Craftsman Professional 30&#34 357cc* Dual-Stage Snow Thrower w/ EZ Steer Reviews


www.sears.com


4.0 of 5
(by 65 reviewers)
Rating Summary | 80% of reviewers recommend (52 out of 65)

Pros
  • easy start (50)
  • plenty of power (48)
  • easy to handle (37)
  • warm grips work (32)
  • gets the job done (30)
  • nice unit (27)
Cons
  • chute tough to manage (13)
  • plastic chute (12)
  • 2nd gear is too fast (9)
  • big machine (6)
  • clogs often (5)
  • need to deliver one not broken (5)
  • poor engine control location (4)
  • joystick control terrible (3)
  • none (2)
  • poor reliability (2)
Most Helpful Favorable Review
I bought the Craftsman 30" 357CC Snowblower just a few weeks ago and have already spent about 6 hours using it. It has plenty of power and can send snow across the street. The power steering and warm hand grips are awesome, and it starts easily, even in below zero temps. The only thing that I have found... read full review »
Posted on Feb 10, 2011
Most Helpful Critical Review

Not very Professional

I did a lot of research when I decided I needed a big snow thrower for the Chicago snows.  This one came in with several positive comments.  Picked it up in October, set it up, and then waited to the snow to fall.  It did, and I took out the new machine.  There was a strange grinding sound when I...

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Posted on Dec 31, 2010

Craftsman Professional 30&#34 357cc* Dual... Reviews

Displaying reviews 1 - 13 of 65 in total

Powerful & Does that Job

This a very nice snow blower, and I got it at the sears outlook for 20% less. I also took the 3 year maintenance plan for $150 just be on the safe side. Out here in CT, we just had 3 big snow shower each of them at least 3 to 6 inches. I have a 150 feet long drive way, it took me 1 hour to 1.30hours to get the entire drive way done. So far its been working well, and I have no complaints. I do have to say, sometime the manual start gets hard...and might have to pull 5 to 6 times to get the engine running. I did tested the electric start and it also works fine and easy to use :-) I did have... read full review »
Posted on Jan 11, 2011

What a Beast!

I bought this model in the early fall with price not being the issue, when it comes to performance.  When I was able to get this model for about $800, I was sold based on the size engine, 30" path and the "easy-to-use" features.  I didn't find it hard to put together at all, just needed about 30 minutes.  Now, after using this beast 2 times, I am happy to write a review about how it gets right down to the concrete and clears a nice clean path with each swipe!  With a 3-stall drive, it helps get the job done in under 20 minutes and tosses the snow far enough, the large build-up/piles along the...

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Posted on Dec 12, 2010

I purchased this snowblower last weekend, before the first snowfall here in Minnesota. I wanted to have a machine that can handle most anything Mother Nature could throw at me. I think I may have found it.

This is my first snowblower. It was very easy to assemble. A few of the directions were hard to follow, but overall it the manual was very helpful. My suggestion - read it before you just go off and put this thing together on your own!!!

It took a few pulls to get it started. My suggestion would be to not use the full choke. Once I took that off, it started right up. That has been the case both...

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Posted on Nov 15, 2010

Bought this fall and was very excited about the first snowfall.  Machine started very easily and doesn't really need a choke if it's a warmer day.  Got it out on the walk and the control joystick was shocking me! ZAP ZAP!  I was not happy and figured it was a short in the heated hand grips or headlight. Not the case. Apparently static electricity can build up in the right snow conditions that transfer through the control cabling to ME and my wet (albeit warm) hands. The service tech ordered a grounding kit for it that will take care of any (unlucky) snow conditions in the future.  

I DO agree...

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Posted on Dec 22, 2010

I bought mine in 2009.  Even though it was a soft winter season for CT, I have to clear our driveway and private drive, which are more than 100 yards in length.  Additionally, because of my job, it is critical to get the job done as fast as possible, which is why I chose this machine over the models made for average home use.  This machine made the job a breeze.  If you do it right, you'd never have to clear an area twice.  The power (both throwing and traction) is amazing and the steering controls are VERY helpful for handling this monster, as is the chute control mechanism.  But, you must...

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Posted on Dec 04, 2010
Very nice and sturdy machine. It replaced my 16 year old Craftsman Snowblower. The power steering is a dream! No more broken back lugging a heavy machine around through the snow. I was skeptical of the heated grips, but I am glad I have it now. Nice power, it throws snow about 15 feet away. Includes bank cutters and in my area we measure snowfall in feet- they come in very handy. The only down side is the headlight stopped working the 2nd time I used the machine. Checked the bulb, and no issues there. Contacted Sears as I had purchased a maintenance agreement. I am waiting over 3 weeks for a repairman... read full review »
Posted on Dec 22, 2010
This isn't a snow blower for a wuss. This weighs well over 200 lbs. Don't buy one for your mother. This is the second season for my 30" Sears snow thrower. It works as advertised. THERE ARE MANY CONTROLS ON THIS MACHINE. Don't expect to pull it out of the box and run it without getting used to the controls if you haven't used one like this before. It will take a half dozen good snows to get it all down right. At least for me. (Maybe I'm just a slow learner... :) Pros: The power steering is awesome and wouldn't think of using it without it. Don't even think about trying to turn this... read full review »
Posted on Jan 14, 2011

the craftsman professional snow thrower is ONE Great investment!! if you have a loved one that has been shoveling the snow by hand for 20 + years & you want THAT person to be around for at least the NEXT 20 + years they DESERVE THE BEST!!!  buy them a TOY that they are not only use, but ENJOY using, turning THE task into a fun time. Boys & their toys!!!

Posted on Dec 10, 2010

This is a great machine and the reasonably priced 5yr service contract is above par.

The best part of this purchase was that I purchased this from Sears.

Sears has gone above and beyond for supporting our troops. Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years.

I will support Sears for their support to the troops!

Posted on Dec 03, 2010

As Chicago's blizzard turned into The Big Dig, this thrower was, by far, the crowned champion of the neighborhood.  I was able to plow through 8 long driveways and 13 sidewalks of my neighbors while a few single stage owners struggled to complete their own driveway. 

We had 21" of snow with drifting near 40". 

I never thought a 21" tall intake would be a criticism, but that was my only one.  The snow shoot allowed a wide range of snow placement options and when there is at much snow, a place to allow it to accumulate is a valuable commodity.  I was able to launch the snow far enough to clear...

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Posted on Feb 04, 2011

Top of the Line

Bought this with some discounts opver the summer and just fired it up for the first time here are some highlights/lowlights 1. Over filled gas and it leaked out the top for a while, not sure where to stop filling and why did it leak out of the cap 2. started instantly VERY NICE! 3. chute a little tough to move but once it starts it is easy to aim. 4. The heated grips are actually a waste of money and time YOUR WEARING GLOVES!!! 5. It turns on a dime with the right and left trigger makes turning around at the end of the driveway a snap. 6. Very powerful, went through 8" of snow and was looking for... read full review »
Posted on Jan 13, 2011
Purchased this great machine for all of its features and at a great price. Smooth operation, easy turning, chute rotates easily and it clears a large path.
Posted on Jan 17, 2011

This unit is a powerhouse

Last year we had record snowfall, I live on a corner lot and I also owne a shop. This snowblower never let me down. It is easy to start and control, and it will put the snow exactly where you want it. This model is also a great value. I shopped other stores and found sears was a quite a bit less expensive. Save yourself the trouble of shopping around everybody, and pick up this unit.

Posted on Nov 10, 2010

Reviews of Craftsman Professional 30&#34 357cc* Dual-Stage Snow Thrower w/ EZ Steer