2 people have reviewed this model.
| About - Craftsman 88396 |
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The Craftsman 88396 is part of the snow blower test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, snow blower models like the 88396 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
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| Similar Models | ||
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| The following models have the same ratings as Craftsman 88396. Features and specs may vary |
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| Craftsman 98539 | ||
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Approximate retail price:
$1000
The Ratings applied to untested model Craftsman 98539 come from our tests of model Craftsman 88396, which in our judgment is enough alike in its performance, features, and specs that our test results apply to both.
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| Troy-Bilt Storm 3090XP 31AH55R | ||
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Approximate retail price:
$1200
The Ratings applied to untested model Troy-Bilt Storm 3090XP 31AH55R come from our tests of model Craftsman 88396, which in our judgment is enough alike in its performance, features, and specs that our test results apply to both.
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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 88396 | |
|---|---|
Engine size |
357cc |
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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 |
Yes |
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Single lever chute adjustment |
Yes |
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Headlight |
Yes |
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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
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
Very pleased
1/8/2013
Pros
Clears to the Pavement
Hand Warmer Effective
Headlight Effective
Maneuverable
Throws Far
Cons
Loud
Best Uses
Heavy Residential
Comment:
We have a 100 yard driveway, 4 garages. I can clear it in 1 hour, which I consider to be quite good given the large task. We at times have heavy snow which this does well with. This week I cut a swath through our landscaping (bark) that was the depth of the entire basket/chute. The margins were surgical and minimal bark was thrown. Only negative - it's LOUD.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By from
(2 of 5 customers found this review helpful)
Stay Away!
1/1/2013
Pros
Cons
Cumbersome
Heavy
Loud
Best Uses
Comment:
This is the worst purchase I ever made and has been a horrible experience with the warranty department, layaway and the actual snow thrower. I 1st bought the snow thrower last year. I paid for it on layaway, and went to pick it up after I paid it off in December 2011. You would think since I put it on layaway, they would have it waiting, but no, ALL of them in the Northeast were gone. They resorted to giving me the floor model. Low and behold no snow for the rest of 2011.<br /> December 2012, finally some snow! 1st time out fires right up and clears great. VERY loud, I had to put in earplugs. 15 min later, it cut out and died. I thought the gas was too low so I topped it off. It would not start again, so I thought it was flooded. I finished the driveway with a shovel.<br />Three days later, more snow. Fires right up again, 15 min later it dies, and fuel can be seen leaking out of the choke control. It won't pull or electric start and it backfires when it tries. I call the warranty department and they say that it will be 10 days before they can send someone to fix it. Thinking this is unacceptable I call the store manager who agrees to swap it out. I bring it back, pick up a brand new one and take it home. Open the box and the entire gear selector and headlight assembly is smashed to pieces! <br /> Needless to say I took it back, and cashed out. Never going to buy anything craftsman again.<br />Some other notes the 2011 model is identical to the 2012 except the 2012 has an electric shoot control and no heated hand grips. The heated hand grips on my 2011, got so hot in the short time I used it, I had to put on gloves to not burn my hands.<br /><br />Good riddance Sears.
How long have you owned it:
A month or less
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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