Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Simplicity or Craftsman??
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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FrankMA
 
Location: Merrimack Valley/Northeastern Mass
Joined: Jul 1, 2010
Points: 587
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Re: Simplicity or Craftsman??
Reply #4 Dec 27, 2011 5:41 am |
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Sears' business model is structured so the lowest bidder wins the contract to build "fill in product here" for that year or timeframe. While it may reap high profits, it reduces the quality of the product they sell and tarnishes their reputation. Just my opinion...
Toro Wheel Horse 522xi GT, Honda HS928TA, Honda HS621AS, Honda HS520A, Toro CCR3000 (work in progress), Honda HS624WA (sold 08/23/2010), Stihl BR550 Backpack Blower, Stihl MS250, McCulloch MS1635, Honda EM6500SX Generator
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trouts2
Location: Marlboro MA
Joined: Dec 8, 2007
Points: 1328
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Re: Simplicity or Craftsman??
Reply #5 Dec 27, 2011 7:51 am |
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 The Craftsman 88782 is a MTD 31AM2T6D799 selling for around $600 US. Parts should be easy to get. 21 in. 208cc* Single Stage Snow Thrower w/Electric Start Performance 208cc* 4-Cycle OHV Craftsman® Engine provides more power, longer life, and improved fuel economy - no mixing of gas and oil required. Move more snow with a more powerful engine and save time out in the cold Push button electric start allows for easy and sure starts in cold temperatures 21 inch clearing width and 13 inch intake height lets you clear more snow with each pass, ideal for small to medium paved driveways, decks, and sidewalks Snow Claw® auger technology reduces clogs and throws snow farther, with rubber paddles engaging the ground to clear pavement clean Auger-Propelled forward speed - the ground engaging auger paddles pull the unit forward reducing effort to maneuver unit Design 2-way Remote Chute Control - 190 degree chute rotation with ease of a joystick to discharge the snow where you want it, quickly and easily without leaving the operators position In-dash headlight illuminates the clearing path 8" x 2" wheels allow for easy mobility when not throwing snow Convenience Mitten-grip starter handles - easy to grasp and turnover recoil start while wearing gloves Ergonomic gull wing handle designed for a more comfortable grip and better control Warranty 2 Year Limited Warranty backed by Sears Service
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royster
" It is the use of power tools that separates man from animals"
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: Feb 11, 2011
Points: 284
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Re: Simplicity or Craftsman??
Reply #6 Dec 27, 2011 11:31 am |
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while i dont have experience with that particular model, but l will say that SEARS parts department at least where i live in canada do a VERY poor job.. and trying to get replacment parts means long wait times... and i mean long, like i have to wait 3-6 months to get parts sometimes.. which is complete bull$#%*...and with sears products dealers have a very hard time getting specs as sears does not relaese it to dealers as the other brands do.. so if i go to my local dealer he cant look up a part for craftmans machine..now dealer know by experience what parts a what but still another drawback that sears does.. so something to consider when buying a craftmans snowblower, other than that there machines do hold up pretty well in my experience.
I have been buying my snowblowers , lawn mowers, chainsaws, tractors etc .from Sears for over 30 years. I have always found that these machines have been assembled properly with no adjustments required
They stand behind their warranties and their service department is excellent. Their parts service is also excellent. all I have to do is give them the model number and serial number , They are very helpful in finding the parts that I need. They have always had the parts in stock, even parts for my older machines . They ship the parts out the same day and I receive them in a few days. Also , their prices for parts.are amazingly inexpensive. I find that their snowblowers etc are well built and last for many years without having any problems. Be sure to check out Craftsman before looking at anything else
This message was modified Dec 27, 2011 by royster
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aa335
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Simplicity or Craftsman??
Reply #7 Dec 27, 2011 12:36 pm |
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aa335
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Simplicity or Craftsman??
Reply #9 Dec 27, 2011 1:01 pm |
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Don't buy a Craftsman if you have a choice. As previously mentioned Sears parts are criminally expensive. Insultingly expensive. Outrageously expensive.
A little off topic, but several years ago, I had Sears quote on replacing a sliding patio door. $5000 ! Just for one. Not that the door was anything special, just the standard vinyl clad door, and the job was subcontracted to an installer. I wonder what was Sear's profit on this deal. Never bought anything expensive from Sears again. Sears has lost it, I don't understand their business model. A time ago, it was your one place shopping for clothes, appliances, electronics, and car service. Now, it's just a department store occupying expensive retail space in a mall.
This message was modified Dec 27, 2011 by aa335
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