Craftsman 28-in. Electric Start Three-Stage Gas Snow Blower

Snow removal is a task that many of us dread, especially after a long day at work or during those early morning hours when all you want to do is stay in bed. So, when I got my hands on the Craftsman 28-in. Electric Start Three-Stage Gas Snow Blower, I was optimistic that it would make this chore significantly easier. Unfortunately, my experience was a mixed bag, leaning more towards disappointment than satisfaction.

Design and Features

At first glance, the Craftsman snow blower looks like a formidable machine. It boasts a three-stage design, which theoretically should help it break through icy, compacted snow with ease. The electric start is a welcome feature, eliminating the need for pull-starting a cold engine—a task that can be particularly cumbersome in frigid temperatures.

The machine also comes with a self-propelled drive, featuring six forward speeds and two reverse speeds. This is designed to make maneuvering easier, especially on different types of terrain. Additionally, the single-hand control for speed locking and chute adjustment is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to operate the machine with one hand while adjusting the chute with the other. Power steering and adjustable skid shoes round out the list of features, promising easy handling and protection for various surfaces.

Performance

Unfortunately, the Craftsman snow blower's performance doesn't live up to its impressive list of features. While the electric start worked flawlessly, firing up the machine without any hassle, the actual snow removal process was less than stellar.

The three-stage design, which should have been the star feature, turned out to be its Achilles' heel. In theory, the additional stage should help break down icy and compacted snow more effectively. In practice, however, the machine often got bogged down in heavy, wet snow. The center auger, which is supposed to help break down the snow before it reaches the chute, seemed to spin at a high rate while the side augers barely moved. This discrepancy often led to clogging, particularly in wetter conditions.

Snow Throwing Distance

One of the most disappointing aspects was the snow throwing distance. I expected the powerful 357cc engine to hurl snow clear across my driveway, but it struggled to throw snow more than 10-15 feet. This meant that I often had to make multiple passes to clear the same area, significantly increasing the time and effort required for snow removal.

Maneuverability and Handling

The self-propelled drive and power steering did make the machine easier to maneuver, but not without issues. The transmission was difficult to shift into reverse, and the forward speeds felt uneven. The machine would sometimes lurch forward, making it challenging to control, especially on inclines. The adjustable skid shoes were a nice touch, but they didn't compensate for the overall cumbersome handling.

Build Quality

Another area where the Craftsman snow blower falls short is build quality. The chute adjustment mechanism broke within the first season, and the replacement part didn't fare much better. The abundance of plastic components, particularly in critical areas like the chute and auger assembly, raised concerns about the machine's long-term durability.

Maintenance Issues

The machine also seemed to have an insatiable appetite for shear pins. Even in relatively light snow conditions, I found myself replacing shear pins frequently. This constant maintenance was not only frustrating but also time-consuming, making the whole snow removal process even more cumbersome.

Ergonomics

For taller users, the handle height can be an issue. At 6'6", I found myself hunching over, which took a toll on my lower back. An adjustable handle height would have been a simple yet effective feature to include, improving the overall ergonomic experience.

Fuel Efficiency

One area where the Craftsman snow blower did perform well was fuel efficiency. Despite its lackluster performance in other areas, the machine seemed to get good gas mileage, allowing me to clear my driveway multiple times on a single tank.

Final Thoughts

After using the Craftsman 28-in. Electric Start Three-Stage Gas Snow Blower for several winters, I can't say that I would recommend it. While it has some redeeming features like the electric start and self-propelled drive, these are overshadowed by its poor performance in critical areas. The three-stage design, which should have been a game-changer, turned out to be more of a hindrance, frequently clogging and failing to throw snow far enough. The build quality and frequent maintenance issues further detract from its overall value.

If you're in the market for a snow blower, you might be better off looking at a more reliable two-stage model. While they may lack some of the bells and whistles of this Craftsman model, their simpler design and more consistent performance make them a more dependable choice for tackling winter's worst.