the season. Then two days later, another 8 inches of drier snow. The snow cover on the ground now is about 18-20 inches.

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Great video with many useful bits of advice. After all this snow here in California, it's nice to see how each machine works!

That's also neat how you can now download the videos for personal use. It's great for people who might want to refer to your advice on the go or at the home improvement store!

[Trapper100]

Tim can you tell me why you have french written on you Sears and your John Deere snowblower Are you in Canada.

[AsktheBuilder]

I don't have a clue what you're talking about. My guess is you're seeing an overlay ad that's trying to guess your language based upon your IP address. I'm in New Hampshire.

[FirebrandNIRE]

Theres just no limit to the mans talent :)

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks, it was nothing. Those machines are really fun to operate. You can see them chew through the snow.

[M0LONLABE]

So what are you gonna do for starting this thing when they shut down the grid?

[AsktheBuilder]

Pull the starter cord. The electric-start feature is an option. I started it by pulling a cord as you would with most gasoline engines.

[xDjAsOnF]

i saw this vid like 1 month ago

isnt it old?

[AsktheBuilder]

You're confusing it with a green machine.

[alalaty]

i never see snow in all my life :) looool thats beautiful ice .. we live at desert looooooooooooooool

thanks

[AsktheBuilder]

Come visit us here in New Hampshire. On second thought, maybe not. You might not go home. There's a saying here often seen on bumper stickers: Okay, so you've seen the sights, Go Home. :->

[RikaKazak]

Here in Idaho we have bumper stickers with mini maps back to california ;)

[AsktheBuilder]

Heh heh....... Great idea.

[alalaty]

loooool yes :)) i wish that really i make ball from snow :) same movies :)

thanks tim

[darknightten]

I like your videos,they are really helpful.

But,where do you live?

It's beautiful!

I wish it was this nice where I live!

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks. New Hampshire. Come and visit this gorgeous state.

[KingThorin]

isn't this an old video?

[AsktheBuilder]

Not at all. It was taped just two days ago.

[drummerdude6485]

There is another video, that Tim made. But it was about a John Deere snowblower. This one is kind of similar, but with the Craftsman series.

[chacon191]

Este video me trae recuerdos de cuando vivia en Wisconsin hace diez años, bien hecho Tim!

[MadBadVoodo]

Five Stars!!

[Mandalorx10]

man that's awesome!

[MajorMiya]

Great video...can plaese make a video on the feul mixture and the do's and donts of mixing...thanks

[AsktheBuilder]

You don't have to mix fuel. The only thing you should do is use fuel stabilizer at all times. And make sure the oil is filled each time you use it. Change the oil at the end of each season.

[geolamme]

I have the same product. Best investment I ever made living in Maine. Don't forget to spray the area where the augers are and the shoot with silicon spray makes cleaning much easier. And remember take care of our toys and they will take care of you.

[benatkin815]

Nice video Tim, Top Quality as always!

Wish the UK snowed like the US so I could get a snowblower! They look like so much fun.

Take Care and keep up the good work!

[benatkin815]

Good work Tim! Another exciting vido! Keep them comming!

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks. There are quite a few videos coming soon. You'll be pleased.