Craftsman 33cc Full Crank Gas String Trimmer Straight shaft Convertible Reviews


www.sears.com


2.35 of 5
(by 26 reviewers)
Rating Summary | 35% of reviewers recommend (9 out of 26)

Pros
  • easy starting (4)
  • powerful (3)
  • strong (3)
  • light weight (1)
  • nothing (1)
Cons
  • srting system awful (3)
  • doesn't even run. (2)
  • heavy (1)
  • small fuel tank (1)
  • broken internal shaft (1)
  • weak strap (1)
Most Helpful Favorable Review

This thing CRANKS

I waited until I used this machine a few times. (about 4 times) I bought this because my little WeedEater was not powerful enough and its around 5 years old (I take care of my stuff) and thought I should look for something with a little 'wack', 'more power'. I have 3 pieces of property, all are rural,... read full review »
Posted on May 19, 2009
Most Helpful Critical Review

Disappointment

I was really disappointed with this product. Right out of the box the unit was hard to crank and then it would not stay cranked. I ran a full tank of gas through it and it continued to go dead when I let off the gas and it was hard to recrank. The unit was very heavy and was not balanced. I never could... read full review »
Posted on May 26, 2009

Craftsman 33cc Full Crank Gas String Trimmer... Reviews

Displaying reviews 1 - 13 of 26 in total

TOTAL JUNK!

Sears should have recalled this POS and refunded everyone their money. That's why it's on closeout. The "buttons" that hold the shaft from twisted broke within ten hours of use. To replace the part that these are attached to cost more than the whole machine on close-out. I just had the shaft welded so it wouldn't twist. The 4 stroke engine is nice and quiet and that should tell you how weak this thing is. Instead of getting up enough power to cut tall grass it just wraps it up. This means you have to take tiny cuts over and over. Use my father in laws 2 stroke Stihl yesterday and it out cuts this...

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Posted on May 06, 2010

Very disappointed

I have used mine three times now and the problems are many....it is very difficult to start and only runs for a few seconds before it stalls. I have to open the airflow cover to get it to run. The second time I used it a screw that holds the shield over the shaft housing access point near the motor came out and I still had very difficult time with it. The shaft locked up on me, I was able to get it going again only to have it lock up on me again the third time I used it. I am in the process of taking it to the service center for repairs, I can only imagine the nightmare I am going to run into there.... read full review »
Posted on Jul 07, 2009

Disappointing

I am very disappointed in this product. Unit would run for only 3-4 seconds before stalling, it could take 20-30 pulls before engine would try to crank. I am returning the unit for a refund. This was to be a replacement for another Craftsman but after my experience and reading other reviews I may go with a different brand.
Posted on Jun 22, 2009

DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!!!!!

The first machine that i got did not work right out of the box, so I took it back to the store and they gave me a new one, used it two times and after that it would not start, so I went back to the store and they said that i could not get my money back. That the product had to be sent to be check and after that maybe I would get my money back, but this would take over a week. From what i heard two of the store employees saying, it looks like they have an obvious problem with this product.
Posted on Jun 14, 2009

Works for me!

This is the best string trimmer I've ever used. It starts easily and is well designed. I have 2 acres and have been cleaning up some high weeds and brush. This is my first "convertible" trimmer and the first time I've used a brush attachment. It works well and saved me a lot of time and work. I trimmed down a lot of brush that had 3/8-1/2" stems and about 2 feet tall. This was not just easy lawn edging. The string trimmer works great, and I'll never go back to the old fashioned bump hub type. The strings are easy to install and last a long time, even with hard use. I'm surprised at how well they... read full review »
Posted on May 29, 2009

Great trimmer

I just read all of the reviews and it seems that the experiences are hit and miss. I purchased mine 3 weeks ago and had it put together within 10 minutes ready to use. Although it takes a few pulls (usually 5-6) to get it started, it runs great! I had tried many other electric and gas string trimmers and hated them all. This one, although heavy, has less vibration and causes less fatigue. I can usually have all of my trimming and edging done in 15-20 minutes (used to take 40 minutes or so). I took the advise of the sales person and purchased the pre-mixed fuel that has no ethanol. I have used this... read full review »
Posted on Aug 02, 2009

                         Worked well the first 4 times, after that it just quit, what a waste of money! not all craftsman products are made the same I'm taking this junk back!!

Posted on Nov 19, 2009

i've owned a lot of string trimmers in my life--this is the worst. it is heavy, akward, and does a terrible job trimming my lawn. i used it 4 times, giving it time to get used to it. i have never been so frustrated with a machine. ever. i replaced the string at least 12 times on a small yard. it either wouldn't cut the grass, or took out huge chunks. i've never written a review online before, but thought maybe i could spare someone some frustration in the future. for your own sake, DO NOT BUY THIS TRIMMER!

Posted on May 15, 2010

PRODUCT WAS NOT TESTED

I AM NOT COMPLAINING, MUCH. I got a good deal on the purchase. Been buying Craftsman trimmers for years and years. This unit was priced the same as a two cycle trimmer. So I decided to buy it and try it. Learning how to start it required a little time and READING THE INSTRUCTIONS.Mine does not stall. I am not impressed with the line device, however I found premium line at another home store at almost half the price. The problem, really a big problem - the weight. Hauling this trimmer around for about an hour will BUILD MUSCELS. I think it was design heavy for all the attachments that can be fitted... read full review »
Posted on Jul 09, 2009

Not worth the money

Very difficult to start, I used the correct gas mixture and followed the directions to the letter and still could not get this machine running in under an hour of trying. When it finally got started it shut off as soon as I touched the throttle. After more time I finally got it running and went to work using it. It is very heavy and not at all easy to use and didn't do as good a job as my old Homelite that died a peaceful death at the age of 14 years. I'm going to box it up and let Sears have it back.
Posted on Jul 05, 2009

I read the reviews and tried to take the negative comments in stride before making my decision to purchase this trimmer/brush cutter combo.  I took the leap and ordered online and picked up at the store.  I was not able to use it the first day because of rain, so I tried it the next day.  I took all the parts/pieces out of the box and assembled the unit exactly as specified in the manual.  I mixed fresh gasoline with the 2-cycle oil provided in the box, filled it up and read the instructions for starting.  I have owned a variety of brands when it comes to power equipment, so I figured I had...

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Posted on Aug 21, 2009

1 star

The first time I used this product took 10 min. to get it started. After finally getting it started I used it for 5 minutes and had to replace the line,after a couple more uses and repeatedly going through line at a clip of 6.00 a tube,I put in a little heavier line that the book said I could use. The trimmer would not run at full power,therefore would not cut .Very dissappointed in product.
Posted on Jul 28, 2009

A cut above

choke, prime and 2 pulls. and your off and cutting. its light and easy to handle. it has the power to cut tall grass and weeds and the attachments the tiller and edger. this string trimmer is a cut above the rest it has cut my yard work time in half

Posted on Jun 16, 2009

Reviews of Craftsman 33cc Full Crank Gas String Trimmer Straight shaft Convertible