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 & Stratton® | | 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. |
mml4
Snow is good,
Deep snow is better!
Joined: Dec 31, 2003
Points: 544
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Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #27 Dec 25, 2008 6:50 am |
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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
SnapperV210P,Toro22177,TroyBilt42010Snowthrower,Craftsman Shredder,American Turbo Pressure Washer HondaGX200,Stihl011Saw,EchoPas260Trimmer Edger,EchoPB602Blower,EchoHCR150Hedge Clipper
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Jonathan
I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man I keep his house. -Zsa Zsa
Location: Near Albany NY
Joined: Sep 12, 2004
Points: 320
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Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #28 Dec 25, 2008 1:25 pm |
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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.
2004 Ariens 11528LE, Troybilt Horse "Big Red" Tiller (original), Troybilt Tuffy Tiller (original), Sears LT1000 mower, Lawn Boy 7073 21" mower, Stihl FS55 RC trimmer, Poulan Countervibe 3400 chainsaw
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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 #30 Dec 26, 2008 10:21 pm |
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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.
HTTPs://ouppes.com
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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 #33 Dec 27, 2008 9:56 pm |
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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 #35 Dec 28, 2008 9:08 am |
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We get a lot of snow here in winter. This was 18 inches on top of the previous 24 inches that had fallen in previous days. One of the best snowmobiling spots in Washington state (Cle Elum/Roslyn/Ronald). I always stay on top of maintenance and go far beyond the minimum but as Rick's experience showed he had a pulley that sheared. I have been checking belts and pulleys after each use and all seems well still. I do plan to pick up a spare pulley since if anything that single $17.00 pulley seems to be the weak link on these blowers. We typically have far more powder than wet slush here and no EOD berms so maybe that in itself will help with the longevity of this unit. In hindsight if I had researched more thoroughly I probably would've picked up a Simplicity or Ariens but I am far beyond the return period and will make good use of what I have. With any luck it won't disappoint but if it does at least I will have an idea of what has failed. That's a sh!tload snow you have there! Looks like the Craftsman handled it well. If that's what you'll be seeing on a regular basis, better stay on top of maintenance. That machine will be getting a serious work out.
HTTPs://ouppes.com
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