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 |
|
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. |
snowmachine
Location: Washington State
Joined: Nov 12, 2008
Points: 268
![]()
|
 |
Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #40 Dec 29, 2008 6:10 pm |
|
I've only got a few hours on her now so decided to swap out the oil today. Manual said 5 hours but that seemed like too long. I am using Amsoil 5W-30. I notice manual says 18 ounces but mine took 22 ounces.
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 #42 Dec 29, 2008 6:43 pm |
|
I put in 18 ounces and waited a few minutes. It still wasn't at top of dipstick so I slowly added and checked on one minute intervals until it was at top of dipstick. I will double check again before next use. Changing the oil is sure easy on this B&S. Thanks!
HTTPs://ouppes.com
|
Slumlord
Location: Maine
Joined: Dec 30, 2008
Points: 3
![]()
|
|
|
Attn SNOWMACHINE - Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #45 Dec 30, 2008 4:03 pm |
|
Snowmachine, I'd like to thank you for the inspiration.
I recently tore down my perfectly good garage in order to facilitate the strategic parking of more vehicles in my yard. It's a long story but I do not regret the demolition, aside from the fact that I have nowhere to store or work on anything.
Last week I bought a 2008 Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower (917.881063) as a "scratch & dent" model from Sears. I brought it home, where it sat, unceremoniously parked in the backyard under the shoddy coverage of a blue tarp. The yard has changed from frozen ground to mud and back several times already and the snow blower just sank further in every time. It has been with much despair (and much ribbing from my old man, with his climate controlled attached garage and home to his newly acquired Ariens) that I've been reading these posts. It was quickly apparent that there are various maintenance items and general tinkering that can and should occur with this machine. Since I had nowhere covered, heated, or lit, I was at a serious disadvantage in terms of working on machinery in an area where it's always god awful cold and pitch dark by 5pm every day.
Last night just before bed I was checking the pictures you posted on Picasa of your "cable looming" job. Not only were the pictures very detailed and well displayed, I couldn't help but notice the blue tarp on which your machine was parked and the odd patterned wall paper in the back ground - not typically what one would find in a garage. Those people blessed with proper storage for mechanized gadgets would probably overlook these small details but for me it instantly screamed out "HE'S GOT IT IN THE HOUSE!!!. "BRILLIANT!!!"
So at 11:30pm I hastily transplanted the entire contents of my mudroom into the basement with a few jumbled armloads. I laid out a blue tarp, ramped my 293lb machine up the back steps, across the deck, and through the door into the mudroom. I now have lighted, heated, electrically equipped storage and working space! It was really the first time since the Sears showroom that I've even gotten a good look at the damn thing. I'll no doubt be spending the coming days pouring over it, manual in hand, cold beer close by, til all hours of the night, just because I can. I'm thrilled. My wife, on the other hand, may not be quite so enthusiastic but that's besides the point.
Thanks again for the inspiration!
The machine, btw, was purchased at a fairly substantial discount at Sears as "Repaired - Defect Unknown". It had never been used and I can't find any signs of it being worked on or any damage. Odd. I did make a few passes with it the first night home and everything seems to be in good working order. The factory warranty is the same as a new one and for the first time ever I purchased the 5 year service plan. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
I'm looking forward to the next good storm so I can really put it to a worthy test before wheeling it back inside....
|
snowmachine
Location: Washington State
Joined: Nov 12, 2008
Points: 268
![]()
|
|
|
Re: Attn SNOWMACHINE - Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #47 Dec 30, 2008 9:01 pm |
|
Glad to hear you got some inspiration from it! :-) Actually I have it in a small 120 square foot heated shed. It has served as a sleeping area when we have extra guests up at the cabin but right now I store tools and the blower in it. Your post gave me a great chuckle this evening. I had thought of storing the blower outside for a while under a deck but getting it out of the elements after use certainly has so many advantages. Here's a beer to you! :-) I don't normally pick up the extended warranties either but I figured this one might be able to take advantage of it over a 5 year period. I purchased mine back in September when they had it at $999.00 but you probably got an even greater discount as scratch and dent. Snowmachine, I'd like to thank you for the inspiration. <BR> <BR> I recently tore down my perfectly good garage in order to facilitate the strategic parking of more vehicles in my yard. It's a long story but I do not regret the demolition, aside from the fact that I have nowhere to store or work on anything. <BR> <BR> Last week I bought a 2008 Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower (917.881063) as a "scratch & dent" model from Sears. I brought it home, where it sat, unceremoniously parked in the backyard under the shoddy coverage of a blue tarp. The yard has changed from frozen ground to mud and back several times already and the snow blower just sank further in every time. It has been with much despair (and much ribbing from my old man, with his climate controlled attached garage and home to his newly acquired Ariens) that I've been reading these posts. It was quickly apparent that there are various maintenance items and general tinkering that can and should occur with this machine. Since I had nowhere covered, heated, or lit, I was at a serious disadvantage in terms of working on machinery in an area where it's always god awful cold and pitch dark by 5pm every day.<BR> <BR> Last night just before bed I was checking the pictures you posted on Picasa of your "cable looming" job. Not only were the pictures very detailed and well displayed, I couldn't help but notice the blue tarp on which your machine was parked and the odd patterned wall paper in the back ground - not typically what one would find in a garage. Those people blessed with proper storage for mechanized gadgets would probably overlook these small details but for me it instantly screamed out "HE'S GOT IT IN THE HOUSE!!!. "BRILLIANT!!!"<BR> <BR> So at 11:30pm I hastily transplanted the entire contents of my mudroom into the basement with a few jumbled armloads. I laid out a blue tarp, ramped my 293lb machine up the back steps, across the deck, and through the door into the mudroom. I now have lighted, heated, electrically equipped storage and working space! It was really the first time since the Sears showroom that I've even gotten a good look at the damn thing. I'll no doubt be spending the coming days pouring over it, manual in hand, cold beer close by, til all hours of the night, just because I can. I'm thrilled. My wife, on the other hand, may not be quite so enthusiastic but that's besides the point.<BR> <BR> Thanks again for the inspiration! <BR> <BR> The machine, btw, was purchased at a fairly substantial discount at Sears as "Repaired - Defect Unknown". It had never been used and I can't find any signs of it being worked on or any damage. Odd. I did make a few passes with it the first night home and everything seems to be in good working order. The factory warranty is the same as a new one and for the first time ever I purchased the 5 year service plan. I'll keep my fingers crossed.<BR> <BR> I'm looking forward to the next good storm so I can really put it to a worthy test before wheeling it back inside....
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 #48 Dec 30, 2008 9:09 pm |
|
In the past I have wire loomed exposed wiring and cabling on my sleds and ATV's. I figured it couldn't hurt here. I think I did the whole thing with about 20 feet of wire loom. I can't remember exactly. I bought it in packages of 5 feet. I'd rather have wear against some cheap wire loom than a $70 cable assembly. I have some abrasion from the chuke crank against the drive engagement cable that's been bothering me. Thanks for the idea and the detailed pictures.
HTTPs://ouppes.com
|
|
|
