Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I know I'm a little late in the season, but my neighbor brought out his 1971, 7 HP Craftsman yesterday to try and sell it at a yard sale. I had asked him last spring if I could get a few pics this past winter, but he buried it under a tarp in the back yard as he found a newer machine to use. It runs, but doesn't develop much power. It might just need a good carb clean as he stores it with unstabilized leftover fuel every year. It seems to run smoothly but bogs when under load.

The electric start still works and he had it running a day or two ago. Note the simple controls. Looks like reverse and forward only. No speeds.

The cooling fins have white salt corrosion on them.

Oh yeah, it didn't sell so its still available if anyone wants it. Reduced to $25. (Cdn so that makes it even better) Oh yeah, don't forget the box of bonus spare parts with the iron oxide preservative, included in this incredible offer. They might be from a similar engine. The crank bearing has nice wear in marks on it, so you won't have to go through a break-in procedure if you use it.

People are starting to collect snowblowers, although I don't think Craftsman is popular for that activity. Interesting design. By contrast, the 1970 Ariens I'm refurbishing isn't a lot different from the newer models. The primary difference in function is that later Ariens units have two drive belts to engage the auger and drive independently.