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

I mean they use the same engine as the Ariens and other machines, so does it boil down to the craftsmanship and mechanical issues on these blowers rather than engine problems?

I  have  owned  a  Craftsman snowblower , I got it in 1985,   It is 33 inch, 12.5 horsepower  Tecumseh. I have used it every winter and we always get a lot of snow here  During that time, I have had very few problems,   one new clutch,  a new cable for the drive . three spark plugs , I change the oil after each season.  I use Mobil 1   5/30 oil. I have never  had to change  the belts. Everytime that I have wanted parts I just called Sears parts and they delivered them to my door in a few days. I expect to get many more years out of thiis machine.

The new Craftsman snowblowers  (the ones built by Hsqvarna)  are excellent well built machines.

Craftsman gets a bad rap because Craftsman doesn't exist. It's just a sticker on whatever company happens to have the current contract. Quality varies widely over the years.

Why does craftsman get a bad rap?

Answer: When the mantra of your business model is "the lowest bidder wins".....

I have a craftsman high wheel push mower that has been a pretty good unit when we first bought our house it was my primary mower for quite a few years I put blades and such on it changed oil full synthetic.Now have a rider so it doesnt get the use it used to but it fires right up after sitting for weeks and such has a briggs 6.5hp ohv on it.Like was said earlier you buy what you can afford.this has served me well and am expecting it to for quite sometime......