CAN A BASIC CRAFTSMAN SNOWBLOWER FOR $100 BE A DRIVEWAY DOMINATOR?

[@The_Mace]

"Keep the end greased up." That's what she said! Also, that's a MAN'S snowblower! Who needs extra bells and whistles?! No headlight? Wear a headlamp (like for runners) on your head! Can't turn it? Get to the gym! (Plus, the tires will slide easier on snowy surfaces.) Electric start is a nice luxury, as is that locking drive lever. Looking forward to seeing this one get fixed up, JB!

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha! I totally agree! A man’s snowblower! It’s a go out and get it done kinda machine! Builds muscle and character lol! Puts hair on your chest as my dad used to say! Plenty to do on this machine! Have an awesome weekend Mace!

[@johnclyne6350]

I’m on my second snowblower. My first was a Troybilt deluxe (not sure of the model as I sold it ten years ago). We got 39” of snow for Connecticut in one dump & it choked on that much snow. I upgraded to my current model. Cub Cadet Heavy Duty 32” cut 420cc top of the line 12 years ago. It runs like a top & really does a great job. My next door neighbor has a snowblower similar to that Craftsmen model in a Troybilt. Does it work? Yes, does it do the job? Yes, in more time. Mine will never see the use it was intended for which is just fine with me. Great video on a basic snowblower. For a $100? You can’t beat that! Great starter blower.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing and watching John!

[@tabycats]

I have this guy's slightly older big brother. I got a set of snowmobile dollies to assist moving it on dry pavement. I put the V-shaped rollers on either side of the scooper box, and lift the back onto the square roller. It isn't tied down to the dollies, so you have to be careful not to knock it off the back roller. It keeps the machine from sitting on the garage floor, and makes it so much easier to move the beast that is almost as big as I am. You have taught me so much about my snowblower already, I look forward to seeing more about what you do with this one.

[@GarageGear]

Hey taby! Like that set up with the dollies. Stay tuned plenty more to come on this snowblower!

[@PainterD54]

Yes, if you know what to look for. I just picked up a used machine yesterday for $10 ( 8 HP, 24" path) that had a good running motor but still needed some TLC. After further inspection, I noticed it jerked as it moved, telling me the rubber drive wheel was shot. After pulling off the belly pan, sur enough, the wheel was in fact chewed up. Lucky for me on this particular model, just the rubber on the wheel can be replaced instead of the whole wheel, which is cheaper. A few more able adjustments and some much needed lubrication (engine oil and differential lube change) The machine works like new. Can't wait till the snow flies again!!

[@GarageGear]

What a deal bud! Can’t beat that! Let me know how it throws for you! 👍

[@bmir89]

Have the exact same machine, (not Craftsman, different brand - but they're all made by MTD). Going on it's 8th winter now, aside from regular maintenance (basically oil, greasing, sparkplug...). I've only ever had to swap a pull cord, and 1 shear pin. That's while using this machine in Canadian Winters, on a 40×80 driveway. It's definitely undersized for my needs (but I got it for free originally so...) I threw a light on ($50) and did the impeller kit ($30). Now, I would say it's a great basic snowblower for people on a budget. But I can't speak for the quality of newer models as mine is almost a decade old.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this! 👍

[@6atlantis]

I have a similar craftsman but it’s a little nicer, zero turn, bigger engine etc.. but I can’t find out anything on adding oil/grease to the gear case so I’ll be following!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing! Struggling to find info on this too! May be making my plans with this one lol!

[@carsonp8110]

I had a very similar snowblower, mine had an 11hp tecumseh. Got it from a garage sale in the 90s and it is still in use

[@GarageGear]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@Scalp269]

That's my snowblower. Got mine for 450. used five years ago. Works fantastic!!!! Would love to see some videos on how to care for it. Thanks !!!!

[@GarageGear]

Plenty more to come on this snowblower! Stay tuned scalp!

[@MuzzleMike]

Mine is one from 1995 and it is a MTD . It is closely like yours in many ways. It is on its second set of wheels. The pickup will need some welding around the feet area someday . It just starts and goes.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

This sure does remind me of the $300 dollar Gardenway I got recently. It was in pretty rough shape when I first got it but now I can guarantee that it will be clearing some heavy snow this year. And the nice thing about it is the fact that it has the 10 horsepower Tecumseh engine, a working headlight, and no fancy cables that will break. Although it is lacking an auger lever lock, but that really isn’t too much of a big deal for me.

[@GarageGear]

That is a nice machine you found! It’s in great shape! 👍👍 sometimes we find gems!

[@Subie-Driver]

We’ve had our Sears craftsman 9.5hp 27” for 18 years. It has been a great machine. The briggs and Stratton engine has never failed…been like a sledgehammer…keeps on going. Dominates our driveway.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing subie!

[@machlove73]

I have the exact same snowblower. I bought it in 2014 and it still looks new. That little snow blower will go through some snow though, unless it’s really wet snow. And yes it definitely doesn’t Ark out of the Shute. I am interested on that impeller you were putting on that on, hope you make a video on it. I just recently bought a much larger Ariens from one of your videos due to the fact I live on a corner and the darn plows will pack the snow at the end of my driveway. Other than that for what that Craftsman is , it’s a great snowblower and I still have it.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this Mach! These are decent machines and a great back up to your now ariens! Definitely doing an impeller kit video down the road! Stay tuned!

[@smallblock412]

The best machine is the one that works when you need it to. Nothing wrong with basic if it gets the job done for the user.

[@GarageGear]

Spot on Smallblock! If it throws snow no complaints from me!

[@johnhernandez5487]

I have the same model number as well. I purchased it new. I forget exactly when. 2010 maybe? With the help of your videos, I’ve changed the oil, the spark plug and the belts the past year or so. Also applied oil and grease all over as well. I’m feeling your frustration with the turning. Can’t wait to see your videos on the impeller, gear box and whatever else you do with the snowblower. Big fan. Keep up the great work!

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you John! Awesome you have the same model!

[@NIN_THUG]

To make it easier to turn, one of the wheels can be made free spinning, by pulling out the pin and putting it into the other hole. That's how my old craftsman, a little older than this one.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing but this model does not have that option!

[@yalerich7417]

Good find JB-some adjustments @ TLC, it'l be golden (still beats shoveling!)

[@GarageGear]

Absolutely Yale! Pretty solid unit for $100! What’s up for the weekend?

[@BenNawrath]

The “control panel” on that looks exactly like my cub cadet. Some of its a pain to use while gloved… I even cut some panels so I could access the carb without removing so much! But she works!

[@GarageGear]

Not bad ideas here Ben! Thanks for sharing as always!

[@BenNawrath]

@@GarageGear sharing is caring, bro! Mine does have joystick controls, so the tower for that complicates panel removal, but when I looked in the manual on how to clean the carbs, step one was literally “remove the chute.” I was like no sir! I also added a fuel filter and shutoff valve while I was doing surgery. We don’t get much snow on Long Island, but when a blizzard hits, I need it for the drifts. I’ve been using true fuel (no ethanol and stabilized) so I can go 2 years without running it and it still starts fine.

[@GarageGear]

@@BenNawrath I’m calling you BRILLIANT BEN from now on👍

[@BenNawrath]

@@GarageGear I like it! Can you put a good word in with the wife for me? Lol

[@Michael-Homerepair76]

Hey there, JB after installing an impeller paddle kit, My “CRAFTSMAN”snowblower is better. Is there another upgrade video of yours that you can recommend to me to help improve its performance? In one of your videos, you talked about a belt. Thank you for your help Mike.

[@GarageGear]

I’m going to put an impeller kit on my next season and I did do a belt video on it a few months ago.

[@paulmysliborski4832]

Good stuff, JB. We actually have just about that same exact unit at my work. Like you said, it’s about as basic as you can get, but it beats the hell out of shoveling. I moved the drive disc on it so that gear 1F was about a 1/4” off center (very slow). That lets the reverse gears move farther out on the other side making them faster. But, you already know this. Lol Have a great weekend my brother! 👍🏻

[@GarageGear]

Thanks Paul! Pretty solid unit for only a benjamin! She may be basic but she gets the job done! And beats shoveling! May adjust the drive down the road we’ll see. You’re right! The adjustment is probably so small. Have an awesome weekend brother!

[@Bostonharborwater]

I have a cheap Troy bilt from 2015 with a 208cc. Has always ran good. It definitely bogs down with our New England slop at the end of the driveway but it always gets the job done. Picked up a used Ariens 28” pro for some more power but that TB 26” still works well.

[@GarageGear]

They get the job done! Thanks for watching!

[@signintoconfirm5175]

Hi JB, I humbly have a request for you to do a video installing a fuel shutoff valve on this snowblower.

[@GarageGear]

I like this idea! I will add this to the list! 👍👍

[@Z28L98]

A fuel shut off valve is such a valuable device to save the carb from so many issues.

[@jakethoemmes993]

Your channel and last year's storms inspired and educated me on these machines. Scooped this exact model for $100 this summer and it was a unicorn. Also fixed up a few craftsman, a few ariens, a Montgomery ward, and a Jacobsen blower. Either got them for free or $50 at most. Thanks for the knowledge you put out here.

[@GarageGear]

Wow very cool Jake! Crazy you got the same one and for the same price! Appreciate you my friend!

[@BigDaddysGarage]

I love finding great deals like that!

[@GarageGear]

Definitely a steal! We’ll see how she throws during our first storm!

[@pjpankratz8829]

I have a much newer version of this blower with the better shoot and 208cc engine (including your impeller mod!) and yes no light but I use my headband light which is better IMO because the light is up higher. BTW $100 is steel for that blower.

[@GarageGear]

I like that headband light idea! Thanks for watching pj!

[@mvg2x34]

I’ll be curious how the friction wheel looks and how you get the wheels off. I did not put grease on the axle which I learned from your videos so, my friction wheel on this model is well worn and my wheels are frozen to the a axle basically making it inaccessible. New unit projected for next year.

[@GarageGear]

I’m excited to see what the story with my wheels and disc too. Stay tuned! 👍

[@robertkellogg5976]

I just bought a power smart 24” snowblower..on your use..did your chute move..I had mine at a 45..and noticed it opened to full..by the time I turned around..to do the next pass…any suggestions on how to keep it from opening all the way on its own

[@GarageGear]

I’m guessing some bolts on the top chute deflector need to be tightened up.

[@Artburg]

Bought one just like it in July of 2008. Was a unused return at now gone Sears Hardware store. Got it $269. Been using it ever since in New York with nearly no issues. ❤

[@GarageGear]

Awesome deal my friend! Thanks for sharing!

[@onesweetxj]

I got the same one but with the Tecumseh engine & because of you I’ve installed the Impeller Kit … just waiting on this North East snow to finally test it🙄

[@GarageGear]

You’re gonna love that kit! Happy snowblowing season my friend!

[@tomconnors6310]

JB. When you empty the gas tank of your snow blower for the summer storage you are saying to just drain the fuel tank and your good to go. I though you had to add something to the tank and cycle through to keep the seals from drying out. Love your channel and love your new snow blower. Ottawa Ontario Canada

[@GarageGear]

Hey Tom! Great question! There is only one $5 bowl seal on most carburetors today. And in most cases you could swap it out blindfolded. The bowl seal is squeezed between the carburetor body and the bowl. It’s the jets getting gummed up with bad gas that you need to be concerned about because they can be more troublesome to clean! Drain the gas out every season and if the bowl seal were to dry rot several years down the road swap it out. 👍thanks for being a cool fan!

[@rmduda1]

My Craftsman 2 stage is 22 years old, I do the regular maintenance on it. I've had to change the friction disk drive a couple of times, a new coil and carb, other than those minor repairs, I'm very happy with it. I did add a led headlight to it in place of the halogen lamp that was on it. You have a great channel and I usually learn some thing new.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing my friend! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@Randy-ul5hy]

Mine is now 30 years old this winter and still does the job.

[@jaybooth4815]

Nice find JB! Looks in pretty good shape. I'm sure you'll kick it up a bit. Just curious if you tried to take off the wheels and if so, were they seized up? What's up for the weekend? I'm having the snow tires put on the GV80. Cheers bud!

[@GarageGear]

Hey Jay! That craftsman is in surprisingly good shape! Haven’t tried to pull the wheels! We’ll see how that goes! Let me know how she grips on the snow! Working all around the yard this weekend! How about you?

[@jaybooth4815]

⁠Hey JB. Doing what I can around the yard. The snow tires are awesome. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5. Had the R3’s on the Telluride…excellent shoe tires. Had Taylor rental pick up the Troy-bilt and Ariens 722 single stage for tune up. I was very impressed with what’s included and cost. Talked to Mike who does all the work and sounds like a straight shooter. Got a pot roast in the oven and will watch the Bills game. Hopefully a better outcome than recent games. Have a blessed Thanksgiving my friend. Go Bills!

[@GarageGear]

@@jaybooth4815 awesome my friend! Have a great thanksgiving aswell!

[@niceguy4421]

I have a old craftsman its about 25 yo, with a tecumseh engine, doesn't throw snow far, slow a.f. but starts everytime and does what its suppose to do.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@brandon_burbach]

Excited to see you toss the impeller kit on this little lady. Out of curiosity, you made me wonder, are there aftermarket chute deflector adjustment kits available?? I'd like to put one on my Compact 24.

[@GarageGear]

Definitely will be cool to see how an impeller kit does on this old gal! I don’t know about deflector kits tho!never seen one before but I got some ideas!

[@Salmomlox]

Great find, JB. After your tune-up it sure sounds nice. I can't wait for you to try it in some snow, unless of course you sell it. 👍🏻

[@GarageGear]

SALMOMLOX! Thank you! Couldn’t believe it when I found it! Definitely got to get some snow through it! Not planning on selling it… yet… have a great weekend!

[@garydunnjr8176]

What is power thing you’re talking about? Also let’s grind the gears some, and say that the ground peg on the electric falls off for no reason …

[@GarageGear]

Hey Gary are you talking about the impeller kit? Here is a video I did on that a while back BEFORE YOU INSTALL AN IMPELLER KIT ON A SNOWBLOWER, WATCH THIS! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6PEcnh6h7B0b7s I spoke with a mechanic about that ground peg. He said if the electric start still works you should be fine. 👍

[@barrypettit3668]

Good stuff JB. Nothing wrong with it, perfect for someone on a budget and beats shovelling.

[@GarageGear]

Spot on Barry! Thanks for watching!

[@yalerich7417]

Doesn't have to have all the bells @ whistles , as long as it gets the job done!

[@GarageGear]

She may be basic but she knows how to clear a driveway! 👍👍👍

[@kevinmoynihan5777]

Hi, I have the Craftsman 24 in., 179cc. I want to change the auger gear oil, but on my gear box, I don’t have a drain plug, or a fill plug. HOW DO I CHANGE THE OIL?, Please help me

[@GarageGear]

Mine has only a blue fill plug on top. If there are no plugs at all then it’s completely sealed and you cannot change it. I’ll be doing a video on this soon! 👍

[@FlippinOPE]

Nice video, plenty of unicorns out there. I’m in North Jersey and have been buying/selling them for a while now.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome flippin! Thanks for watching my friend!

[@amandar4980]

I have this modal also, got it for free. Did update keep maintenance, and ethanol free gas… run great.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Amanda! 👍👍

[@jacot1984]

I just bought this exact machine like new, used, on the same day you posted. Can't wait to see the videos about it.

[@GarageGear]

Plenty coming up on this craftsman! Stay tuned!

[@tomlewis3658]

This was a nice score for $100, congrats. One thing about these MTD's that makes me worry is that the speed selector cable can spend a lot of its life under tension, at 1 extreme of the selector range (I think when it's in 1F). If I had 1 of these, I would keep a spare of each cable on hand, in case one of them broke just when I needed to use the unit.

[@6atlantis]

Keep it in a high speed when not using.

[@GarageGear]

Good tip here Tom! Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelc9507]

Looking forward to the upgrades and obviously a blizzard!

[@GarageGear]

Plenty of upgrades to come! Stay tuned!

[@fairgolfer]

Nice video JB. Here's hoping for snow ❄️😊

[@GarageGear]

Oh it’s coming lol! Appreciate you fair golfer!

[@pats300zx]

Looking forward to this series JB. I have this same snowblower and have owned since around 2011. Gets the job done for me !!!

[@dubvc1]

Where do you live? Not all states have the same type of snow.

[@GarageGear]

Plenty to do on this gal pats! Thanks for sharing bud!

[@GarageGear]

@@dubvc1 I’m in Buffalo ny!

[@jimmaltese1852]

I have a machine almost exactly like that but a Troy-bilt. I added 2 front LED lights one on each corner above the auger and 2 LED flood lights under the controls under plastic housing that lights up the ground where I'm walking. Works awsome since I have a long dark driveway. Not a bad machine for the price. 😊l0

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON Jim!

[@aldenhayes914]

This is a great video that I'm looking forward to seeing more of. After last years snow (96 inches in my area) I realized I needed a snow blower. I got my hands on a old 8hp Ranch King MTD from the year 2000. Excited to see what you do to your Craftsman and applying it to my rig!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome my friend! More to come on this snowblower!

[@kingposeidon9362]

Is there a video or link with more information on the impeller kit you mentioned?

[@GarageGear]

Just put it into the video description! 👍

[@kencurtis228]

Thank You for Sharing

[@GarageGear]

You got it my friend!

[@71dman350]

Did you find out what type of grease/oil is used for the gearbox, and could you also do a video on how to add lube to these sealed gearboxes?

[@GarageGear]

Still looking into this! Gonna be a video on it!

[@DevonWenndt]

@@GarageGear These MTD machines with aluminum gearboxes take "00 grease" for lubrication. It can be easily found at Tractor Supply or ordered online from a number or retailers. I have a 208cc Yard Machines version of this machine that I just performed all my yearly maintenance on, including topping off the gearbox.

[@GarageGear]

@@DevonWenndt thanks for sharing my friend!

[@stevepelino5986]

$100 bucks !!! You got a GREAT DEAL on this. It will be a money maker when you sell it. MULTO BENE!

[@GarageGear]

Oh yeah! Crazy deal! After a handful of minor repairs it’s value has gone up significantly!

[@davidmorrison7424]

Nice buy. Bought an 27” 8.5 hp craftsman in 2004 and it’s still running great with only annual oil changes and an occasional spark plug. Haven’t even replaced a belt yet or done anything to the gear box in 18+ years. Believe mine (or 2005/2006) was the last year that the B&S engines were still made in America.

[@GarageGear]

Pretty solid unit you got there David! Thanks for sharing!

[@anthonyoswald5251]

Bought the exact same machine on Marketplace at the end of last winter. Used it a few times and seems to work well. Would love to see how you upgrade. BTW, fellow WNYer.

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON ANTHONY! You’ll be getting some use out of it!

[@stephenzahar58]

Just picked up this same unit dying to see the mods

[@GarageGear]

Planning on an impeller kit soon! Need some more snow! Stay tuned stephen!

[@outdoorstuff3325]

I got some snow blower

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@NIN_THUG]

What kind of skid plates are those, metal or plastic? Thanks

[@GarageGear]

Plastic! Still got some life to them!

[@NIN_THUG]

@@GarageGear thanks for your replies. I've learned a lot from you channel, thank you. I have an issue with my metal skids, in that they suck, for me at least. I want the plastic, do you know if the bolt spacing is the same as older craftsman? I was thinking of trying the universal ones off Amazon, or maybe newer one's from a later model craftsman, like you have here. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

[@GarageGear]

@@NIN_THUG hey NIN! Not sure on the spacing! Could always buy a few different ones on Amazon with free returns, find one that fits and then return the rest. That’s what I would try doing! 👍

[@evenito9455]

Why don't you have any Honda snowblowers on your channel?

[@GarageGear]

They aren’t all that available near me. If I see one soon I’ll be grabbing it!

[@evenito9455]

@@GarageGear what’s your opinion on Husqvarna or Stiga blowers? Husqvarna is cheaper than Ariens here in Norway, so I’m considering one

[@GarageGear]

@@evenito9455 we don’t have stiga blowers here. But husqvarna is a decent brand!

[@evenito9455]

Which fuel should I use in these snowblowers? Local deal recommend staying away from gasoline with ethanol, so go with premium or Alkylat gasoline @@GarageGear