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. |
Slumlord
Location: Maine
Joined: Dec 30, 2008
Points: 3
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Re: Attn SNOWMACHINE - Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #51 Dec 30, 2008 10:26 pm |
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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. I got mine for $879 after sale price and 20% scratch and dent discount. I still haven't found the and scratches and dents but that's probably because they're on the cylinder walls or something equally as horrific. I'll be sure to repost if and when the thing grenades. With any luck I'll blow the motor and burn the thing to the ground 4 years and 11 months into the 5 year service warranty....
This message was modified Dec 30, 2008 by Slumlord
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Slumlord
Location: Maine
Joined: Dec 30, 2008
Points: 3
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Re: Craftsman 14.5 Torque Rating Snow Thrower, Model 917.881063
Reply #52 Dec 30, 2008 10:43 pm |
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I will note that on the first night of test runs, I somehow manged to suck in a frozen leather work glove that must have been buried in the snow. It got jammed in the impeller and the entire machine ground to complete halt without breaking the supposed shear bolt! We're talking terrible sounds, drastically dimming headlight, the works. Isn't that the point of shear pins? To prevent destructive seizure of expensive gearage along with the terrible smell of melting drive belts and such? At the very least I immediately felt better about the purchase of that service plan of which up until that point I was still questioning the value of. I think this may be a lengthy thread by the time spring finally rolls around.
This message was modified Dec 30, 2008 by Slumlord
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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 #53 Dec 30, 2008 10:56 pm |
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I wonder if shear bolts are over torqued? I've heard some state that over-torqued shear bolts are equally ineffective and they really shouldn't be tightened to more than 11 foot lbs. I'm not certain so someone in the know may be able to clarify. You might want to take a quick peak at your belts. Only a couple screws to remove the cover. I will note that on the first night of test runs, I somehow manged to suck in a frozen leather work glove that must have been buried in the snow. It got jammed in the impeller and the entire machine ground to complete halt <span style="font-style: italic;">without breaking the supposed shear bolt!</span> We're talking terrible sounds, drastically dimming headlight, the works. Isn't that the point of shear pins? To prevent destructive seizure of expensive gearage along with the terrible smell of melting drive belts and such? At the very least I immediately felt better about the purchase of that service plan of which up until that point I was still questioning the value of. <BR><BR>I think this may be a lengthy thread by the time spring finally rolls around.
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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 #56 Dec 31, 2008 11:29 am |
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Service manual can be downloaded from here: http://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Husqvarna_Service_Repair_Manuals/W0302001.pdf It says Electrolux but it is still relevant. Electrolux used to be the parent company of Husqvarna IIRC. Service manual stuff starts at about page 23.
This message was modified Dec 31, 2008 by snowmachine
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