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Clay


Location: Wis
Joined: Dec 3, 2008
Points: 111
Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Original Message   Dec 8, 2008 1:15 pm
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:
Stages:Two stage
Stages:Two stage
Item Weight:293.0 lbs.
General Warranty:2 year limited
Chute System:
Directional Chute Control:Yes
Chute Material:Steel
Chute Rotation:Yes, single motion
Maximum Chute Rotation:180 deg.
General Features:
Impeller Diameter:12 in.
Auger Style:Serrated drum
Auger Type:Curved blade
Number of Rotor Blades:3
Snow Dispersal:Impeller
Drive System:
Propulsion Type:Wheel engagement
Speeds, Forward:6
Speeds, Reverse:2
Motor-Engine:
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:
Material:Rubber
Type:X-trac
Capacity:
Clearing Path:30 in.
Controls, Overall:
On/Off Type:Lever
Primary Location:Consoles
Primary Type:Lever
Controls, Safety:
Safety Override:Yes
Safety Lock:Yes
Convenience:
Starter Mitten Grip:Yes
Handles:
Handles Fold For Easy Storage:Yes
Color:
Overall Color:Red
Dimensions:
Intake Height:23 in.
Installation Requirements:
Setup:Fully assembled
Included with Item:
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.
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borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692
Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #9   Dec 9, 2008 4:47 pm
Yo Rick:

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. 

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.  
snowmachine


Location: Washington State
Joined: Nov 12, 2008
Points: 268
Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #10   Dec 9, 2008 5:28 pm
Good to hear on performance. We are just now starting to get some snowfall in mountains....hopefully next week or so I will get to try mine out.


Clay wrote:
Borat, thanks for the recomendation of the snow cab.  I am more convinced that I would like to have one after today's use.</p><p>We had a nice big snow fall predicted, 12 to 13&quot;, but much of it ended up as freezing rain last night instead of snow but it did turn to snow and dropped about 5&quot; 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 &quot;get her done&quot;.  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.  </p><p>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.  </p><p>Rick


HTTPs://ouppes.com
snowmachine


Location: Washington State
Joined: Nov 12, 2008
Points: 268
Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #11   Dec 9, 2008 5:29 pm
I've done that already on mine.... just waiting to take her out for the first time.<BR><BR><BR> borat wrote:
Yo Rick:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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


HTTPs://ouppes.com
Clay


Location: Wis
Joined: Dec 3, 2008
Points: 111
Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #12   Dec 11, 2008 6:58 pm
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
Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #13   Dec 22, 2008 5:55 pm
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
Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #14   Dec 22, 2008 8:59 pm
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. "



Clay wrote:
<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? 


HTTPs://ouppes.com
snowmachine


Location: Washington State
Joined: Nov 12, 2008
Points: 268
Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #15   Dec 22, 2008 9:05 pm
Little bit more I missed:

* If the rubber ring passes inspection, in the
disengaged position adjust the clearance be-
tween the Rubber Wheel Ring and the
Drive Plate Assembly to .125"-.140".
* If there is a complaint that the drive does
not disengage properly, check to see that this
dimension is at least .125". PROTECTIVE
SLEEVE


* To adjust clearance, use 9/16" nut connecting
the bellcrank to a clutch rod. It is at bottom end
of the Drive Control Rod (p 35 key 36). When a
new rubber ring is installed, this nut is adjusted
so that two threads are showing past the nut.
When the ring is worn, it can be adjusted with
up to 1/2" of rod past the nut. This increases
the force of the drive plate on the rubber ring to
stop slipping. The nut should never be turned
so that more than 1/2" extends beyond the nut.
( See Section 7.43 )
NOTE: If the Plates supporting the Rubber
Wheel Ring come in contact with the Drive
Plate Assembly (p 39 Key 26) extreme wear
may require that these parts be replaced.

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hirschallan


If it aint broke don't fix it !!


Location: Northern Hills of NY
Joined: Aug 25, 2005
Points: 327
Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #16   Dec 23, 2008 12:25 am
borat wrote:
I put a snow cab on my Simplicity.  Best unit I could find for under $100.00, it made by Classic and the model is the Classic Deluxe.  Very well built and with quick release capability, very convenient.   Here's a link to their site as well as a picture of my rig: http://www.classicaccessories.com/product_detail.aspx?pid=112&cid=0


Borat ,

Have you ever seen what i think is the new cab design. I picked one up at Lowes for $125.00 but did'nt install yet .I want to make sure I'm going with it first. It looks diferent then the one you have pictured. I think its wider and not sure it gives the same protection.

http://www.classicaccessories.com/doc/CA_Standard_Inst.pdf

http://www.classicaccessories.com/video/Snow_Blower_400.htm

This message was modified Dec 23, 2008 by hirschallan
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692
Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #17   Dec 23, 2008 2:48 pm
No.  I haven't seen nor looked at the new cab design.   The best I can do is look at what's available on line.   Nobody up here stocks that item.  Looks kind of neat but it doesn't look like it has as much roof.  Hard to tell from the pictures.  I like the one I have.  It's roomy and offers good protection.  Looks like I'm going to need it soon.  We're getting another bid dump here. 

Bring it on!   
hirschallan


If it aint broke don't fix it !!


Location: Northern Hills of NY
Joined: Aug 25, 2005
Points: 327
Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #18   Dec 23, 2008 5:15 pm
Think I'm returning it. Was at lowes today and measured the one they had  assembled on a blower.It was 41" at the widest part.Much too big fo me! And like you say may not protect enough anyway.

Allan

This message was modified Dec 23, 2008 by hirschallan
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