Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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Clay
Location: Wis
Joined: Dec 3, 2008
Points: 111
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Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Original Message Dec 8, 2008 1:15 pm |
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I have made a few comments about this machine in a couple of other posts, but wanted to do a review on a stand alone thread. I want this thread to be a place where I can log some ongoing experiences with this machine since it is really new. I purchased it 12-1-08. First let's look at the specs. I pulled these right off of the Sears website: | Product Overview: |
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| Stages: | Two stage | | Stages: | Two stage | | Item Weight: | 293.0 lbs. | | General Warranty: | 2 year limited | | Chute System: |
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| Directional Chute Control: | Yes | | Chute Material: | Steel | | Chute Rotation: | Yes, single motion | | Maximum Chute Rotation: | 180 deg. | | General Features: |
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| Impeller Diameter: | 12 in. | | Auger Style: | Serrated drum | | Auger Type: | Curved blade | | Number of Rotor Blades: | 3 | | Snow Dispersal: | Impeller | | Drive System: |
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| Propulsion Type: | Wheel engagement | | Speeds, Forward: | 6 | | Speeds, Reverse: | 2 | | Motor-Engine: |
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| Amps: | 1.5 | | Engine Brand: | Briggs & StrattonŽ | | Series: | 1450 Series | | Electric Start: | Yes | | Starter Type: | Electric | | Torque Ft./Lbs.: | 14.5 ft. lbs. | | Wheels & Tires: |
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| Material: | Rubber | | Type: | X-trac | | Capacity: |
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| Clearing Path: | 30 in. | | Controls, Overall: |
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| On/Off Type: | Lever | | Primary Location: | Consoles | | Primary Type: | Lever | | Controls, Safety: |
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| Safety Override: | Yes | | Safety Lock: | Yes | | Convenience: |
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| Starter Mitten Grip: | Yes | | Handles: |
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| Handles Fold For Easy Storage: | Yes | | Color: |
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| Overall Color: | Red | | Dimensions: |
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| Intake Height: | 23 in. | | Installation Requirements: |
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| Setup: | Fully assembled | | Included with Item: |
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| Accessory Type: | Starter mitten grip |
Even though I have a relatively small walk and driveway, I wanted a larger machine since last year's snow fall was a record amount and this year is forecasted to be have more than last year. I was using a 21 year old snowblower with a Tecumseh engine and it started to leak oil on the sidewalk as I used it. I could have repaired it, but WANTED a larger machine. The older unit has paid for itself many times over and I have nothing but respect for the Tecumseh engine. The older unit will go to our vacation home for the few times a year that we visit during the winter. I looked at the following brands during my decision making process, Toro, Simplicity, Ariens, Cub Cadet, MTD and Craftsman. While I think that the Toro machines are very fine indeed they were priced out of my consideration level. Simplicity and Ariens were on the short list along with this particular Craftsman. I chose this unit over the Ariens because of the issues that concern me with the Tecumseh engines in the long run as far as service and product availability. It was an issue for me, but might not be for you. Everyone should make their own decision on this but be aware that there are issues with Tecumseh engines going bankrupt even though they made a wonderful engine. The newer B&S snow engines are pretty impressive but time will tell. I bought the machine on the Monday after Thanksgiving, called Cyber Monday so I was able to get the sale price plus another 10% off the sale price. The unit was under $1000 and nothing else came close for engine size and intake opening size at this price point. The updated variable speed drive is nice compared to the older 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. The power steering is a nice feature. I like the size of the tires as well. I wish that the chute would rotate more than 180 degrees, I was use to my old unit having a wider range of adjustment available. Speaking of the chute itself. I like that it is metal. One of the biggest dissapointments was the placement of the control cables for the chute itself. On my unit, Model number 917. 881063, one cable actaully made contact with the hot muffler and melted. Sears sent out a repairman, but on the first call he called in sick; this happens. The second appointment he showed up without the part. When I called in the service call, I gave them the part number that needed to be replaced. When the service man came, he looked at the part and said that he had to order it. I said that when I placed the call I told them the exact part number. He said, "yes, I saw that, but I don't have that part on the truck" . I wondered why he even wasted his time. He said that he would be back next week. This was very frustrating, and I am not impressed with the service so far. On the unit itself, at this price point, I would buy it again. I do understand that there are other nice units out there but I haven't found one at this price/performance point. So for me, I'm happy with my decision. We are forecasted to have 12 to 13" snow fall tonight, I'm looking forward to it to see how everything performs with a larger snow fall. |
Clay
Location: Wis
Joined: Dec 3, 2008
Points: 111
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Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #5 Dec 8, 2008 10:40 pm |
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Snowmachine, thanks for the great links. I noticed on the first Youtube video that the machine looks like the one that I have except the 881063 is 30" wide and has a 14.5 torque rated engine and the one in the video is a 27" wide unit with a 13.5 torque rated engine. Similar but different. I also read that one should have some extra shear pins and bought the last package that they had at Sears when I purchased mine. I'm not sure if it is because of the large engine size, but it looks like when a shear pin goes it goes more often for those who run their machines on gravel driveways or pick up a heavier stick than when someone is just running the machine of blacktop or a concrete driveway or sidewalk.. That powerful of an engine and lodge a rock or piece of gravel and something has to give, I'm glad that the $1.50 shear pin breaks instead of something else. I mentioned that this unit is similar to the Husky 1130 but I should have mentioned that the Husky used the Tecumseh engines and this uses the B&S engine, which I feel is a plus right now. I sure would like to have the hand warmers that come with the 1130 standard though. I am not sure if the light on the 881063 is Halogen or a standard light. I am considering putting one of the plastic cabs on this unit when it gets really windy, it might be a very nice option. Anyone use one of these? Would you buy one again or just use a face mask instead and it gets in the way more than it helps? There are many out there but something like this: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07188040000P?keyword=snow+thrower+cab&sLevel=0 On my short list it came down to three machines that were at the same price point locally. The Ariens 927LE, Craftsman 14.5 torque rated thrower or the Simplicity 12/26. These machines were not equal in specs but within $20 of each other at the $1000 price point locally. I felt that I got a bigger bang for the buck with this Husky built unit than the other two. Only time will tell if I stay happy with my decision. My goal is to be brutal honest during this report. |
Clay
Location: Wis
Joined: Dec 3, 2008
Points: 111
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Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #8 Dec 9, 2008 4:15 pm |
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Borat, thanks for the recomendation of the snow cab. I am more convinced that I would like to have one after today's use. We had a nice big snow fall predicted, 12 to 13", but much of it ended up as freezing rain last night instead of snow but it did turn to snow and dropped about 5" of very heavy snow. I wanted to play so I went out and did 4 of my neighbor's driveways and sidewalks and two other people on the block I did their side walk. She powered throw the heavy stuff at the end of the driveway that the plows left without a hitch. Understand it was freezing rain and this was about as heavy of a snowfall as I have seen as far as the weight of the snow. There wasn't a lot of it, but I was impressed never the less busting through the plow leftovers. No I don't plan on doing everyone's driveway and side walk all season long, but I was able to really put the machine through it's paces as well as make some neighbors happy. I remember one little guy three houses down shoveling that stuff. I felt sorry for him and remembered when I was a kid and Mom told me to go "get her done". He had to be about 11 and was really struggling with the driveway. When I walked up and went right through his driveway without stopping he gave me a big smile and that is all that I needed to make it worth it. All of the schools are closed today and many people stayed home from work. The interestate traffic was going about 30 mph, but I was having fun at home. Rick |
snowmachine
Location: Washington State
Joined: Nov 12, 2008
Points: 268
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Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #11 Dec 9, 2008 5:29 pm |
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I've done that already on mine.... just waiting to take her out for the first time.<BR><BR><BR> Yo Rick:</p><p>The kid's mom might be a little pissed with you. She probably wanted him out of the house to get him away from the video games and burn off a few calories. Nice gesture nonetheless. </p><p>Did you grease up the wheel axles, put a bit of spray grease on your drive chains, some light oil in your cables and friction surfaces? Also grease your auger shaft? After doing all of that work for the neighbourhood, I'd change the oil and use synthetic at the recommended weight. <BR> <BR> EDIT: I haven't changed oil yet but I will be using some Amsoil synthetic when I do.
This message was modified Dec 9, 2008 by snowmachine
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Clay
Location: Wis
Joined: Dec 3, 2008
Points: 111
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Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #12 Dec 11, 2008 6:58 pm |
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First, is there are way to get an email notification when someone responds to a thread on which I posted? I have that feature enabled on the other chat boards that I belong to, but haven't found that option here. Hopefully the kid's Mom wasn't too upset with me, but the little guy was very happy indeed. On lubing the whole machine up, I haven't done that yet either but agree that a little preventative maintenance will be a good thing. On changing the oil already, I should probably do that soon too. In the vehicles I have run Mobile One for over 10 years in all of the cars as soon as the seals seat with the standard oil. This year Mobile One has some real issues with supplies for some reason and it not available in my area at any store. I put in the full synthetic made by Penz Oil but really haven't researched motor oil in years. I even run the Mobile One in the lawn mowers and the brush cutter that I have. Off topic I know, but the Billy Goat brush cutter is a heck of a machine. So I heard one vote for Amsoil which I have heard good things about. Open to some other input and the why behind the recomendation. Rick |
Clay
Location: Wis
Joined: Dec 3, 2008
Points: 111
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Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #13 Dec 22, 2008 5:55 pm |
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An update: Sears replaced the cable that was melted against the muffler. It took much longer than I thought and the first time that the service guy came out, he came out without the part even though I told them which part to bring. I have changed the oil with Castrol Syntec. I usually use Mobile One, but it just isn't available for some reason in my area. This is a full synthetic and I expect it will do well. I have pulled the wheels and greased the axles and also added some oil or grease to cables. I did not pull the augers and grease them, but will add some waterproof based grease to the zerts soon. I also added a Classic Acccessories Deluxe snow cab to the machine. Even though it came with a counter weight, I chose to use it without it. I didn't like the way it attached so I was pleased with the unit without the counter weight. I am having one concern with the unit. I could start a new thread but wanted to keep all of this together. If I don't get the response that I am looking for by added this to this thread, I can always start another one. When I first start up the unit and engage the drive mechanism or drive wheels, it doens't move or won't go. I thought that the belt could be slipping but it is too new for that. I also thought that the scrapper bar is too close to the ground so it is causing this problem. But after having difficulty for 10 minutes or so the problem goes away. I'm thinking that there could be a thin layer of ice built up on the belt which is causing it to slip, and then the friction melts that and that is why it works later. Any ideas on this one? |
snowmachine
Location: Washington State
Joined: Nov 12, 2008
Points: 268
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Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #14 Dec 22, 2008 8:59 pm |
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Clay, You might want to check out section 6.21 in that service manual. It talks about the adjustment of the drive system control rod. There is also info on how to adjust the clearance between the Rubber Wheel Ring and the Drive Plate Assembly. Although it would seem machine is too new to require that adjustment. Here is excerpt on how to adjust the rod: "* The Drive System Control Rod is on the han- dle at the left side of the operator. Adjustment is required if engagement is sluggish or if there is creep. * Loosen the jam nut, remove hairpin, and dis- connect control rod from control lever. Turn the rod counter-clock-wise to lengthen, clock-wise to shorten. Reconnect the control rod lever. Slack should be removed and the rod should be snug. If not, readjust. Then tighten jam nut. * If this adjustment is not successful, use anti- seize to lubricate the Hex Short Shaft (page 39 key 28) on the Drive Plate Assembly (key 26). See Section 7.45 for disassembly information . * If the rubber ring on the traction disc is missing chunks, has deep cracks, or is worn so the rubber ring clamp plates are 1/16" or less from touching the drive plate in engaged position, the rubber ring must be replaced. " <p>I am having one concern with the unit. I could start a new thread but wanted to keep all of this together. If I don't get the response that I am looking for by added this to this thread, I can always start another one. </p><p>When I first start up the unit and engage the drive mechanism or drive wheels, it doens't move or won't go. I thought that the belt could be slipping but it is too new for that. I also thought that the scrapper bar is too close to the ground so it is causing this problem. But after having difficulty for 10 minutes or so the problem goes away. I'm thinking that there could be a thin layer of ice built up on the belt which is causing it to slip, and then the friction melts that and that is why it works later. Any ideas on this one?
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