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Craftsman 26" 208cc* Dual-Stage Snow Thrower
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mbrogz3000's Review
Craftsman 26" 208cc* Dual-Stage Snow Thrower Reviews
www.sears.com
| 86% of reviewers recommend
(92 out of 107)
Rating Summary
sears-feed
Chicago, IL
“Great machine!”
Craftsman 26" 208cc* Dual-Stage Snow Thrower —
Purchased the 26" snowthrower in late October 2008 to have the capability of clearing our 125' gravel(qp) driveway. I started it up and ran it for about 10 minutes back then, also testing self propelling and auger movement. Also placed it at its max height to minimize the chance of thrown gravel. Seemed to operate fine, but placed it in the back of our garage. 'Finally' got to use its function three times for the 19-21 Dec 08 snowfalls, with the first clearing session having about 8"-10" of powder. What an amazing machine!! The snow is eaten and thrown about 15' upwards and away, leaving cleared path with about <1" above the gravel which is totally drivable. The more snow that gets eaten, the further the snow gets thrown. Its nice to be able to clear the end of the driveway where the plow was in a fraction of the time, it just eats up the slop and throws it. I load tested the engine at the mailbox, and was able to throw the snow over the road to provide clear access it. I think if there is a heavier, sloppy snowfall, this snowthrower will be able to get the job done relatively easy, although probably on the slowest speed. Not sure how it will work on ice coated snow, but again, the speed will need to be slow. Just some other comments: in terms of handling, I think the 26" is easier to maneuver than any of the bigger models without steering assistance (these things weigh in at 200+ lbs). Sheer pins are strong (I was throwing some random pieces of gravel), but the cotter pin is stupid, consider getting sheer pin bolts which are not sold by sears or mtd/bolens for this model's required size. The unit ships prefilled with just enough oil for the low end of the dipstick, so make sure to add some before using it. The chute adjustment lever is cable driven for easy adjustment. This model is identical to the Troy-bilt at L$$$$(they are all built by MTD) sold at lowes except it doesn't have the small, integrated headlight in the control panel. I wouldn't recommend letting a son take it around the neighborhood though due to safety and liability issues and also extra wear on the wearable components. The motor is tecumseh, so there is a bit more maintenance involved in keeping it starting by its 2nd pull and running at its best, but its nothing extra out of the ordinary. Overall, the 26" is excellent for single home, residential use, and it works pretty well over packed gravel.Craftsman 26" 208cc* Dual-Stage Snow Thrower
is recommended
by mbrogz3000
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