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

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

Rick,

You might see if local Husky dealer has it in stock.

A dealer locater link is on this page:

http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/node3098.aspx?nid=45713

Snowmachine

Rick,

Did pulley break in the middle of using it or when you first started out using it for the day? Curious if impeller was frozen with ice from previous work and instead of impeller bolts shearing it took the weak pulley out instead. I'm just amazed they would use such a weak pulley. I wonder if the late run of Craftsman, Poulan Pro and Husqvarna models that all utilize this same pulley are experiencing this issue? Older reviews that go back to last year do not report it breaking like this.

I read in a that forum on wire melt issue that they stated they ran short on parts so some subsitution were made. I wonder if in addition to the cables they substituted a different pulley as well. My blower did not have cable routing issues and appears it was manufactured in July so not sure if mine is going to be a problem as well.

Husqvarna does make a high performance impeller kit. I wonder if this would be more stout than this stock pulley.

http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/node3253.aspx?nid=53246
"High Performance Impeller Kit
Designed for rural use where snow needs to be removed to a maximum distance (up to 40-50 feet). Not designed for residential use. Increases snow throw distance 30%. requires minor belt adjustment. Includes a pulley, belt and instructions."

Snowmachine

It appears that high performance impeller kit is $32.95 from Jack's small engines.

PN# 532187724

Thanks for all of the links and the advice.  While I like the machine and the engine is powerful, I'm more sick of Sears service than anything else.  I have a 30 day return policy and I am taking it.  I located an Ariens 1130 for a little more than this one and I already bought it over the phone.  I'm on the way to pick it up. 

I can take a digital picture of the pully issue and maybe someone can post it here for me since I don't know how.  The Home Depot closes in a hour and a half so I am off to pick up the new Ariens.  Looked at Simplicity but the 1530 is selling for $1700 and the Ariens is $1200.  Maybe Sears will sell this unit as a used unit and someone will get a good deal on what I consider to be a good machine.  I just am not going to wait two weeks before it gets fixed.

Rick

Check the setup on the Ariens before using it. Especially a Home Depot assembled unit. If it comes with the Ariens style Joy stick chute control make sure to cable tie the cable away from the exhaust. If you don't you will have the same experience as you had with Sears. Most of the Ariens units I have seen at home depot come shipped with oil already installed.Those are on Tecumseh powered models. Check it anyway before using the machine. In fact I would go through the assembly instructions on the unit before using it the first time.If you can take it home in the box and assemble it yourself so much the better. I've done two that way-believe me it is not rocket science.

By the way I think you served yourself well by getting rid of the Sears for the Ariens. Sears is no better than Home Depot when it comes to set up and assembly. A little TLC during setup will go a long way in terms of trouble free service from any brand machine.

Good Luck,

Marc 

If your Ariens manual calls for a "run-in", I would do it and check the belt adjustments as outlined in the manual. The new belts limber up and may slip under your first heavy use.

First impressions of the Ariens 1130, I should probably have another thread on that unit, but I still like the features of the Craftsman, I don't like their service department or the reliability of the unit.  Sometimes if you just loose faith in something it is time for a change.  Will make a new thread on the 1130.

Rick

I got into about 2-3 feet of snow today. Craftsman did really well. Only a little bit of bogging when I pushed the speed faster than I should have. I imagine it was throwing in the 30-35 foot range. I will take some video and post on Youtube at some point. We might get another 2-3 feet here in eastern Cascades by Sunday afternoon.

I did have to adjust the solid traction control rod. It had too much slack and after adjusting delayed drive engagement went away.

Rick had lots of trouble with his but mine is so far holding up. Time will tell. I will only be using this a 3 or 4 times a month in winter at my vacation cabin so service life may be beyond the typical Craftsman model.

Here are the pics of sheared impeller pulley from Rick's Craftsman

Thanks for the help with the pictures.  One comment is that we now have had 40" of snow and with the new toy I tend to do my driveway and sidewalk along with multiple neighbors.  One of the last times out I did between 25 and 30 homes sidewalks with one pass of the 30" scoop.  I went around the whole block besides the complete job including driveways on mine and both neighbors on the two sides of me.  Probably crazy but I had fun with the new toy, but that fun probably accelerated the problems which is good because you only have 30 days to return the unit if you wish to do so. 

There are many nice features of this unit and if the service department wouldn't have had me wait two weeks before they can even show up, I would probably stay with this unit.

Rick