Latest reviews about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

Mosaix1 says "Back Saver!" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

Mosaix1 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:43:02 GMT

Ok, I bought the PYT9000 this fall with a 50 inch cut for my new house on 2.5 acres. The "yard" is more of an open field with just natural wild grass (Colorado). I used the tractor once and I was impressed with how well it did since my yard is very very uneven. Changed the oil to Mobile 1 and purchased 5 gallons of super unleaded and got ready for the winter. I also purchased the snowblower attachment for my 300 concrete driveway. I live in an area that tends to get hit with a lot of snow (although the powder type - I live at 7500 feet above sea level). Once all the parts are laid out, it is very intimidating. In fact, I spent 2 hours on the project and only got to page 6. I called in some assistance, and a mobile lawn care service that is very familiar with these came out and spent an additional 3 hours getting it all attached and adjusted. We had a good storm last night 8-10 inches with 3-4 drifts (yes, every storm seems to come with 30 + mph winds up here). The...

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mdonalds says "42" snow thrower attachment" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

mdonalds — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:49:01 GMT

If you are planning to load the tractor & attachment on a trailer for various snow jobs, forget it !! The pickup chute only clears the ground by about 3", which barely clears the garage floor lip. I tried every way possible to load it onto the trailer, but the only way would be to remove the thrower and reattach on each job. Sorry, but I had to return it even before the snow started....

Spanky13750 says "42 inch snow thrower works excellent" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

Spanky13750 — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 12:58:00 GMT

I am very pleased with this snow thrower attachment for my tractor. I was plowing with a plow on the tractor. It took so much time to plow and if it snowed a lot i would have to plow several times to keep up with it. If it got to deep was hard to plow. Also it took longer. Now since i got the blower it takes less time and i have even moved the banks back farther. I wish i have bought this attachment sooner as now i can wait until the storm is over to do the clearing. I am not much on words. Thank You Lee Ackley...

DonziGuy says "Choose the right tool for the job, and this blower works well." about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

DonziGuy — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 03:13:56 GMT

Select the right tool for the job. 500' gravel driveway ? probably not. 500' paved driveway and this will work well, assuming you are not an individual who believes everything can be fixed with a very large hammer, Vise Grips and a pry bar (don't expect this to blow through 18" of heavy snow at top speed).

I have a wide, paved 170' driveway. Any many neighbors with paved driveways. And we live on a private road, which I also sometimes clear.

I have heavily used mine in western Michigan for 4 seasons (approximately 200 hours on the blower; I installed an hour meter on the Lawn Tractor), and just broke the first belt. I have never sheared a pin.

Pros: With the 16.5 hp Kohler engine on my Craftsman lawn tractor, there is enough power for everything I have attempted, from the 18" of snow we just got in the Michigan "Blizzard of 2011," to 8" of heavy wet snow, to 3' of snow-plow muck at the end of the driveway. You just have to go at the appropriate speed. My smaller lawn tractor has the...

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rchelicopter says "Fntastic, Wish I got it sooner" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

rchelicopter — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:55:13 GMT

Before I got this I had the big green walk behind snow blower for the last several years, It has held up well. However it was difficult to manuver and if the snow was more 6" I was out there for like 8 hours. I do multiple properties. Just My property took 1.5-2 hours. With this new snow thrower on the tracktor I was done the driveways in 10 Minutes. entire property Less than an 1 hour. Time was only part of the problem with the old push blower. I was exhausting. Not the case with this new Thrower. I can ride with little fatige. The only down side besides the inititial installation (2 days) is the skid shows on the snow thrower wore down fast and leave marks on cement drive ways and so do the snow chains. I learned real fast not to spin the tires on the cement. As for the skids, I modified them so I was able to instal wheels, 2 on each plate. It was a major pain but so worth it. Back to the installation, READ the manual carefully it jumps around alot depending on your tracktor. Use...

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dadof3 says "Outstanding Value for the money, great back saver!" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

dadof3 — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:38:12 GMT

Ordered on 27 December, right after our Christmas Blizzard. I purchased this snowblower, chains and wheel weights. I picked it up a few days later and installed on New Years Day. It only took about 2.5 hours to install. If you know your machine and follow the directions, it really isn't a big deal to install. I was unhappy with my local Sears store, because when I ordered the snowblower, chains, and wheel weights I had my model number with me, but they insisted that "it didn't matter, they are all the same". Needless to say I had to make a second trip to exchange the weights chains.

The snowblower works outstanding! It cut my time down to about 1/4 the time it used to take me. I am not a very big guy, so the wheel weights and chains are a must. I tried to use the snowblower before I had the correct wheel weights and chains and didn't have very good luck. An extra 60lbs and the chains makes a huge difference, I was able go through a few snow banks that were about 2.5-3...

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italianjeremy says "the most accurate review on this thing !!!!!!! works great !" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

italianjeremy — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:08:58 GMT

this thing is amazing !

the first time you put it on , it take about 30-45 minutes to align everything . but after that , its very easy . guide the belt correctly and youll be fine. havent broken a shear bolt yet , and i have a gravel driveway .

i live in the snowbelt in Cleveland and we get hit with about 130" of snow... thats a lot . my drive is 50 yards long with about slight tilt.

i picked up the 24839 , which is the older model of the 24838 . has 2 belts, very simple pulley system .

once you look under it when its on youll go , "oh .... that makes sense now!" get a manual online

my lawn mower is a craftsman 917 series from around 1999 . to give you a better idea, its green , 42" cut, 16.5 horse kohler. its not an older grey one, as i think youde need to do some modding to get this thing to work with one of the older grey colored mowers craftsman had .

the great thing about this is that it chucks snow SOOO much further than a conventional 2-stage thrower. ive used an 8hp 26" ariens...

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bbillyo says "Can beat it for long Driveways!!" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

bbillyo — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:47:54 GMT

I attached this thrower to my 2006 Craftsman garden tractor with a Kohler 26 Horse Engine. The assembly was fairly straight forward, but it did take around 5-6 hours. Many of the parts will stay on the tractor, so I would imagine it will be easier next time. I made sure the drive belt was "twisted" correctly around the pulley's, as I have heard that if you don't, the pulley breaks almost immediately. I haven't had any issue with pulley wear.

This unit works very well on my tractor. I've only done up to 6-8 inches of snow thus far, but I can go down the driveway at full speed, and the tractor doesn't strain to throw the snow at all. The unit throws the snow fairly far, especially when there is more snow. Larger drifts are done with ease, and will throw around 30 feet. Smaller amounts of snow are only thrown around 15 feet because there isn't enough volume, but this is fine because in larger areas I can just go over it again.

I purchased this unit after returning a 30" professional...

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Sprink1es says "If your tractor can handle it, BUY IT!" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

Sprink1es — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:19:09 GMT

Yes, first time installation was a pain. However, instructions are very good (if you know anything about your tractor) and took me about 3 hours to install initially. Only problem was instructions said to leave one of the belts pretty loose, which kept slipping so I just tightened it where I thought it should be.

Works great, handles everything so far!

(used on my PYT9000 24hp mower)

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Twentyfive says "Great snowthrower" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

sears-feed — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:05 GMT

I have used this snowthrower thru 6 winters on my 17.5 hp tractor. I have only replaced one belt, the small cheap one and one shear pin. The shear pin broken because I picked up a pine branch. The large belt looks like it will last at least 10 years. Chains and wheel weights are a must, I also recommend the cab for those cold windy blizzards, also drift cutter bars. It does not clogg with any type of snow wet or dry if you operate it properly. Intalation is simple but some what time consuming the first time. From 1 inch of snow to 3 feet of snow it has performed flawlessly....

snowdrift says "works fine" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

sears-feed — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:45:05 GMT

I have used this on my LT 2000 18 horse.Yes it takes awhile to put together.I have had no problems with mine at all. It takes some getting used to.It will turn hard when hopper is down,just lift alittle and it turns. I put wheel weights and chains on,alot of weight is best, This has been a snowy winter here and has handled it fine.No problem with belts,broke one sheer pin.This has saved by back alot of stress,I had a walk behind for twenty years and this is great.Again just take a little time and learn how to work it....

chefjeff says "4th winter with this attachment" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

sears-feed — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:15:05 GMT

I've read a lot of the reviews and had a good laugh, I think I have had most of these problems. All of these problems can be addressed and fixed. The problem with the belt slipping off is because it is not on properly. You have to look very close at the diagram to see the correct way to thread the belt. Had this problem last year when we received 200 inches of snow. My belt broke this winter in december, the day before christmas. Sears did not have one in stock. If you bring the belt to an auto parts store they can match it! My driveway is gravel, it is impossible to avoid throwing stones. My impeller broke a couple of weeks ago. Problem with replacing the impeller, it is a very tight fit on the shaft. The powdercoat needs to be removed from inside the tube of the impeller or it will not go on. Shear pins, well lets just say that you should always keep a dozen on hand. Aside from these problems the thrower works pretty well. Extra weight on the weight tray is a must!...

JimmyDahGeek says "Poor Quality" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

sears-feed — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:30:04 GMT

I had an old (85) Craftsman snow blower for my tractor and that one was really good. That was why I decided to get another one. This one is junk. It's not even a year old and it won't keep the belt on it. I went to Sears to get a new belt and they didn't have it in stock and needed to order it. It was $85. That one won't stay on either. I'm going to call and see what they will do because it's still under warranty....

GibbyAZ says "Better than a blade" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

sears-feed — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 07:45:03 GMT

I purchased this for my 24 HP V twin DYS five days before a 1-2-3 punch we had just before Christmas. Installation was fairly consuming (6-8 hours) as this is made to fit several different models and you need to know your lawn tractor model very well in order to know what parts are extra and not needed. In all, the only problem that I have with the design is with the primary belt drive from the tractor to the snow thrower. A better design could have been utilized to drive the snow thrower but would require more parts and is most likely why they went with the single large belt that spins off angle with twists in it that means every season you had better have a replacement on hand because it will prematurely fail due to the bad alignment and twists in it. Now on to the snow removal aspects. This particular set of storms dropped the wettest snow that we have had in the area in about 10 years and each storm dropped on average 8-12" with no break in between. The area being cleared is a 100 yard......

Anonymous says "Excellent" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

sears-feed — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:00:05 GMT

This piece works excellently for upstate new york. It saves us a lot of money avoid hiring people to plow our driveway. We do a better job plowing our driveway than those plowing guys....

ANDREWK says "5 stars" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

sears-feed — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 23:15:05 GMT

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MKulacz says "A total animal.. a game changer" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

sears-feed — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:00:16 GMT

This thing is a game changer. I cleared out a 600 ft driveway, on a hill, in little time. As fast as a pickup truck with a snowplow. Wow. What a amazing tool. The instructions were pretty clear, and there were no major problems. Biggest problem was that the bracket which holds on the extra weight tray was missing a hole where it needed one. I could have made a mistake, but I honestly think it was a design defect. I have a 24hp craftsman tractor and the setup works great. I am 210lbs, plus I used wheel weights and chains. You will need all the weight you can get, as my 140 lb teenage son has problems on the hill. Chains ARE A **MUST** if you have a hill. And on heavy snow the 24hp engine is a little stressed so Id be cautious about using this on a smaller tractor. I love this thing. You will get show all over you which is a bummer. I might consider the cab. Snowpants, hat, even glasses are a good idea. It throws snow miles away, which is a lot nicer than a big pile left behind by the plow.......

Eric224 says "3 stars" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

sears-feed — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:00:16 GMT

I bought this last spring(08) with a 22hp Husqvrna. I love how it handles any snow, so far this year i have used it 4 times. Assembly wasn't bad i have seen worse. My problems with it are 1- the shute keepers broke over nothing 2- broke a shear pin over nothing 3-broke the belt and my local sears didn't carry the belt that i needed but could order it. 4- my finale and biggest problem is that the lift handle with its 2 spot welds broke off. with something that heavy you need more than 2 spot welds to hold it together. Lets work on that sears....

BobOnDenoon says "Works great" about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

sears-feed — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:45:05 GMT

I've used the snow blower attachment three times and think it works great. It has plenty of blowing power and I have not had any problems. I've put on the weights for the wheels plus the wheel chains. I also have the rear weight supplied with the snow thrower. It a great setup. The traction is just fine with this setup. I save so much time and it's easy on the body. Everybody should have one. Can't wait for the next snow, which is tomorrow. Let it snow....

DLaw says "Darn good, but...." about Craftsman 42" Two-stage Tractor Snowblower

sears-feed — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:00:04 GMT

First the good. This blower is great, it took what used to be an hour and half job with a walk behind two stage blower down to 15-20 minutes. Even in 2' drifts I have yet to load down the tractor motor. Sure it takes some time to assemble, but it's a one-time thing and I thought the directions were pretty self explanatory. Now the bad. The lift arm works well, but it takes 2' of carry from the up to down position. So when seated that means taking it from around waist level down to around my ankles, not the easiest to do with a bad back. Then, it would be nice to have a detente in the lift mechanism that holds the blower just off the ground enough so a person could go from asphalt to gravel surfaces and just lift the weight of the blower to back up and turn easier. Also, customer service at Sears told me I needed the mounting kit for my 2008 Craftsman Pro mower, which I didn't. They also still haven't been able to find any parts listing for the optional drift cutters the manual says is......