Craftsman Backpack Gas Leaf Blower

Owning a large yard with an abundance of oak trees, fall cleanup has always been a significant task for me. I decided to invest in the Craftsman Backpack Gas Leaf Blower (model CMXGAAMR51BP) to help manage this annual chore. With its impressive specifications and features, the blower promised a lot on paper. Here’s my detailed experience using it.

First Impressions

Unboxing the blower, I was immediately struck by its robust design. The 51 cc 2-cycle full-crank engine looked promising for the job ahead. The padded adjustable harness and chest strap were a nice touch, designed to distribute the weight evenly across my back, which I appreciated since I anticipated hours of use. The blower also came with a 2-cycle oil packet, making it ready to go right out of the box.

Setup and Initial Use

Setting up the blower was straightforward. The provided manual was clear and easy to follow, which made the assembly process smooth. I filled it with the recommended gas-oil mix, and thanks to the Easy Start Technology, getting the blower started was surprisingly hassle-free. It took a few pulls, but nothing out of the ordinary for a gas-powered tool.

Performance and Usability

Once up and running, the blower’s power was immediately evident. The 600 CFM air volume and 220 MPH airspeed were more than adequate for moving large piles of leaves and yard debris. The variable speed throttle with cruise control was a handy feature that allowed me to adjust the power according to the task at hand, whether I was clearing light debris or more substantial piles of wet leaves.

The anti-vibration system worked well to reduce fatigue during extended use. However, the blower's weight, at 24.7 pounds, became noticeable after a while, despite the padded harness. The ergonomic handle with a soft grip was a welcome feature, providing additional comfort during prolonged sessions.

Comfort and Maneuverability

The blower was generally comfortable to wear, thanks to the padded harness and chest strap. However, I found that the shoulder straps had a tendency to come undone occasionally, which was frustrating. The flexible tube allowed for good maneuverability, making it easier to direct the airflow exactly where needed.

Reliability and Durability

While the blower performed admirably in terms of power and effectiveness, I did encounter some issues with reliability. After a few uses, I noticed that the blower would sometimes sputter and stall, especially when running at high speed for extended periods. This was particularly problematic during larger cleanup tasks. I also found that it consumed fuel faster than expected, which meant more frequent refills.

Unfortunately, the reliability issues didn’t stop there. After about nine months of use, the blower started having trouble starting up again. It often took numerous pulls to get it going, and on one occasion, the choke lever fell off due to a loose screw. This highlighted some concerns about the build quality and durability of the blower.

Customer Support and Warranty

Dealing with Craftsman’s customer support was another area where I faced challenges. When the blower experienced more severe issues, such as the engine seizing, getting warranty support was a cumbersome process. The need to take the blower to an authorized dealer for warranty assessment added to the inconvenience. Additionally, the lack of readily available parts made repairs a lengthy and frustrating process.

Noise Level and Vibration

As expected with gas-powered blowers, the noise level was quite high. Wearing ear protection is a must when using this tool. The vibration, while somewhat mitigated by the anti-vibration system, was still noticeable during extended use. However, it wasn’t significant enough to cause discomfort or severe fatigue.

Conclusion

The Craftsman Backpack Gas Leaf Blower offers impressive power and performance, making it suitable for large yards and heavy-duty tasks. Its features, such as the variable speed throttle, cruise control, and padded harness, contribute to a generally comfortable and effective user experience. However, the blower’s reliability and durability issues, combined with the challenges in obtaining warranty support, are significant drawbacks.

If you’re looking for a powerful and affordable blower for occasional use in a smaller yard, this model might meet your needs. However, for those with larger properties or who require a more reliable, long-term solution, it may be worth considering other options. The initial cost savings might not justify the potential for frequent repairs and the associated downtime.

In conclusion, while the Craftsman Backpack Gas Leaf Blower has its strengths, the recurring reliability issues and less-than-ideal customer support make it difficult to fully recommend, especially for heavy-duty or professional use. For those who prioritize long-term reliability and robust customer support, investing in a higher-end model from a different brand may be a wiser choice.