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Snow Blowers
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- Single-stage electric snow blower Toro 1800 Power Curve *Est. $330
- Single-stage gas snow blower Toro Power Clear 210R 38587 *Est. $580
- Budget two-stage gas snow blower Craftsman 88957 *Est. $600
- Powerful two-stage gas snow blower Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 XP 31AH55Q5711 *Est. $1100
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- Power steering
- Electric push-button starter
- Headlight
- Joystick chute adjustment
- One-handed operation
- New model, no track record
- More size and power than some may need
The Craftsman 88791 replaced the top-rated Craftsman 88999 for 2009, and the only change from the earlier model to this one is a slightly larger engine -- 277 cc instead of 250 cc. With a 28-inch clearing path and maximum intake of 21 inches, the 88791 can handle moderate-to-heavy snowfalls with ease. It has the extra features that make a large snow blower easy to use, though it lacks heated hand grips for added comfort on cold mornings. The comparable Troy-Bilt model is the Storm 2840 (*Est. $900), which does have heated hand grips. If you want a wider clearing path and more power, reviews point to the Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 XP (*Est. $1,100) as a good choice.
ConsumerReports.org includes the Craftsman 88999, which the 88791 replaced, in its latest ratings chart. This remains the most credible review we found, since it's based on objective tests. Paul Sikkema at MovingSnow.com reviews the 88791 based on an analysis of its features and the performance history of its predecessor, the 88999.
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org tested the Craftsman 88999, which the 88791 replaced in the Craftsman lineup, for its latest ratings of snow blowers. The ratings chart ranks eight two-stage blowers as well as four single-stage gas and four electric blowers. The Troy-Bilt Storm 2840 is identified as comparable to the Craftsman 88791.
Review: Snow Blowers Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Oct. 2009
Reviewer Paul Sikkema writes, "The Craftsman Model 88791 is designed to clear lots of snow quickly." He likes the extra features that, along with its size and power, make this snow blower a good bargain for the price.
Review: Craftsman 28 Inch 277 cc Two Stage Model 88791 Snow Thrower Review, Paul Sikkema, Sept. 1, 2009
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