Snow blowers Craftsman: model range and features of operation
The Craftsman snow blower, like any technique, has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. If you opted for this manufacturer, it is recommended to get acquainted with the nuances first.
Peculiarities
Today, Craftsman snowblowers are widely used not only by owners of suburban areas, but also by utilities. And this is justified, because the equipment from Craftsman is reliable and durable. This is exactly how the representative has established himself, for many years supplying high-quality equipment to the market.
Most of the Craftsman models are in the category of self-propelled gasoline units.
Their power is sufficient to remove not only freshly fallen snow, but also stale or frozen snow. Snow masses are collected in a bucket thanks to a toothed metal auger. Subsequently, this snow moves to the rear and is thrown out through a special chute. As a rule, the position of the chute and the throwing distance can be adjusted to suit your needs.
A unique feature of Craftsman snow throwers is the wheel locking system. So, by locking one wheel in place, you can quickly deploy the snow blower. In addition, these machines are often reversible, that is, they have a reverse function. The line includes both tracked and wheeled models.
Advantages and disadvantages
The obvious advantages of Craftsman snow removal equipment include the following.
- Durability and reliability... Craftsman snow blowers have been ranked among the best models on the Russian market more than once. This is largely due to the fact that consumers are happy with how these units serve them.
- Excellent service... Craftsman offers warranty service to the owners of its equipment, as well as provides detailed advice on issues that arise during operation.
- Wide range of snow blowers... There are units with both a one-stage cleaning system and a two-stage one. The second group is often used by public utilities, since such machines can be used for cleaning large areas.
- Ability to operate in difficult weather conditions.
- Screw structure... The existing notches crush the snow and ice, so that after one or two passes, you can completely clear the site.
- Robust chute and bucket... They have a special protective coating that protects them from mechanical damage.
However, there are also disadvantages. First of all, we are talking about the volumes of fuel consumption. Craftsman equipment cannot be called economical, and the more aggressive the snow mass (for example, if it is compacted or icy), the more fuel is consumed.
Further, models for domestic use cannot cope with too high snowdrifts - they are not designed for this.
The lineup
There are various models of snow blowers that are popular with the Russian consumer. These include those that are no longer officially produced or sold, but can be bought off hand (for example, Craftsman 88690). It makes no sense to talk about those models that are no longer produced, so it is worth concentrating on modern models.
The operating instructions for each specific model can be found on the manufacturer's official website.
Craftsman 88172
This model is the cheapest one that exists today, but far from the worst. The unit belongs to the samples with a two-stage cleaning system. Its capture width is 61 cm. Engine power is 5.5 liters. with. This is enough to clear a medium-sized area.
The Craftsman 88172 is propelled by wheels. Self-propelled model. For operator convenience, there are eight gears: two reverse and six forward. By switching them, the operator of the equipment can select the optimal travel speed of the snow blower.
The metal chute and auger ensure trouble-free operation even if any small debris or block of ice gets into the bucket. but you need to be careful with stones: there is a risk of damaging the blades. The chute is manually adjustable - adjustment from the control room is not provided.
The weight of the snowblower is 86 kg. The average retail price is 60 thousand rubles.
Craftsman 88173
This car is not much different from the previous one. The only difference is power. If the previous sample was 5.5 liters. with., then this one already has 7.5 liters. with. This means that the area that can be cleaned with the Craftsman 88173 is one and a half times larger.
The snowblower is self-propelled, moves with the help of wheels. The engine is equipped with an electric starter. Be careful not to connect Craftsman units directly to the mains! The fact is that they are adapted for the European market, where the standard voltage is 110 volts. In Russia, you need to use a voltage converter, otherwise you run the risk that the motor will close due to too high voltage.
The car has eight gears, six of which are forward.
The auger and snow chute are made of metal. The chute is manually adjustable. The snow blower has a two-stage cleaning system, thanks to which it cleans the surface quickly and efficiently.
The weight is 75 kg, and the average price is 62 thousand rubles.
Model 88970
The Craftsman 88970 snow blower has a wide snow coverage. Here it is 66 cm. Power remains the same - 7.5 liters. with. In this case you can clean an area of half a hectare, while harvesting will be done faster due to the increased working width.
As with other models, there are the same eight gears - two reverse and six forward. The auger and snow discharge pipe are made of metal. However, the 88970 has a new feature - the ability to adjust the position of the chute using the controls located on the operator's seat.
It uses a gasoline engine with an electric starter at 110 V. The cleaning system is two-stage, so it is well suited for both domestic and municipal use. The device weighs 97.5 kg. Its cost on the Russian market is around 73 thousand rubles.
Model 88691
The snow blower is equipped with a two-stage cleaning system. Both the auger and the snow discharge chute are made of metal. The power of the gasoline engine is slightly different. In this case, it is 7.8 liters. with. - slightly more than previous models.
The snow blower has a standard eight gears. There is a convenient system of locking the wheels from the trigger. You can easily block one of the wheels and make a U-turn with the snow blower practically on the spot. This circumstance significantly increases the maneuverability of the unit and simplifies its control.
The snow discharge chute is exclusively manually adjustable. As for starting the snowplow, there is a manual start system and an electric starter. Remember to connect the 220V to 110V converter before plugging the Craftsman 88691 into a power outlet.
The device weighs 102 kg. Retail price - 76 thousand rubles.
Model 88395
This type of snow blower has a wider working width and more power. So, the width of the snow grip here is 71 cm, and the maximum power is 9.5 liters. with.At the same time, the average power at which the unit can operate in Russian realities is 8 liters. with.
The standard number of gears is two reverse and six forward.
The chute and auger are made of metal. Adjustment of the position of the chute and the distance of snow throwing is regulated from the operator panel. There is a manual and electric starter, rated for 110 V.
The machine is self-propelled. This model has additional functions, which are not in the previously considered modifications. One of them is the ability to operate with one hand. And there is also a halogen headlight, so that it is more convenient to remove snow in the dark, without fear of the quick end of daylight hours, which is extremely short in winter.
The Craftsman 88395 snow blower weighs 108 kg. The retail price indicated on the official website is 90 thousand rubles.
Craftsman 88396
The Model 88396 Self-Propelled Wheeled Snow Blower has a maximum engine power of 13 HP. with. The auger in this case is made of metal, and the discharge chute is made of frost-resistant plastic. However, this should not discourage potential buyers, as thanks to the power of the engine, the snow mass is ground so that there are no large parts left that could damage the snow pipe. The chute is adjustable, the turning angle is 180 degrees. Adjustment of the chute is carried out only electronically, that is, it cannot be manually adjusted.
The width of the snow grip is 76 cm. Snow blowers with such an indicator can be safely used for cleaning streets, roads, sidewalks. There are traditionally eight gears, as in other Craftsman models.
The model is equipped with additional functionality:
- there is a headlight to make it easier to work in the dark;
- the snowplow can be operated using only one hand;
- there is a knife for cutting snowdrifts, which helps to clear the site completely after the first pass.
The mechanism weighs 110 kg. The retail price is kept at 112 thousand rubles.
Model 88397
The most expensive and powerful car in the entire product line. It differs from the previous one only in increased power (14.5 liters. From.). In addition to such additional functions as the presence of a headlight, a knife for cutting snow and the ability to operate with one hand, there is a heated handle here, which makes working with equipment more comfortable. The weight of the model is 150 kg, and the cost is 150 thousand rubles.
All Craftsman equipment, if kept outdoors, must be thoroughly cleared of snow and stored in protective covers. Then she will serve faithfully for many years.
What to do if a problem occurs
The official operating manual contains not only tips on how to maintain the equipment (for example, how to change the oil in the gearbox or whether different types of oil can be added to the engine), but also instructions on what to do if a breakdown occurs. Judging by the reviews, the most problematic parts are the carburetor, spark plug and auger drive belt. They must be replaced with original parts. If you are not sure that you can carry out the repair yourself, it is recommended to contact the service center.
For more information on the Craftsman snow blower, see the following video.
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