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


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4-way chute control problem

posted on October 29, 2009 at 11:26AM Inappropriate? Quote Reply

Just got this machine and it looks great but it takes 2 hands to rotate the chute from side to side. I have a feeling this is a problem that will only get worse. Is this a problem service can correct or is it a design flaw? After I googled the problem I read where others have had problems with carftsmans plastic chutes falling apart too. Should I just return it and move on to another brand?

replies: 3 latest post: December 17, 2009 at 10:42PM by madgolfer
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posted on December 17, 2009 at 08:17PM
 

I had the same thing going on. 1 shot of WD40 and all works fine.

posted on December 17, 2009 at 10:26PM
 

If the chute is hard to move, first ensure that the chute control rod is installed properly. If it's not, turning will be extremely difficult. You may also want to apply some lithium grease where the chute attaches to the body. This will allow for smoother motion (plastic-on-plastic friction can make for difficult movement). A little lithium grease sprayed onto the interior surface of the chute and auger wouldn't hurt, either. Those are really the only things that affect motion of the chute.

As for the chutes breaking, that's generally an issue with a single model, if I remember correctly, which had a slightly different chute design. That model is no longer made, and the chute design is no longer used.

Keep in mind that each style of chute has its own advantages and disadvantages. Metal chutes are painted, and the paint can chip and the metal can rust, creating friction points where the snow and ice can cling and clog the chute. It also adds extra weight, and because it gets much colder than plastic, the water has an easy time freezing onto the chute, increasing the odds of ice build-up in the chute. And, should you want to replace the chute, shipping will cost much more, as the chute is considerably heavier.

posted on December 17, 2009 at 10:36PM
 

After I googled the problem I read where others have had problems with carftsmans plastic chutes falling apart too

Totally different Craftsman manufacturer a couple years ago, the chute was poorly hinged and had three bolts thru thin plastic at the base..another flaw. Here it is for anyone who needs one (there is a metal one on the page from a previous generation that would substitute...for a hundred bucks more):

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/displayPartDetailAction.action?partNumber=762222MA&productGroupId=0071&supplierId=536&mv=rr

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Craftsman Professional 357 cc 30" 2 Stage... discussions

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