Craftsman 88780

Ease of Operation

Easy to use and maneuver. The budget-priced Craftsman 88780 omits some of the features common on more expensive models such as a headlight, one-handed operation, power steering and remote chute control. In addition, owners aren't thrilled at having to stop the machine every time they want to adjust the chute.

The 88780 does, however, have a push-button electric starter so you can plug it into an outlet rather than pulling a recoil cord; a recoil start is also included. Reviewers and owners also say it's simple enough to turn and maneuver. A 70-year-old user posts, "No complaints whatsoever! It is so easy to use and saves my old back." Paul Sikkema of MovingSnow.com says you don't really need power steering with this lightweight machine.

Like all single-stage blowers, the Craftsman 88780 is propelled by its auger, which clears snow right down to the surface. Reviewers say it doesn't handle slopes as well as a two-stage model; "has little traction when working on a grade, which could prove dangerous," warns one at Sears.com. The 88780 shouldn't be used on gravel or other loose surfaces because it could pick up and eject that debris out its chute, and Sikkema warns that the auger can easily scratch a wood or composite deck.

The 88780's four-cycle 179cc OHV engine is relatively low-maintenance. Owners aren't required to pre-mix oil and gas, and the blower needs only routine upkeep. Hearing protection is recommended.

Snow-clearing effectiveness

Balks at heavy, wet snow. Experts say a single-stage blower like the Craftsman 88780 is best for removing 3 to 6 inches of snow, although some owners report that they've cleared much deeper snowfalls. One writes on Sears.com, "This machine handled 20-plus inches of snow without a problem. It also cleared the end of the driveway, which had significant snow from the street being plowed. The machine has not stopped or gotten clogged even once!"

Owners and experts agree, however, that clearing this much snow takes considerably longer than it would with a two-stage blower. In addition, reviewers say heavy, wet snow tends to slow down the Craftsman 88780. "This last winter here in Ohio we had some very deep snows. And my husband says he wishes we would have bought him the dual-stage snow thrower," says one user. We found a fair number of complaints posted on Sears.com about problems such as backfires, failing to start entirely, or in one case, the frame of the snow blower scraping the ground.

Craftsman doesn't specify how far the 88780 can throw snow, but owners say it has a somewhat short reach, even for a single-stage blower. Regardless, most say they're pleased with its performance.

The Bottom Line

Low price, but you'll pay in the long run. Based on mostly positive user reviews, the single-stage Craftsman 88780's 21-inch clearing path and 13-inch intake height are more than adequate for clearing sidewalks, single-car driveways and other relatively small, paved surfaces of light to medium snowfalls. A few owners report success using this blower on heavier snowfalls, but the general consensus is that heavy, wet snow and piles left by snowplows tend to bog it down. Some reviewers choose this unit based on its comparatively low price, but one Sears.com poster warns that the cost of ownership -- including replacement of high-wear parts -- adds up quickly and "will effectively cause almost a complete re-purchase on an annual basis."