Craftsman 26-in. Electric Start Two-Stage Snow Blower

Snow removal is a task many of us dread, especially when faced with heavy, wet snow or large driveways. This winter, I decided to tackle the challenge head-on with the Craftsman 26-in. Electric Start Two-Stage Snow Blower (model CMXGBAM1054542). As someone who has experienced a range of snow blowers over the years, I was eager to see how this particular model would perform.

First impressions matter, and assembling the snow blower certainly set the stage for my overall experience. The assembly process was not as straightforward as I had hoped. The instructions were somewhat convoluted, and I found myself having to reassemble the chute due to poor initial setup. This was a bit frustrating, especially considering the high price point of the tool. However, once I had everything in place, the machine looked sturdy and well-built, with a reinforced steel housing that promised durability.

One of the standout features of this snow blower is its electric start function. I was particularly excited about this, as it eliminates the need for pull-starting a cold engine—a task that can be quite cumbersome on frosty mornings. True to its promise, the electric start worked like a charm. The machine roared to life with just a push of a button, making the initial startup process incredibly convenient. For those who prefer the traditional method, the pull cord was also easy to use and didn't require excessive effort.

The Craftsman snow blower boasts a 26-inch clearing width and a 21-inch intake height, making it suitable for a variety of snow conditions. During my first use, I encountered a mix of light and heavy snow. The serrated steel augers did an excellent job of cutting through the snow, and the self-propelled drive with six forward and two reverse speeds made maneuvering the machine relatively easy. However, I did notice that the skid shoes were adjusted too high initially, leaving a thin layer of snow behind. After a quick adjustment, the machine performed much better, scraping close to the ground without damaging my driveway.

One of the more practical features of this snow blower is the single-hand control for speed locking. This allowed me to adjust the speed without having to stop and reposition my hands, making the overall operation smoother. The 200-degree extended chute design also proved to be quite effective, allowing me to direct the discharged snow with precision. However, I did encounter some minor issues with the chute adjustment. The crank mechanism felt a bit stiff, and on one occasion, it got jammed, requiring a bit of manual intervention to fix.

Visibility is often a concern when clearing snow early in the morning or late in the evening. Thankfully, the in-dash headlight provided ample illumination, ensuring that I could see my path clearly. This is a thoughtful addition that enhances the safety and usability of the tool.

Despite its many strengths, the Craftsman snow blower is not without its flaws. One of the more significant issues I encountered was with the carburetor. Despite following proper maintenance procedures, I found myself having to clean the carburetor more frequently than expected. This was a tedious task that detracted from the overall convenience of the machine. Additionally, the bolts holding the machine together seemed to loosen over time, and I had to tighten them periodically to prevent any structural issues.

Another point of concern was the build quality of some components. The cable connections, in particular, felt somewhat flimsy. During one session, the drive control cable became disconnected, which required immediate attention to get the machine operational again. This raises questions about the long-term durability of the snow blower, especially under heavy usage.

On a more positive note, the machine's power was impressive. It handled dense, wet snow with relative ease, and the powerful engine ensured that the augers and impellers operated smoothly. The adjustable poly skid shoes were another thoughtful feature, allowing me to protect various surfaces while still achieving effective snow removal.

In terms of storage and maintenance, the snow blower is fairly straightforward. It comes with a two-year limited warranty, which provides some peace of mind. However, I would recommend regular checks and maintenance to ensure the machine remains in good working condition. The weight of the machine, at 219 pounds, is substantial but manageable, thanks to its self-propelled drive.

In conclusion, the Craftsman 26-in. Electric Start Two-Stage Snow Blower has a lot to offer in terms of power, convenience, and usability. The electric start, single-hand control, and robust engine are standout features that make snow removal less of a chore. However, the machine is let down by some build quality issues and the need for frequent maintenance, particularly with the carburetor and cable connections.

Would I recommend this snow blower? It's a mixed bag. If you're looking for a powerful machine that can handle heavy snow and you don't mind a bit of hands-on maintenance, then this Craftsman model could be a good fit. However, if you prefer a more hassle-free experience with minimal upkeep, you might want to explore other options. Overall, it’s a capable tool that performs well but requires a bit of patience and regular attention to keep it running smoothly.