Sears snowblower - is this a good deal

[mikeb27]

I'm looking to buy my first snow blower. Don't want something that's overkill (Chicago area), but at the same time would rather buy something right the first time. What do you think?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-24in...p-07188172000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

 

[Skin]

For that kind of money you wont beat an Ariens Sno-Tek for build quality.

 

[Farmall450]

Seems pretty decent.

Look at the reviews...4.5 stars is pretty good.

The little snowblower that could...
I've had this unit since 2008. Same model. Same engine. Same everything. For these last five years I've never needed the electric start. One pull with proper priming and it fires right away. My wife can start it herself just the same. I've tackled numerous blizzards with this little machine and I can't say enough of it. This last February (2013) we had a blizzard in CT that dropped three feet of snow. If this thing could talk, I'd swear it would say, "No problem. Let's do this!" It just...works. Change the oil, follow a proper maintenance plan, keep it clean, lubricated, check bolts for tightness and make sure your intake's shoes are properly adjusted. You'll have a fine workhorse for even the worst storms. I'm going five winters strong with well over 50 storms here in NW CT. Not a thing replaced! I challenge you to find another review with that kind of experience!

 

[Skin]

Seems pretty decent.

Look at the reviews...4.5 stars is pretty good.

The little snowblower that could...
I've had this unit since 2008. Same model. Same engine. Same everything. For these last five years I've never needed the electric start. One pull with proper priming and it fires right away. My wife can start it herself just the same. I've tackled numerous blizzards with this little machine and I can't say enough of it. This last February (2013) we had a blizzard in CT that dropped three feet of snow. If this thing could talk, I'd swear it would say, "No problem. Let's do this!" It just...works. Change the oil, follow a proper maintenance plan, keep it clean, lubricated, check bolts for tightness and make sure your intake's shoes are properly adjusted. You'll have a fine workhorse for even the worst storms. I'm going five winters strong with well over 50 storms here in NW CT. Not a thing replaced! I challenge you to find another review with that kind of experience!

Until the auger housing folds in on itself. The frame metal is just so flimsy. I see them all the time curled in. Sno-Teks are built to a budget also but the difference in metal quality between the Cman and the Ariens is night and day. Engines are about identical.

 

[djjsr]

I have 2 Craftsman snowblowers. No problems. One is a 29" that's 12 years old and the other is a new 22".

That's not a bad price but unless you need it right away you may want to wait a little while. I bought the newer one last spring on clearance. Just about 1/2 price.

I would never pay list for one, they're not worth it. But when they discount them, they're a good value.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I'm looking to buy my first snow blower. Don't want something that's overkill (Chicago area), but at the same time would rather buy something right the first time. What do you think?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-24in...p-07188172000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Keep looking.... Most of that MTD produced stuff in that price range is dime store junk.... One more vote for Ariens. Find Lawn and Garden equipment dealer with sales and service.. Do it right the first time.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I have an ariens and love it. You can find some good deals on CL as long as you know what you are looking for. Unfortunately you don't get a warranty with CL. I would stick with ariens and husqvarna. Then decide if heated hand grips matter, a cab to keep you out of the wind, and how many speeds do you need. Also it's nice when the clean out shovel is included and mounts on the unit so you always have it handy. Tracks or wheels? Also a headlight is very handy for the end of the driveway. 2 stage is probably the only route unless you have a very small area to clear.......just buy a plow truck..lol

 

[Lurch67]

I purchased a snow-blower from Lowes and it has a Chinese no-name engine. Looking for another model.

Are the Arien snowblowers from homedepot any good, or are they the lower end version?

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'm a big fan of the Toro single stage, rubber paddle blowers. Great in most urban/suburban environments. The clean down to the pavement and can handle 6-8" of snow well (like we had a week ago).

The older model Toros were 2 stroke (mix oil with the gas). The current ones are 4 stroke (probably similar motor to what is in the Craftsman) but they do weight more.

Toro is probably the best single stage blower. Ariens, Toro, or Honda are probably the best 2 stage blowers.

Personally, I would look for a 4-6 year old Toro single stage 2 stroke. A good one should be $200-$250

 

[Skin]

I purchased a snow-blower from Lowes and it has a Chinese no-name engine. Looking for another model.

Are the Arien snowblowers from homedepot any good, or are they the lower end version?

Sno-Teks are the versions made for a Home Depot price point ($500-$600), however they're available at Ariens dealers as well. From cursory examinations the 24" appears largely identical to the orange Ariens 24" compact with a few changes to reduce costs such as Aluminum vs Cast Iron gear cases, no dash light, and I believe now the chutes are plastic and the skids are made of thinner steel. Things like the drive system and metal quality of the frame and handles as well as the engines seem largely identical to a comparable Ariens Compact. Oh and its 2 year vs 3 year warranty. The 20" Sno-Tek has no speed controls and uses a small transmission instead of a friction disc setup like most every other Ariens. They've been making that model, even in orange versions, for the big box stores for awhile though. If you're going to get a Sno-Tek stick with the 24".

All in all though they're far better than an MTD/Craftsman for someone on a tight budget though.

For what its worth just about everything out there has Chinese engines on them now. The Ariens seem to be slightly better quality Chinese engines though, as they aren't all made in the same place. Only way you can escape it in that budget range is to find an old stock Ariens Compact (non-sno-tek) with a Briggs and Stratton, or buy a Murray (Briggs company).

 

[Rickster]

That's a big machine that takes up a lot of room to store. On top of that, you're not going to pulling that big guy out for anything less that 4" of snow. I have a smaller single stage snow thrower that works fine, easy to store and use. In the last big snow we just had I used it twice during the snowfall. Works fine if you keep on top of major snowfall. Check out your neighborhood and see what kind of machines your neighbors are using; single stage versus two stage. I know a few guys who have the two stage and they wind up buying a single stage to use also.

 

[Skin]

That's a big machine that takes up a lot of room to store. On top of that, you're not going to pulling that big guy out for anything less that 4" of snow. I have a smaller single stage snow thrower that works fine, easy to store and use. In the last big snow we just had I used it twice during the snowfall. Works fine if you keep on top of major snowfall. Check out your neighborhood and see what kind of machines your neighbors are using; single stage versus two stage. I know a few guys who have the two stage and they wind up buying a single stage to use also.

I have no idea about snow fall amounts inside Chicago but I buy 2-stages really to remove the 3-4 foot packed drifts with ice chunks that can get built up at the end of a drive. Single stages wont touch that. Basically if there is one area of the driveway where the machine is appreciated its there. I have the luxury of both like you stated but if I could only keep one it would be the 24" Ariens.

 

[fivespdcat]

I don't know how big your driveway is, but mine is about 4 cars x 2 cars wide and I went with a single stage. The dual stage are just too much for me to store and I have a 3 car garage. I wanted to be able to have a workspace and park two cars inside and this enabled me to do so. By the way, I live in michigan so out snow falls are similar.

 

[Skin]

The dual stage are just too much for me to store

Footprint of a new 20" single stage, from the front to the top of the handle, is almost identical to a 22" Ariens compact. The housings for them got a lot bigger since they dumped 2-cycle engines in favor of 5-6hp 4-strokes.

 

[TJJP77]

I have a Simplicity, but when I made my decision I found that the Ariens and Toro 2-stage machines were also well made. All of the MTD clones (Sears, MTD, Yard Machines, Yard Man, Troy-Bilt, etc) seemed flimsy - especially the handle bars. Out of Toro, Ariens and Simplicity models of a certain size/power range I was looking at, the Simplicity was the heaviest and had the most sturdy feeling handle bars.

I guess what I'm saying is go have a look at the Simplicity machines - they may be a little harder to find (i.e. not at the "big box" stores) but they are well worth it!

 

[fivespdcat]

Footprint of a new 20" single stage, from the front to the top of the handle, is almost identical to a 22" Ariens compact. The housings for them got a lot bigger since they dumped 2-cycle engines in favor of 5-6hp 4-strokes.

My storage envelope is 32"x21"x21", I haven't seen any dual stage that are that small. While the ariens is 42"x37"x27" that's quite an upsize in envelope for me. It's actually three times the volume. 8.2 cubic feet vs 24.2 for the ariens. Now that is probably a bit overstated, but even if it's only 2x the size that's a lot of extra room.

I store my unused lawn implements under the bottom of my garage rack, lawn mower in the winter, snow blower in the summer. A dual stage doesn't fit there and would be relegated to my work area, next to the working lawn tool.

 

[Skin]

I have a Simplicity, but when I made my decision I found that the Ariens and Toro 2-stage machines were also well made. All of the MTD clones (Sears, MTD, Yard Machines, Yard Man, Troy-Bilt, etc) seemed flimsy - especially the handle bars. Out of Toro, Ariens and Simplicity models of a certain size/power range I was looking at, the Simplicity was the heaviest and had the most sturdy feeling handle bars.

I guess what I'm saying is go have a look at the Simplicity machines - they may be a little harder to find (i.e. not at the "big box" stores) but they are well worth it!

Just keep in mind real Simplicity's start at the Pro model level. Everything under that is sharing production with Murray.

My storage envelope is 32"x21"x21", I haven't seen any dual stage that are that small. While the ariens is 42"x37"x27" that's quite an upsize in envelope for me. It's actually three times the volume. 8.2 cubic feet vs 24.2 for the ariens. I store my unused lawn implements under the bottom of my garage rack, lawn mower in the winter, snow blower in the summer. A dual stage doesn't fit there and would be relegated to my work area, next to the working lawn tool.

Like i said, the newer single stages have gotten significantly larger. Its no longer quite as cut and dry as far as judging floor space.

 

[warpedredneck]

I just bought the 30 inch 250cc version of it and like it, starts, runs like a champ

 

[James_B]

I have owned a 30 inch Sears Craftsman (also sold as AYP/Poulan/Husqvarna) 2 stage with a Briggs & Stratton 1650 Max Snowseries motor (342cc / 16.5 ft lbs torque) since 2008. Rule of thumb, for a 2 stage snow blower, you want an engine with 1/2 ft lb torque per inch of width.

Our driveway was 200 feet long and 10 feet wide for most of the length, with a 2 car length spur and widening out to 16 feet wide for 2 car lengths near the garage. Had no problems dealing with the usual Newfoundland snow fall and the snow plow created bank across the end of the driveway.

It can sit out in the freezing weather for days ... set the choke, 2 pumps on the primer, and it starts first pull.

Only had 2 issues with it. Got a bad batch of fuel with water in it a month ago that required disassembling the carburetor and priming pump, and removing the tank to completely dry it out. The second issue was water getting into the cables and freezing. If it was kept in the garage, then there was no problem, but if it had to be left outside, then it'd take some time for the engine warmth to thaw the cables. Broke a cable last week trying to move the chute too soon. Have a clamp on cable luber on order, so that problem should be gone in a week or so when the luber arrives.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have 2 Craftsman snowblowers. No problems. One is a 29" that's 12 years old ...

The older Crfatsman are MUCH sturdier than the newer one !

 

[gm54210]

That's not a bad price but unless you need it right away you may want to wait a little while. I bought the newer one last spring on clearance. Just about 1/2 price.

I would never pay list for one, they're not worth it. But when they discount them, they're a good value.

^^This - you've made it this long, save yourself a bit of cash by waiting another month or two. If you are really ambitious, wait until summer and buy a used unit for a song!

 

[frankush]

Lived in Chicago my entire life and have always gotten it done with a single stage blower. Larger is better, when it comes to single stage.

 

[TJJP77]

Just keep in mind real Simplicity's start at the Pro model level. Everything under that is sharing production with Murray.

Just curious - how long has that been the case? I bought mine probably 11-13 years ago or so. I also just looked at Simplicity's website, and mine doesn't look anything like the current "light duty" ones.

The pro models were awesome, but way out of my price range - the handlebars were solid 1/2" (or so) thick barstock!

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I purchased a snow-blower from Lowes and it has a Chinese no-name engine. Looking for another model.

Are the Arien snowblowers from homedepot any good, or are they the lower end version?

Home Depot carries the watered down ariens models. I got mine from an equipment dealer. I posted about it and showed a pic at the link below in GJ during a snowblower discussion. It's covered now or I would snap a pic. Just like the John Deere tractors depot carries. Mine is an x300 which is much different than the LT series they carry. Nothing wrong with them. Just a little different.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3629788#post3629788

I think ease of maintenance and durability/usefulness reside with a 2 stage model. If you do sidewalks and small areas then a single will do just fine.

 

[ckadams00]

I have similar CMan, only a few years older 9hp/29 inch (green one) with electric start, live in Chi-town too and would buy another like this in a heartbeat. I'm sure there are better blowers, but this has always worked well for me. Bought it used from an old guy who barely used it because he hired a snow removal service. I don't think I've ever used the electric start. My driveway is about 100' x 15' and in Chicago we pull it out to clear anything over 2" especially when it's wet.

I wouldn't pay retail though - start looking for the clearance deals or used Clist sales in Feb/April and buy on sale or used.

 

[Skin]

Just curious - how long has that been the case? I bought mine probably 11-13 years ago or so. I also just looked at Simplicity's website, and mine doesn't look anything like the current "light duty" ones.

The pro models were awesome, but way out of my price range - the handlebars were solid 1/2" (or so) thick barstock!

I don't really deal with Simplicity all that often but i'd say about 8 years ago.

 

[ambenz]

I bought one very close to the one in your link, during the spring, at the outlet store for 429.00...wait until spring and use the shovel or bite the bullet.
Good machine.

 

[Streetbu]

I run a small engine shop and sell Husqvarna products. I see all brands for repair though. First and MOST important, buy what ever brand you can EASILY get parts for. They only break down when you need them the most and you don't want to wait a week for a belt or special part. Second, DON'T use aftermarket belts! They are NEVER the EXACT same size as the original and you wont be happy when the unit doesn't perform as intended or the belt wears out again prematurely. The "no name" engines on MANY of the new snow blowers are made by LCT. They are a Chinese company. If you look very close they are actually Honda clones. This years models actually have "Snow King" on them. An old Tecumseh trademark they bought. I've seen 2 different issues with them. They don't like water or ethanol, and some of them do seep oil slightly. Besides that I haven't had to fix one yet and we are going on 3 or 4 years. I snowblow my driveway. It's 150' long, 18' wide and has a turn around by the end. I have NEVER broken a shear pin. Set your shoes to the proper height! I run a Craftsman with a Tecumseh because I got it for free. Customer brought it and asked us to dispose of it because the engine was seized. It was 1 year old! Ended up he used the electric start so long that teeth broke off the starter and wedged between the flywheel and housing causing the engine to not turn over. 10 minutes later the thing started in the first pull LOL I don't think you can go wrong with any of the brands. I don't care for Murray products though. they are a PITA to work on and to get parts for around here. JMO

 

[Gary S]

Keep looking.... Most of that MTD produced stuff in that price range is dime store junk.... One more vote for Ariens. Find Lawn and Garden equipment dealer with sales and service.. Do it right the first time.

I have an MTD that I bought in 1997. The only maintenance it has had is a yearly oil change, and I replaced the skids under the auger because I wear them out sliding on the concrete. Around here, it blows snow, some years as early as Sept, and some years as late as May. My snowblower gets more use in a year than most of you will use one in 5 or 10 years.
If I ever wear this one out, I want another MTD. I don't see any other brand beating it.

 

[soloz2]

I just bought my first snowblower last month after holding out for the last couple years living in Western NY (lake effect country). I looked at Sears, TSC Husky, Cub Cadet, Ariens and all the brands that Lowes or Home Depot carried. I also called around to several Cub Cadet and Ariens dealers as well as searched Craigslist.

I had nearly decided to get an Ariens Sno-Tek 24" model after reading reviews and looking at prices so I drove a bit farther to a HD that still had some in stock. Low and behold they also had the Cub Cadet and Ariens Compact 24" in stock that I could compare side by side.

IMHO... The Snow-Tek was the nicest unit I found on a budget at roughly $600 for a 24" dual stage unit. It was built better than the Cub Cadet/MTD stuff.
The Ariens Compact was in a different class alltogether. Not only did it have a headlight, which I kinda wanted, but it uses a heaver gauge steel for construction and has a Brigs & Stratton engine. At $800 it was more than I would have liked to spend, but I used a 10% off Lowes coupon to get it for $720, less than $100 more than the Snow-Tek unit. We have had several snows and it's performed very well. I can now clear my driveway on my dinner break instead of taking me 2 hours by hand.

 

[soloz2]

Home Depot carries the watered down ariens models. I got mine from an equipment dealer. I posted about it and showed a pic at the link below in GJ during a snowblower discussion. It's covered now or I would snap a pic. Just like the John Deere tractors depot carries. Mine is an x300 which is much different than the LT series they carry. Nothing wrong with them. Just a little different.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3629788#post3629788

I think ease of maintenance and durability/usefulness reside with a 2 stage model. If you do sidewalks and small areas then a single will do just fine.

Home Depot primarily caries the Sno-Tek by Ariens lineup. They sell the actual Ariens units on their website though. I found two local Home Depots that had the Ariens Compact 24 in stock though. The model number is exactly the same as what is on the Ariens website.

 

[STEVENC]

I have had the red 24" 208cc one for 3 years now bought it at a garage sale. I change the oil once a year, and it sees about 6 uses a year. only part I replaced was the rubber skids and the metal piece of plate that scrapes close to the ground. It start first or second pull every time. I am very happy with mine, but I also picked it up for 200 bucks.