Gas snow thrower with 5 forward, 2 reverse wheel drive speeds for varying conditions. Electric Start. 24 in. clearing path, 21 in. intake height. Remote chute rotation to throw snow where you want it. 13" X-Trac tires for increased traction during operation.
Average Customer Rating:
4.2 out of 5
81 of 97 (84%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
FEATURED REVIEW
Overall Rating:
55
Great machine when used correctly,
April 8, 2007
By RustyBearfrom North East Pennsylvania
Performance:
55
Value:
55
Features:
55
Reliability:
55
"I bought my machine in Dec 07 but didn't get to use it until the VDay storm here in NE PA. Guess it's nice that it comes with electric start but didn't need it. It started up with the first 1/2 pull. This machine had no trouble handling the more than 18 inches we got dumped on us on the mountain....could have handled more. It also had no trouble throwing the typical wet heavy snow we get in the Pocono's. This machine easily handled my 80 ft driveway plus 2 of my neighbors driveways without even breaking 1 shear pin. Shear pins are designed to break to prevent the user from doing more serious damage to the machine. This model handled our 2nd storm of almost 2 ft just as easily. Started great, never once stalled, threw wet heavy snow as far as I needed it to...no broken belts or pins. I would recommend...."
Review 2 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
Great tool. Follow insturctions!,
August 10, 2008
By eddy60from Providence RI
"I bought a similar Craftsman snowblower in 2001 it was the same measurements the only difference is color. I love my machine. I live in RHODE ISLAND. We have some different type snow wet and dry. We had a big storm in January 2005. I used to three times in one snow storm to keep the berms built by the snow plow down. I did my neighbors drive way and mine and part of the road i live on to stop the berm build up. It handled the snow very well. My wife and I argue who is going to use the machine. Please read the manual change the oil and use the lower speeds wet snow i usually use 2-3 depending on the depth usually i go out at the 9-12 inch mark to clear. With powder if at 9-12 inch i will go through in gear 3 powder of less then 9 inches i will use gear 4. I use gear 5 when bringing back to the garage. I recomend changing the oil as the manual states. i use the old oil in my chainsaw to keep my blade cool. I have a craftsman lawnmower, rotiller a bush wacker and now am looking at getting a pole saw and a yard woodchipper. Inside all the appliances are Kenmore. I grew up with sears and never had a problem."
Review 3 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
45
Small and Mighty,
February 19, 2008
By PleasedInIowafrom North Liberty, IA
"With the snow that has hit Iowa this winter I am VERY PLEASED I purchased this blower after the first big snow. I have used this blower at least once a week for 2.5 mon. Can blow powder snow across my double drive (duplex). Moist snow can be thrown halfway across the drive. (a full standard, 2 car, drive) Heavy wet snow can slow this blower down. It is able to cut through snow twice it's height if the snow isn't too wet. I would recommend chains or wheel weights. It is a very light unit. That's good for moving around but, sometimes goes over packed snow or will lose traction."
Review 4 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
Good machine.,
February 2, 2008
By BlackCatfrom Madison, WI
"I was in the market for a snowblower after I bought my first house this past summer. I wanted something more powerful than a little putt-putt electric unit, but didn't want to drop $1000+ on a big monster that took up tons of room in the garage either. I have found this is a good unit for the price and size. Even though this machine is only rated at 5.5 hp, I find it has plenty of power to clear my driveway and front walk. I have used the unit probably 5-10 times after varying amounts of snowfall without a problem. As other reviewers also commented, never had to use the electric start as it starts within a couple of pulls every time. I don't use the variable speeds really - I just keep it on "5" and that seems to work just fine. Overall satistifed with my purchase. If you need to clear huge drifts or a big parking lot, this is probably not the unit for you, but I think it is quite adequate for the average sized home."
Review 5 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
25
Always broken,
February 1, 2008
By Hmmmmfrom Upstate, NY
"Living in Upstate NY, bought the machine in December 07 given the 6-12" of snow we get every other day. Worked fine at first. Blew the snow well, cleared down to driveway, easy to maneuver. Now, not sure what's wrong with it. We keep blowing shear pins (4 so far) and now the auger is making a very loud banging noise and is very difficult to start. Still clears, but after only a month to have such loud noises means this machine is not a very reliable one. Get a Toro!"
Review 6 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
I LOVE IT,
January 27, 2008
By RacoonManfrom White Salmon, WA
"I've had a small tractor with a snowplow, and have always thought a snowblower might be nice. Well, my tractor is gone, so I've been shoveling for years. Finally decided I wanted one of these after reading the reviews. Yesterday a huge storm was forecast to hit our area (Wahington Cascades). I went to our local Sears store and picked one up. Snowing when I got home, checked it over and gassed it up... started on the first pull. Didn't have much snow yet, but I couldn't wait and had fun. Later in the evening it had dumped about 12" and this machine went right through it with no problem. Plenty of power if you go in 1st or 2nd gear with that much snow. Overnight we had more snow, 20" where I hadn't cleared last night. This thing went right through it AGAIN with no problem in 1st gear. Kind of slow, but beats shoveling and is sure fun. I had no problem with the chute clogging or anything. My neighbor had someone come over today with a big-Honda that had tracks. He was faster than me and had a larger "bite", but he constantly clogged his chute with the wet snow. I got mine out again to see if I had problems. No problem, mine didn't clog at all like the big and expensive Honda. I love it! I only wish I'd bought one 5 years ago when I got rid of the snowplow and tractor!
My local dealer was great too. I love SEARS and CRAFTSMAN."
Review 7 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
Works Fine for Me,
January 24, 2008
By Schniderfrom NC Iowa
"We have had a good amount of snow for this winter so far. I have probably used my thrower 10 times already. I seems to work great. The only thing that I don't care for is probably the same thing that others don't like. If you tilt the chute down for a more horizontal throw, a little amount of light snow will come out at the hinge and run back down on the thrower. Other than that it is very nice. It always starts, and yesterday it was about 12 below zero."
Review 8 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
15
January 22, 2008
By buck7571from Milwaukee, WI
"I purchased this this snow thrower in Dec 07 and have had to use it half a dozen times. I spend more time trying to clear the chute so the augers spin than actually clearing snow. Doesn't matter if it is wet, light and fluffy, 1 inch or 12 inches, the thing does not throw snow. Not sure if I got a lemon or not, but this is the worst snow thrower I have ever used."
Review 9 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
No Problem,
January 16, 2008
By SnowKingfrom Aurora, IL
"This machine cuts right through the pile of snow at the end of the driveway that is left over from the snow plows. The variable speeds are great. I speed it up for light snows to finish quicker. Throws the snow extremely far, but you can aim it where you want to go. It looks like a firehose coming out. I haven't used the electric start yet, because it starts on the 1st or 2nd pull, including the first time."
Review 10 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
Work Horse,
January 14, 2008
By Pwdrskirfrom Park City, UT
"I was out of town for a week and came back to multiple layers of snow. The lower layers had frozen and the snow plows had walled in the driveway. Picked up the thrower on 1-6-08 after having to park on the street the first night back. After setup, filling with gas then oil, it started on the first pull. The multiple gears and large intake chewed the snow up and shot it past the driveway (2 car). BUY THIS MACHINE!!!"
Review 11 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
Excellent machine for money,
January 3, 2008
By VLY52from Marlborough MA
"After having a small push-type machine and some research finally bought this one in November 07... So far, no regrets – as long as it works (I read quite a few reviews with reliability problems) it does very decent job. Used it only ones last winter but already did several times this season. Starts very easily. Light enough to move and steer manually, never use reverse, just do not have to. On negative side have to mention the chute – metal would be much better material, and there is a gap between two chute parts at the top – some amount of snow escapes and falls down at the thrower body than back on the cleaned path. Metal chute parts with better fit would be much appreciated, but as long as the plastic chute is not broken that is a minor problem. Overall – very good value for the money, goes up the hill easily, 24” path is adequate, 21” intake (and I tried 18” after 12/13/07 snowfall to clean the path to my front door – no problems!), easily fits in garage between two cars. I would recommend this machine to everyone who needs a good performance for very reasonable price – Sears often cells them for $550 – 650."
Review 12 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
15
5.5 hp piece of junk!,
January 3, 2008
By jb564from Chicago Ill.
"Ibought this snowblower thinking it would be the last one i would have to buy, Boy was I wrong, bought it dec. 15th used it 1 time. 5day"s later, the thing would not start . Will be returning it back to sears ASAP!!! Going to buy a toro. My neighbor has one , Hasn't had a problem in 10 yrs."
Review 13 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
great product,
January 2, 2008
By lakeaffectfrom along lake erie
"i have used this snowthrower now 4 times and it is great. purchased august 07 on sale, good price. it has tackled the lake effect snows here with no problem. this is my 1st snowthrower and i can't believe i waited this long to get one. this thing has had no trouble with heavy wet snow or the frozen pile at the end of the driveway from the snowplow."
Review 14 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
Great performance,
January 1, 2008
By rtdreepfrom Wheaton, IL
"I was able to get this snow blower in November 2007 for under $600 on sale, and I'm delighted with the performance. The unit has handled a 6 inches of powder one day, and four inches of wet, heavy snow another day, all with ease. When going through icy snow kicked up by the street snow plows, the unit tends to clog the chute if the propelled speed is too fast. Go slow in icy, slushy snow, and it usually stays clear. The Tecumseh engine has good power, and sips gas."
Review 15 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
snowthrower,
December 28, 2007
By hustydogfrom wisconsin - snows a lot
"This unit has been fantastic. We have had two of the most difficult, heaviest snows that we can remember. This unit goes through it like a hot knife through butter. I do the whole neighborhood and don't break a sweat."
Review 16 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
45
so far so good,
December 28, 2007
By mike17from upstate NY
"This is my first snowblower and its worked well so far. We have got a large amt of snow so far and it has not disappoined yet. Even cleared the end of my drive with over 2 ft of heavy snow it did take 2 passes, but it did it. I am just hoping I don't have the same trouble others have had. Appears most of the bad reviews issues arised after the 1st year. I wonder if summer storage was an issue????"
Review 17 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
Worked great,
December 27, 2007
By Happyascouldbefrom Northern Indiana
"I was a little hesitant about buying this given its price as compared to some other units out there. However given the previous reviews, I decided to get it and was not disappointed at all! Easy to use and powerful enough to move some heavier snow. The self propelled feature was great as well! Completely happy with this purchase."
Review 18 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
Good Value,
December 26, 2007
By ErieColoradofrom Erie, Colorado
"I just purchased this online 12/07 and just used it for the first time 12/25/07. It was easy to unpack and set up, directions were well written, it was easy to start and easy to operate. It threw the snow just fine and had plenty of power. I love having 5 forward and 2 reverse speeds, it really makes this snow thrower very easy to use. Kudos on this one. Highly recommend thus far."
Review 19 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
December 25, 2007
By model94from Fort Wayne IN
"I bought this on short notice when my 10+ year old single stage unit cried uncle for the last time. I live in northern Indiana, so this is my "six sigma" snow blower - will easily handle those once in 5 year storms. The mid december 2007 storm brought in 14" drifts, and the snow was fairly wet and heavy. This unit was throwing drift snow and hitting my basketball backboard (remember: Indiana) with no problem. My biggest problem was keeping the chute oriented so that I didn't fill up my neighbors driveway with new snow. Started on first pull. I have also lived in northern michigan and believe this would be a reasonable choice there as well."
Review 20 for Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower
Overall Rating:
55
Perfect timing,
December 23, 2007
By Kdogg55118from West St. Paul, MN
"Living in Minnesota, you know you'll need to move snow at some point. Having been a homeowner for two winters, I decided the 3rd time was the charm. Preparing for the first winter snow of the 2007/2008 season. I purchased the snowblower just beneath this one, with plans to pick it up the next day. At 7 am I got a call from my local Sears telling me the one I bought was sold out, and offering me this one for a little more. Skeptical, I said yes. As the delivery guys were loading it into my car (a SAAB, no less, and yep, it fit), it began to snow. By the time I got it home, out of the hatch and in the garage, the driveway was covered with snow. Used it twice that day and it's been a peach. My neighbors love that I can blow their driveways before they break their backs trying. Overall, great machine, great service."
Print this page
