Snow removal equipment for clearing small areas is needed by utility companies and private homeowners.
The technical equipment market offers customers snow blowers with different characteristics that can remove snow drifts efficiently and quickly enough.
One of the most popular manufacturers on the world stage is Craftsman. We'll talk about Craftsman snow blowers in this article.
Manufacturer's description
Craftsman snow blowers are equipment manufactured by an American company . This company has been operating in the equipment market for almost 100 years, specializing in the production of goods for agriculture and farming.
The distinctive features of the equipment are reliability and ease of operation. Due to its high functionality, such equipment allows you to maintain local areas in perfect order, even in heavy snowfalls.
Craftsman snow blowers cope not only with freshly fallen light snow, but also with wet snow mass that has managed to be compacted and compacted. Snow is captured by a toothed relief auger.
The model range includes samples with one-stage and two-stage cleaning . The former are characterized by low power and are more suitable for clearing fluffy snow from a small area. The latter work more intensely, as they have higher power.
Craftsman snow blowers have a wheel locking system, which makes it easy to turn the machine around and continue clearing snow in a different direction. Good cross-country ability of the snow blower is ensured by large, stable wheels designed for operation in winter conditions with low temperatures and ice.
A separate option in some models is a structural addition - a detail for cutting snowdrifts.
Snow blower Craftsman 88173 – model parameters
This professional machine is designed primarily for everyday clearing of large parking lots and streets. The model is equipped with everything necessary for intensive work and can easily withstand everyday use in extreme weather conditions.
The basis of the Craftsman snow blower is a powerful proprietary 4-stroke gasoline engine, which develops a high crankshaft rotation speed to enable the removal of heavy, wet, sticky masses. During intensive work, the motor is responsible for rotating the implement and wheels, allowing the operator to use the machine without having to push it in the desired direction.
The working parts of the snow blower are represented by a two-stage system, the device of which includes a powerful metal auger and a factory rotor with an enlarged forged impeller. After grinding, the masses are fed into a steel discharge chute, the direction of which can be freely adjusted in the range from 0 to 180⁰.
Craftsman machine parameters include:
- rated power – 6.5 l. With.;
- cleaning width in one working pass – 61 cm;
- weight – 75 kg.
During operation, the machine is capable of moving at one of 6 and 2 forward and reverse speeds, respectively. To move around the site while working, the model is equipped with two 13-inch wheels.
Advantages and disadvantages of Kraftsman snow removal machines
Craftsman snow removal equipment is in good standing with customers and has remained among the top sellers for years, thanks to its following advantages:
possibility of operation in difficult weather conditions;- reliability;
- durability;
- consulting and warranty services;
- good maneuverability;
- wide range of models;
- innovative screw shape;
- ease of operation;
- reliable, damage-resistant bucket;
- strong gutter.
The disadvantages of the technique include:
- relatively high fuel consumption;
- single-stage cleaning models do not always cope with snowdrifts and wet snow;
- difficulties with original spare parts.
The more complex work a snow blower has to do, the greater the fuel consumption.
Snow blower Craftsman 88830 – machine characteristics
The model of the American brand combines good build quality, high maneuverability, as well as solid traction parameters. Its proprietary equipment initially includes a durable gasoline engine equipped with an electric starter and an OHV cooling system.
To increase maneuverability, the Craftsman snow blower includes a multi-range transmission that operates in any of 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. If the car gets stuck in a thick layer of snow, the owner can turn on the differential unlocking mechanism.
Craftsman factory model options include:
- rated power – 13 l. With.;
- cleaning width in one working pass – 76 cm;
- weight – 110 kg.
All Craftsman snow blower internal parts are made from forged steel to resist wear and corrosion.
Preparing for launch
Snow removal equipment from TM Craftsman is gasoline-powered. Before starting the engine, you need to study the instructions and check the condition of the device - auger, wheels, oil level and the presence of gasoline.
Oil
A new Craftsman device arrives to the buyer with oil in the engine. Its level must be checked before each start. For these purposes, a cover is used, which is also a probe.
The best oil for a snow blower is 5W30. Do not fill oil above the specified level.
Petrol
Craftsman uses motor gasoline no lower than AI-87 . When refueling the snow tank, do not allow foreign substances to enter the fuel tank. The tank should be filled with good ventilation, away from sources of fire. If fuel spills on the body, it must be wiped off.
Before removing the fuel tank cap, you should clean the surrounding area.
User manual
Starting the Craftsman must be carried out according to the instructions that came with the specific model. An electric starter can be used to start some models. But it is designed for a 110-120 V power supply.
Starting with a manual starter is carried out according to the following algorithm:
Move the throttle to the FAST position.- Move the air damper to the CHOKE position for a cold engine or RUN for a warm one.
- Press the fuel pump button 3 times. Closing the vent.
- Smoothly pull the starter handle towards you.
- Slowly bring it back.
- When the engine heats up, move the choke to the RUN position.
Before stopping the Craftsman engine, allow it to run for some time to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate. After this, remove the ignition key.
For movement, a drive is used and the required speed is selected . The thinner the snow and the lighter it is, the higher the speed you can set. It is recommended to start with a slower one. If you need to set a different speed, the snowfield must first be stopped. The movement lever is on the right handle.
The lever near the left handle controls the auger. To stop their movement, the lever must be released.
Maintenance and storage
Before performing any maintenance on your Craftsman snow blower, turn off the machine and wait until the auger stops. The spark plug is unscrewed to avoid spontaneous movement.
Maintenance procedure:
- every time you use it, check the oil level and tighten any loose fasteners;
- after the first 5 hours of operation, change the oil (drain the used oil, and fill in 600 ml of new oil);
- after 25 hours of operation - change the oil, lubricate the shaft, wheels, steering axles with oil;
- After 100 hours of operation, replace the spark plug.
Before storing your Craftsman snow blower until next winter, you should drain the fuel tank. Housing – clean from dirt and moisture, carry out preventive maintenance.
Alternative options on the market
In addition to TM Craftsman equipment, other snow blowers produced by such market leaders as Honda, Daewoo, CHAMPION are also in good standing with customers.
Honda HSS 655 EW
The self-propelled snow blower has a four-stroke gasoline engine . The device copes with cleaning a small area. The engine is started manually. A two-stage cleaning system has been installed.
The range of throwing snow mass is very good - up to 14 meters. For each pass, a strip 55 cm wide is cleared with a snow cover of up to half a meter. The unit weighs 67 kg. Price – from 167,000 rubles. Read reviews here.
CHAMPION STT1170E
The self-propelled CHAMPION has tracks instead of wheels . Engine – powerful, four-stroke engine, 11 hp. The manufacturer provides an electric starter, headlight, and heated grips. Snow capture 0.7 x 0.55 m.
There is a switchable differential lock. The weight of the snowman is 121 kg. Cost – from 107,000 rubles. Read reviews here.
Daewoo Power Products DAST 9070
The Daewoo self-propelled snow blower has a powerful engine (9 hp) . The device is equipped with an electric starter. A strip 67 cm wide and 55 cm high is cleared per pass.
The delivery set includes a headlight. The handles are comfortably heated. The weight of the snow blower is 103 kg. Cost – from 140,000 rubles. Read reviews here.
Snow blower Craftsman 25357 – model advantages
The machine in this factory equipment is capable of clearing a layer of snow up to 56 cm thick. The model is equipped with a durable wheel drive, an electric engine start function and a lever control mechanism for the auger.
The engine is a 4-stroke gasoline engine with overhead valves, a 3.8-liter fuel tank, and a modern OHV cooling system. The motor consumes a minimum of fuel with high traction parameters and a low level of vibration generated.
A reinforced auger-rotor base mechanism with an impeller diameter of 30.5 cm is responsible for the rapid collection and instant crushing of the sucked-in harvested masses in the factory device of the Craftsman snow blower.
The factory parameters of the unit include:
- rated power – 9 l. With.;
- cleaning width in one working pass – 69 cm;
- weight – 100 kg.
The Craftsman snow blower comes with a bright LED headlight that allows you to clear snow at night and during heavy fog.
Do-it-yourself repairs
During operation of the Craftsman snow blower, malfunctions and breakdowns are possible. One common problem is poor discharge of collected snow . In most cases, it is possible to correct the situation on your own.
When removing wet snow, a situation may arise where the snow mass sticks tightly to the Craftsman auger and chute. To clean the equipment, you should stop work, turn off the engine and, using special tools, clean the bell and auger.
The drive belt may also come off. It needs to be adjusted and, if worn, replaced. If the movement of the gutter is difficult, it is necessary to inspect the structure. There is a possibility that the assembly was incorrect. The solution to the problem is disassembly and reassembly.
Snow blower Craftsman 88691 – machine equipment
This self-propelled snow plow is equipped with a durable MTD gasoline engine with a cylinder capacity of 208 cm3. The motor is initially equipped with a forged piston with an increased initial stroke to increase traction reserve and the ability to simultaneously drive the auger and snow blower wheels.
To transfer engine power to the wheels, the model includes a wear-resistant friction transmission. It allows the car to move in one of 6 and 2 forward and reverse speeds, respectively.
To reduce the overall physical weight of the machine, the Craftsman snow blower's rotating ejection chute is made of plastic. To adjust the direction and suitable throw distance, a separate knob is provided next to the chute.
The main parameters of the snow blower include:
- rated power – 7.5 l. With.;
- cleaning width in one working pass – 66 cm;
- weight – 93 kg.
A powerful auger-rotor mechanism, reinforced with steel ribs, is initially responsible for grinding the sticky snow in the proprietary snow blower device. Its impeller develops a high rotation speed for faster site clearing.
