Craftsman 28-In. Push Button Electric Start Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

The Craftsman 28-In. Push Button Electric Start Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower, model number CMGB223101, promises a lot on paper. With its 272cc 4-cycle OHV engine, push-button electric start, and self-propelled drive with multiple speed options, it certainly looks like a capable machine ready to tackle winter's worst. However, my experience with this snow blower has been a mixed bag of both impressive and frustrating moments.

Performance and Power

The first thing that stands out about this snow blower is its powerful 272cc engine. Starting it up is a breeze thanks to the push-button electric start. No more wrestling with a pull cord in freezing temperatures, which is a significant advantage. Once the engine is running, the snow blower operates smoothly and has a robust feel.

When it comes to clearing snow, the 28-inch clearing width and 20-inch height intake are quite efficient. The sawtooth steel augers are designed to cut through snow and ice, and they do a decent job, especially in lighter, powdery snow. In these conditions, the machine can throw snow a respectable distance, making quick work of my driveway.

However, the performance takes a noticeable dip when dealing with wet, heavy snow. The machine tends to clog frequently, and the snow discharge distance is significantly reduced. This issue is compounded by the narrow design of the chute, which seems to struggle with the volume of snow being processed. In wet conditions, I found myself frequently stopping to clear clogs, which is both time-consuming and frustrating.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Craftsman snow blower leaves much to be desired. While the steel auger housing feels durable, other components, particularly the chute control mechanism, are less reliable. The chute rotation is controlled by a remote pitch lever, which is supposed to provide easy adjustments. However, I found it to be stiff and prone to getting stuck, requiring manual intervention to adjust the chute direction.

Another area where the design falls short is the shear pins. These pins are designed to break in case of a jam to protect the auger and gearbox. Unfortunately, they break far too easily, even when the snow isn't particularly heavy or icy. This results in frequent replacements, adding to the maintenance burden.

The self-propelled drive with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds is a nice feature, offering good control over the machine's movement. However, the transmission can be difficult to shift, especially into reverse. This issue detracts from the overall ease of use, making maneuvering the snow blower more challenging than it should be.

Usability and Comfort

One of the standout features of this snow blower is its dual LED headlights, which provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions. This is particularly useful for early morning or late evening snow removal. The 15-inch tires offer good traction and maneuverability on various surfaces, including icy driveways.

The adjustable poly skid shoes are a thoughtful addition, helping to protect surfaces from damage. However, the handle height is not adjustable, which can be uncomfortable for taller users. At 6'2", I found myself hunching over, leading to lower back strain after extended use. An adjustable handle height would significantly improve the ergonomics of this machine.

Maintenance and Reliability

Maintenance has been a mixed experience. On the one hand, the engine starts reliably and runs smoothly, which is a big plus. On the other hand, the frequent clogging and shear pin replacements are significant downsides. Additionally, the chute control mechanism has proven to be a weak point, breaking twice within the first season of use.

The snow blower comes with a 3-year limited warranty, which provides some peace of mind. However, the issues with clogging and shear pins are design flaws that a warranty can't easily fix.

Overall Assessment

In summary, the Craftsman 28-In. Push Button Electric Start Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower has some strong points, particularly its powerful engine, ease of starting, and good traction. It performs well in light, powdery snow and offers useful features like dual LED headlights and adjustable skid shoes.

However, its performance in wet, heavy snow is disappointing, with frequent clogs and reduced snow discharge distance. The build quality, especially the chute control mechanism and shear pins, leaves much to be desired. The lack of an adjustable handle height further detracts from the overall user experience.

Would I recommend this snow blower? It depends on your specific needs. If you live in an area where the snow is typically light and powdery, this machine can be a good choice, thanks to its powerful engine and ease of starting. However, if you frequently deal with wet, heavy snow, you might want to look for a more robust option with better design and build quality.

In conclusion, the Craftsman 28-In. Push Button Electric Start Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower has potential but falls short in critical areas. It could benefit from design improvements to address clogging issues, enhance build quality, and improve user comfort. Until these issues are resolved, I would hesitate to fully endorse this snow blower for those dealing with challenging winter conditions.