makes a better snow plow than a snow blower January 18, 2012
via sears_dot_com

I got this unit last spring 2011 after my old snow blower stopped working right and the parts were no longer avaible. so they replaced the unit with the other 30 inch pro series model made by mtd.. the one with the chinese mtd engine. the first one leaked oil and the second one would not start. so I researched it  some and found this one made by brigs and stratton.It ran good last year but we had no snow to test it.when we finaly got snow this year it worked ok in real light snow but i had to go in 1st gear to get it blow about 4 inches of snow. it just makes a big pile of snow in front of the unit. the shear pins are fine and the auger and impeller are turning. but it just does not throw the snow. sears is coming out later this week to look at it. Besides the problems it seems like a nice unit. I had almost no problems with my original one. and even once it broke it it still worked better than this one. hopefully this is just a fluke and not what is to be expected of sears products in the future. because I have been a steady sears custmer since age 12.

Craftsman 30 in. Dual stage Snow Thrower sure is pretty. October 25, 2011
via sears_dot_com

Although I bought this product in October 2011, I was not expecting snow in Phildelphia for a long time. Be prepared is my motto and I think the Boy Scouts stole my motto but that's another story. I tightened all of the nuts and bolts and fueled it and started it but because it was a floor model there were a  few things wrong that I hope Sears addresses soon. The wheel bolts were not stock and it was missing the klick pin that frees the right wheel to free-roll.

I would love to revisit this review and tell you how the snow thrower works after a snowstorm. However, in my experiences, whenever someone I know buys snow removal equipment it doesn't snow that season and I'm hoping I continue the tradition. In that case I will resume this review in 2012.

Thanks,

From a Philadelphian who hates snow.

Craftsman 30 inch snow thrower January 25, 2011
via sears_dot_com

I would fully agree with the first review of this snow thrower. It is a beast and I really like it. I also bought it sight unseen. I was looking to buy the 30 inch professional that was on sale,but was discontinued.The salesman said, that a newer model was being sold. He had no information on the new model . I took the chance and I'm glad I did. It took about an hour to put it together in a cold garage. My snow blower was missing the gear knob,a quick phone call to the lawn and garden department,where the salesman offered to take one from the floor model for me or he could order one and have it shipped direct to my house.I had it sent to me. While waiting for the new knob I used a knob from my old snow blower. I received the new knob in 5 days. Great customer service.The only change I would like to see,is that a light be added to the snow thrower.

Craftsman 30" Dual Stage Snow Thrower - powerful machine January 17, 2011
via sears_dot_com

A very well made machine. It is assembled in USA originally for the Canadian market. Since I am a Canadian, I bought it sight unseen and I was not disappointed. It is built to handle a lot of snow (and it did). This snowblower is very practical, straight forward machine without all those fancy things that can break easily (hand warmers, joystick chute controller, etc). It was very easy to assemble - under an hour, and it started on the second pull. I cleaned the sidewalks and 3 foot burms left by the plow truck that my neighbours' snowblowers could not handle. It chewed through the compacted icy pile like it was not there, turning it into fine powder. Beware, this is a very strong machne and it can throw snow right onto your neighbour's driveway, so adjust the angle of the chute. Also, it is a big machine and you need to use both hands to manoeuver it. This being said, it was a piece of cake to move it around cars, mail boxes etc. The only negative that I can see so far is that it has no headlight. I will look into adding it to my machine down the road. All in all, a very good product. I would highly recommend it.