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

I mean they use the same engine as the Ariens and other machines, so does it boil down to the craftsmanship and mechanical issues on these blowers rather than engine problems?

Knee_Biter wrote:
Why not?
It appears that the problems that were talked about 6 or 7 years ago still exist to some extent.
Maybe the discussion can help a newbie, (like me), make a more informed decision.

FWIW, When I was researching prior to making my decision this year, it seemed like much of the dissatisfaction was with Sears rather than the equipment.
I read a lot of reviews where owners felt the Craftsman did a good job and was a pretty decent "Bang for the Buck".
I also read a lot of negative comments about Sears service and parts. Those negative comments were enough for me to remove the Craftsman from consideration.

I  have  owned  a  Craftsman snowblower , I got it in 1985,   It is 33 inch, 12.5 horsepower  Tecumseh. I have used it every winter and we always get a lot of snow here  During that time, I have had very few problems,   one new clutch,  a new cable for the drive . three spark plugs , I change the oil after each season.  I use Mobil 1   5/30 oil. I have never  had to change  the belts. Everytime that I have wanted parts I just called Sears parts and they delivered them to my door in a few days. I expect to get many more years out of thiis machine.

The new Craftsman snowblowers  (the ones built by Hsqvarna)  are excellent well built machines.

Craftsman gets a bad rap because Craftsman doesn't exist. It's just a sticker on whatever company happens to have the current contract. Quality varies widely over the years.

Why does craftsman get a bad rap?

Answer: When the mantra of your business model is "the lowest bidder wins".....

I have a craftsman high wheel push mower that has been a pretty good unit when we first bought our house it was my primary mower for quite a few years I put blades and such on it changed oil full synthetic.Now have a rider so it doesnt get the use it used to but it fires right up after sitting for weeks and such has a briggs 6.5hp ohv on it.Like was said earlier you buy what you can afford.this has served me well and am expecting it to for quite sometime......