3 people have reviewed this model.
| About - Craftsman 88691 |
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The Craftsman 88691 is a snow blower available from Craftsman. The 88691 typically costs $800 . Consumer Reports recommends that you match the features on a model to the needs you have. Here's our take on some of the specifications and features that are commonly available on snow blower models like the 88691.
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| Tested Model | ||
|---|---|---|
| The Ratings of Craftsman 88970 were applied to untested model Craftsman 88691, which in our judgment is enough alike in its performance, features, and specs that our test results apply to both. | ||
| Craftsman 88970 | ||
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Approximate retail price:
$749.99
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| About This Brand |
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Another market leader in snow-blower sales, Craftsman markets single- and two-stage gas models with snow clearing widths of 20 to 28 inches and available electric start. In addition, the Craftsman Professional line features models with snow clearing widths up to 45 inches. Craftsman is made for and sold by Sears and models can be purchased online and in Sears and Kmart retail stores. |
| Features & Specs - Craftsman 88691 | |
|---|---|
Engine size |
208cc |
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Electric start |
Yes |
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Multiple speeds |
Yes |
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Single hand controls |
Yes |
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Freewheel steering |
No |
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Single lever chute adjustment |
Yes |
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Headlight |
No |
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Heated handgrips |
No |
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Warranty (yrs.) |
2 |
| More features and specs | |
Consumer Reports User Reviews
Already own it? Write a review
By from
Poor Quality Engine
1/24/2012
Pros
Cons
Poor build quality
Best Uses
Comment:
Craftsman snow thrower uses a poor quality asian built engine. Less than 1 year after purchase carb was degraded to the point that it had to be replaced. [@] informed me that manufacturers warranty did not cover fuel related problems and that they would not work on the snow thrower because I had not purchased a protection agreement. I was then informed that if I had a local repair shop work on the snow thrower that they would not work on it even if I did purchase a protection agreement. Essentially [@] won't stand behind their products, your better off shopping the big box stores for equipment on sale.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By from
(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
I shouldn't have to push this machine.
2/25/2011
Pros
Aggressive tire tread
Clears to the Pavement
Starts easily
Throws Far
Wide cut
Cons
Can't Handle Wet Snow
Drive erratic
Loud
Best Uses
Driveway
Fresh fallen snow
Comment:
I live in the heart of snow country in upstate (the real upstate) New York. My driveway is 40' wide and 60' long. I can clean 8 to 12 inches of snow in approximately 30 minutes. This machine has electric start and always starts on the first or second revolution. Fresh fallen snow is easily thrown from one side of the drive all the way to the other side so I do not have to throw half the snow one way and then the other<br /><br />Now the bad. This machine has a tendency to simply stop moving when under power. I have replace the auger belt, drive belt, friction wheel, wheel bearings and drive cable. There has been some improvement but is very frustrating clearing the driveway, everything is going good and then the machine stops. I pick up on the handle bars and the drive wheels turn but as soon as I let it back down the wheels will not propel the machine. After a few minutes, the drive will begin to propel the machine. I am out of ideas and totally frustrated with this problem. The machine is approximately 4 years old.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By from
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
I wouldn't want it any other way
1/11/2011
Pros
Maneuverable
Throws Far
Cons
Not great for 3" or less
Best Uses
Driveway
Yard
Comment:
I was looking at the 26 w/ ([$]) and w/o ([$]) power steering. When I was ready, it just happened to be the day before the Blizzard of 2009. All that was left was a floor model of the 26 w/ power steering. Good thing. I opened my garage and the snow 21 deep and upto the top of the intake.I needed to make a 180 degree turn to get to the front of my house. Never would have happened w/o the power steering. Does it need it in under 6 of snow, probably not, but I'm still glad I have it.The 6 forward/2 reverse gears are nice to have. I typically only use 1st and 2nd (fwd) while cutting a new path. Having the faster gears is nice for getting to the end of a cleared path. I used 2nd gear in reverse for most of my backing up unless in tight spaces around cars and such.The more snow it eats, the better it throws. A higher forward speed also helps with that. This model allows for one-handed use b/c the auger will lock when the throttle is engaged. This also allows you to turn the chute and adjust the throwing height while moving.The electric start is great for starting it in a garage before going out into the snow. Otherwise, the pull start works just fine, especially after running for a bit.The only 2 problems I've ever had with this machine was while trying to remove slush, which wasn't solid enough to throw and it got stuck in the chute. The other was during this past storm. I've got my skid shoes in a position to raise the auger up so that I can snowblow over my lawn w/o cutting it up. Because of this and hard-packed snow, the snowblower tended to climb over snow instead of cutting through it.Overall, I love this thing and can't wait until my next decent snow storm. No dustings, please.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
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