Nothing wrong with HF stuff. I have some Pittsburgh, Quinn, and ICON wrenches, sockets, and ratchets. And I really LOVE my US General roller cabinet and top chest toolbox combo. :D
I've had a Craftsman for about 15 years. Every spring I run all of the gas out of it and put fresh gas in the first time I use it the following winter. I've never done anything to prevent rust and yet there's not any rust any where. It has always been a challenge to maneuver and turn and didn't know there was anything better until I started checking into the Ariens that have the auto-turn. Being female and getting older I will be selling the Craftsman and getting an Ariens Compact from my local dealer/service center that's only about 6 miles away. I've always been mechanically inclined and would enjoy doing my own maintenance on my new Ariens. I've been watching quite a few of your videos and learning a lot. Thanks!
@@friend4ua724 awesome friend4u! Glad to hear these videos are helping you out! I’m not sure the ariens compact has the auto turn feature you’re looking for. That may be on the deluxe models. Double check before you make your purchase 👍
MTD has supplied Craftsman products to Sears before the bankruptcy. Any machine with a "247" model prefix is MTD made. Also "316" model prefix machines are MTD as well. MTD was bought by Stanley a few years ago. They are still "made" in the USA, but MTD imports the engine and other parts for it. The one to get is the MTD with the Tecumseh engine, which would have been last available around 2008-2009. I have a 2005 MTD made 9 HP/28" path Sears Craftsman Tecumseh Snow King powered machine given to me by a family friend who worked for Sears from 1953 to 1993. Yes, their products tend to be consumer grade/lower end, but fine if you maintain them. Parts are plentiful for them. Previous Sears snow blowers were "536" prefix product made by AMF/Western Tool (who owned Harley from 1969 to 1981), Noma, Murray and today Briggs and Stratton provides whatever support is left on "536" machines. I have both MTD and Murray made Sears machines. The Murray made machines are better quality, but the MTD will be fine for me. All three Sears snowblowers I have were given to me free and with minimal work, they run and perform like new. As an aside, the person that gave me the 2005 MTD made machine also gave me a 1995 Simplicity machine (this MTD replaced it) and I fixed that one for 50 cents (spark plug cleaning and a new primer line). I offered it back to him fixed, but he said he had bought a new one (this one). He's now in his 90s and has someone clear his driveway for him, so he didn't need the machine and just gave it to me. It was maybe used 10 times if that and is in new condition.
My 17 year old Craftsman is running great. The previous owner took care of the exterior, absolutely no bare metal and rust. The carb needed some cleaning, but I definitely feel like Craftsman snowblowers have gotten a bit more hate than they deserve.
Craftsman/MTD are cheaply made in some areas, but if keeping up with the maintenance is key to having them last longer. They have thinner metal and in their chute housings, and bushings in the axles (which are a pain to keep lubricated) but if taken care of, they're not a bad machine.
Wow, that seller is an absolute fanatic when it comes to taking care of his stuff. The fact that he even kept the old skid shoes 🤣. Definitely a 10yr. old time capsule.
Crazy right? I would have thrown out the old skids right away lol! That guy clearly took extreme care of his stuff! I was also wild to see his garage, cars and everything else! Very well kept machine! What’s going on this weekend Smallblock?
Wow JB, that is definitely a sharp looking unit. I'm also not a Craftsman fan boi either. They've definitely went downhill I remember growing up and Craftsman name meant something. Honestly tho the way I look at it is this, if you take care and know how to fix your equipment then the crappiest named machines will run and last. I have a 90s Dynamark tractor that I restored and fixed now it cuts and runs awesome. It's my main unit. Anyway love the enthusiasm and content. Oh I'm still waiting for the video on things to do to get your 2 stroke snowblower ready for winter😆😆👍👍
Hey Gary! Appreciate you and the positive feedback my friend! I agree if you take care of something it will last a while no matter the brand! Definitely an extremely well cared for machine! It might be a little while on the 2 stroke video! Got a lot planned these next few weeks. You can check the belt, auger flaps, cables, controls, clean the spark plug, lubricate the auger paddle housing and start her up to see how she runs. That should be enough to get you going lol! If I come across one I’ll do it for sure! Thanks as always for being a cool fan! 👍
Northeast Ohio, 16 years, single stage Toro, starts on second pull every time. Never had a need for a large two stage unit. I run circles around all my neighbors that have two stage throwers and the single stage clears down to the concrete much better. Additionally, it stores so much easier. Hang it from the ceiling in the off-season.
Hi JB. I found one of these barely-used MTD/Craftsman 24 inch blowers on Craigslist this summer. Same deal, the seller was asking $295 and I gave him $300. No gas in the tank, barely used and, when I entered his garage, I saw both Sta-Bil and Seafoam on his shelf, so I knew he was cut from the same cloth as me. (And you). He’d already done the impeller hack and he had fashioned some custom skids out of 1/8 inch steel to replace the plastic skids. Thanks so much for your very well-done and helpful videos for us garage rats.
@@GarageGear And thank YOU, JB. Today we got our first snow and, while I don't think I'll need to actually use my machine, I thought I better fuel it up and start it. I thought about you as I decided to use the pull cord vs. the electric start. Yep, it started on the first pull. Thanks, again, for all the great content; I'm glad I discovered your channel and I look forward to watching you make some snow fly this winter.
I have a craftsman my dad bought when I was a kid. Don't know what year but closest I can glean from the label it's 2005. We barely ever ran it except on heavy snow. Changed the oil every year and kept the rust off it. As he got older it was too much for him, he just wanted a single stage. It went to my brother who didn't use it because his driveway was too small, he got a single stage as well, and then to me; who really friggen needed it. It's never had a drop of ethanol in it. We always used fuel stabilizer. Dad taught us how to run it dry and make sure the piston was at it's end to keep rust out. It looks like its a couple years old after 18 years. Always starts on the first or second pull, never used the electric start. Didn't need to. It eats snow like a beast and it can chew through an icy windrow without slowing down. Since I got it I've been maintaining it thanks to your guidance. Just recently changed the belts, I was hesitant to a little afraid I might screw it up. I did screw it up the first time. Auger belt was too small and was loosely catching. When I looked up part numbers I got completely different sizes and widths, so I took the belt to the store and made my closest guess. When I saw smoke coming from the belt on idle, I knew I wasn't getting my $23 bucks back. Amazing what 1/2 inch difference can be. Now the belts are replaced and I've learned enough about it and spent enough time with it, I'm confident I could fix just about anything given the research. And maintaining it is something I enjoy. Thanks bro, your videos really help.
I’ve noticed that most people on my street own newer Troy Bilt 2 stage snow throwers, I can think of at least five houses that have them. There are a few Ariens and Toros that I also see time to time out there clearing snow. As of right now I’m the only guy on the street who owns an old Snapper 2 stage and that makes me feel pretty special. Since we are located in northern Utah we tend to get really big snow storms, so 2 stages are by far the most common you will see up here.
That seller is a guy after my own heart. With all of my manuals, I write the date I received the machine, the model #, serial #, and engine model/serial # I will then highlight all maintenance points such as oil type/capacity, spark plug gap, and any and all part #'s for belts, filters, plugs, cables, etc. As far as the great care he took of the machine, all you have to do is keep watching JB's vids to keep your machines running, looking, and WORKING like new. 👉👍
PAUL!!! This is why you and are BEST FRIENDS lol! Saving your manuals and highlighting important info is a smart idea! More people should do the same! Appreciate the positive publicity my friend as always! Anything cool happening this weekend?
This reminds me of the snowblower my dad gave me, must be a 20 at least year old Troy built, I never saw it much growing up cause he didn’t let me outside when he was using it and only used it during BIG dumps, and in the garage he always kept it covered and usually me and brother shovelled. Last year he randomly gave me it as he sporadically bought a new one and didn’t need it so I got my First good look at it, no rust, original belts still which were still tight, starts first time ever pull and even has the consumer reports best rated sticker on it!
@@tannerc900 No, because you do not want to spray on electrical things like armature, etc. Plus moisture will buildup on things inside where you spray does not reach. You want to keep it dry and still let air circulate.
Rght now i can buy 5 to 6 nice looking snow blowers for under $400.00 in my area. In fact i am going to buy a Remington RM2410 (MTD) tomorrow, looks almost as good as the craftsman you bought for $250.00. I do know where 3 craftsmans 1 is still new with all the paper work and manuals hanging on it all for 350 or 400 asking prices. Couple of Areins 24 compacts for $400.00. One has a Subaru engine on it? Good looking snow blowers . There everywhere on marketplace right now. I was thinking of buying 2 or 3 of them and hope we get a good snow this winter?? New snowblowers are out of this world in price. Although Home Depot just had a sale on Toro and powersmart. New 24" powersmart was $ 399.00 and 26" is still only $528.00 right now.
I've had my craftsman for 9 years this winter is its 10th never had a problem. It's not quite as clean as that one but close. 208cc overhead valve It has never failed me not once. Mine has a way taller chute. I wax it as needed it is the cleanest snow thrower on the block even at its age. I wish I could post a picture of it. I LOVE MY 24" CRAFTSMAN SNOW THROWER !!
I have the same crapsman snow blower I bought in 2012. Not a fan of crapsman but this is a good snowblower. I've taken care of her. Never put ethanol in it and it has done everything I've asked it too.
Hey ultramagnus! First off awesome RU-vid handle! I know which show you watched a lot back in the day lol😉 if taken care of these blowers can get the job done! Thanks for sharing!👍
I have a newer model 24" Craftsman, perhaps 6 or 7 years old. It looks similar, with a bit different chute crank. It has those crappy guides which are getting close to the end of their life. When they are ground down too far I plan to fit a couple of metal ones that I saved from an ancient MTD. Those won't wear out. The newer blowers are all made of flimsier metal, so the barrel section of the impeller is somewhat dented on mine from encounters with rocks and stones on the gravel driveway. Otherwise it is holding up just fine.
You missed a question, I'm sure he is a follower of your videos and follows your tips and tricks. Had a similar situation for mine, only difference the previous owner bought it, put gas, ran it for 5 minutes and stored it for 2 years with gas...after cleaning the carb and oil change it's like new. I wrote to the guy to let him know he messed up and refunded me some doe for my time. Btw, the carb cleaning was easy thanks to your video.
Hey Carlos got a similar snowblower situation that just came into my garage. Glad you were able to get some money back! Glad the carb cleaning helped you out! Thanks for being a cool fan!
I literally just bought this same exact one for 200$ and I love it .. mines was very well taken care of also.. started on the first pull… and no rust .. cheers from Rhode Island bud
All my outdoor equipment is Craftsman....never gave me a lick of trouble....but then again I take care of them like you do and do NOT store them outside as some people do....makes me cringe....My snowblower, riding mower, self-propelled push mower, weed eater and pressure washer have stickers on them that read "Made in America (with global materials)" . Which I think means they are assembled in the USA with parts imported from China...I recently saw a video on the craftsman website saying they are in the process of building manufacturing plants here in the USA to start making the hand tools here in America again....I hope the same holds true for their lawn and garden equipment as well.....Time will tell.....I think the coolest thing that Craftsman did this year was release a new snow blower with their V20 battery electric start. Similar setup that is on my push mower.
Hey Louie cool set up you got! It would be cool to see them start producing stuff here again. Would help out the economy/job situation. Or at least we could hope lol! Thanks for watching as always my friend!
They have amazing parts availability & interchangeability though! Honda's are expensive to repair, parts and service - plus they're dealer specific. Most are closed on weekends. I love my Cub Cadet, I can get parts at most home centers.
Just got a craftsman 20" that's about 15 yrs old and hasn't been started in 10+ years according to the previous owner... bone dry dipstick, bone dry gas tank... I wanted to see if engine was seized and if electric starter worked. To my surprise, I literally added fresh 91octane and added oil AND NOTHUNG MORE... IT 🔥 UP IN LIKE 1 SECOND!!! MY QUESTION IS WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE PUTTING IT THROUGH THE HEAVY SNOW THAT IS FALLING RIGHT NOW!!! Do I totally tear down the carb, or just let her buck!?!?
this is a great video! one of my tires is flat and missing chains on my snowblower, could you make a video on how to choose tires and chains? im subbed!
Is topping of the gearbox oil through that blue screw/bolt part of scheduled maintenance on this particular machine? I own one and can’t decide wether to add some 00 grease to the gear box via that blue screw because it doesn’t say to in the manual.
Hey 6 checking this is something you should do every year depending on use. The manual doesn’t say anything about this maintenance step but if it appears to be low then add some. I’ll be doing a video on this coming up.
Hey JB. Love your videos! My 3 year old craftsman snowblower still surges after I replaced the carburetor and spark plug and put trufuel in the tank. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Hey John replacement carburetors can have issues because they may not be tuned right or have holes bored out incorrectly. I would try cleaning the original carb and putting it back in. Appreciate the positive feedback.
Rarely do you see used equipment in that good of shape being sold your lucky you were the first caller and that they were moving. But for me i would rather live in a State that has snow than one that does not but has many hurricanes, cleaning the snow is easier than picking up pieces of your house eh? We are only about 20 minutes from Buffalo JB and like it more so when the snow moves down the lake towards you than come across towards us in Canada.
Hey Wayne, I was pretty lucky! It is a good thing to only shovel some snow rather than fix your blown off roof lol! You’re not too far away my friend! Let’s se if we can split the snow 50/50 this year lol! Thanks for watching as always bud!
It is amazing how expensive these have got. I bought pretty much the same one, 24 inch troy built brand new for 650 2 years ago from tractor supply. Crazy
The manufactures will sell less and less at those high prices and eventually go out of business due to low volume. Many people will be so depressed because of the inflation they will just let the snow build up in their driveway and take the bus and/or walk and/or be housebound and wait until the snow melts in the spring.
Donyboy73 said craftsman is the worst made snowblower haha. I think he meant the new ones. This one older though. My first snowblower was a craftsman. Bunch of plastic pieces but it worked. Paid $100 cash
@@GarageGear agreed, these things are ageless! I am a sucker for preowned deals though I can afford to buy new ones! It is so satisfying getting awesome deals
@@GarageGear can't wait until the first big snowfall, maybe your neighbor will make a debut on your channel😉. Nothing worse than a neighbor who beats you to clearing the sidewalk!
Awesome Patrick! This is a popular model and it can definitely throw some snow. All those little steps your taking make it look and operate great! Thanks for being a cool fan!
HEY JB....COLORADO GOT SNOW...in the mountains😠 My snowblower looks like the one in the video except mine IS an MTD, maybe used 7 times per year since ??? My snowblower blows dust, 🤣AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR😠 Denver and Aurora didn't get any snow but we did get a freeze that caused a 100 car pileup👎 My snowblower don't do black ice👎 IF...IF...IF🤞🤞🤞we get some snow where I can use the snowblower, I will send you a 📸 You asked how I would get my snowblower to you when we finalize our move to Florida, wife said, "ROAD TRIP!" OUR GARAGE TO YOUR'S❤ I did "use a snow scrapper" on my windshield this morning wearing a T-SHIRT-N-SHORTS and "steel toed flipflops." Safety First in and out of the garage!💯 The belts on the blower looks good, the spares I bought seven years ago🤔🤔🤔 Any idea on preservation of rubber parts? Seriously JB, the drought here is so bad, snow shovels are showing up is pawn shops.
WOW my friend! Can’t believe you’re still ina drought! That’s crazy! It’s coming though! Shovels in pawn shops lol 🤣 I’ll do my best to make road trip worth while! 👍 send me a pic bud! 👍
You’d pay full price for mine or still be shopping.😂😂 My Troy-blt looks and runs awesome. I’d have to moving to a no snow state to even consider selling it. You found a gem.
Wow, that snowblower is a beauty! Wonder how his lawnmower is? Great find for sure JB! Still a bargain for what you paid. What’s going on this weekend? (You get the email I sent you?)
Hahaha right?? Definitely a great find my friend! You can either buy a cheap one and fix it and spend money/time doing so or you can buy a well cared for one for more and spend the extra bucks but not the time fixing it. Gotta choose! Bills party then bike ride in Lewiston possibly. How about you? I emailed you back 👍
You checked the oil after you started it? Anyhow, I have the same snowblower and after watching your channel, I just put an impeller kit on and can't wait for it to snow. It's 55 degrees right😡😡
@@GarageGear My point was You started it before checking that it had oil, lol. I check the oil in all my own stuff every time I use it. I'm stoked to see how that impeller kit works, can't wait for snow. I used your template and ordered the parts you linked so thanks!
Wonder how it did vs the 77 inches? Know there will be train loads of snow heading south. My friend is taking q train to Buffalo to load with snow right now
Hey Tom, there is usually a little grease plug on top. Should be either blue or black. Also some of these gearboxes could be fully sealed. On this model I didn’t have to even touch it! Thanks for watching!
Hey Craig! Not a huge fan of the plastic chutes either. Little too much wobble for me and I do see them wear over the years. Still overall an great machine for its age! Thanks for watching!
With your multiple low ball offers you are lucky the guy didn't RAISE the price on you. I had some guy try to do that to me and I just put the item away and said "Let me know if you have a friend that will pay the price." He shup up and paid.
HAHAHA dont like mtd eh will u didnt meet the mtd i use to own it was a 90s blower and it ran and ran done its job up untell this summer just passed it still would of kept going if i still had it but the bucket was rusted bad by the skids and there was about 150 bucks it needed in parts to fix it up i ran that thing thru feet of snow and it never broke a shear bolt best thing ever the new one i now got is junk it broke twice already and its only been used like 4 times if that 🤣 i hope it lasts atleast a year old is best new is trash thats y i own a 90s truck cause its better
