Snowblower Snowfest 2014-15
Every year, Sears has a promotion called "SNOWFEST" where prices for snow blowers/throwers tend to be the lowest for the season. I'll be editing this thread periodically with deals I think are worth posting (hopefully well in advance before the sale starts). I'll also be posting coupon codes (if available) for online purchases.
Things to consider before purchasing:
How much snow do you get?
Dual stage snow blowers: Recommended for moderate (6-16") to heavy (16"+) snowfall areas that require quick and easy removal of large snow amounts.
Single stage snow throwers: Designed for light snow (up to 6"). They are lightweight, maneuverable and easy to use.
What type of snow do you get?
Dual stage snow blowers are built to perform in conditions ranging from moderate to extremely wet snow.
Single stage snow throwers are intended for light duty applications.
What is the difference between a snow blower and a snow thrower?
Snow thrower (single stage): These units have one point of contact with the snow. Snow is gathered and thrown directly through the chute in one revolution.
Snow blower (dual stage): These units have two points of contact with the snow. Snow is metered inward by slow turning augers where it hits a high speed impeller, blowing it out of the chute.
Who makes the OHV "Craftsman" branded engines?
Craftsman branded engines are manufactured by MTD, the same company that makes the no-name engines for Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Ariens, and some Toro snow blowers.
What type of engine should I be looking for?
Briggs & Stratton engines are usually the consumer's choice in outdoor power equipment. Some engines are made in the USA (look for the "MADE IN USA" sticker) while most engines are made in China. Snow blowers/throwers with B&S engines come at a premium price point. Replacement parts tend to be more expensive although by not much.
MTD engines (basically, the house branded engines) are made in China. They are seen in many different brands and tend to cheaper in price. Reliability wise, they are just as good as B&S engines. Replacement parts tend to be cheaper, and more universal across many brands.
In the end, it's based on how YOU maintain your snow blower. Make sure you have the oil changed after the first use (or after 20 minutes) and use gas with low/no ethanol such as Shell V-Power.
What else should I keep in mind?
Valid Coupon Codes & Discounts:
Deals valid from Oct 31 - Nov 1; most deals are currently valid as of now.
[IMG]http://i61.tinypic.com/10poxn6.png[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i62.tinypic.com/152c6x5.png[/IMG]
Deals valid from now to Oct 30; listed from best to warm:[/size]
CRAFTSMAN 27'' 250cc Dual Stage Snow Thrower
Regular Price: $1499.99
Sale Price: $999.99
[IMG]http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/searsca ... 95&hei=400[/IMG]
Overview:
CRAFTSMAN 208cc 24'' Steerable Snowblower
Regular Price: $1199.99
Sale Price: $899.99
[IMG]http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/searsca ... 95&hei=400[/IMG]
Overview:
CRAFTSMAN 357cc 28'' Steerable Snowblower
Regular Price: $1649.99
Sale Price: $1299.99
[IMG]http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/searsca ... 95&hei=400[/IMG]
Overview:
CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL 30'' 420 cc Dual Stage Snow blower
Regular Price: $1999.99
Sale Price: $1399.99
[IMG]http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/searsca ... 95&hei=400[/IMG]
Overview:
CRAFTSMAN 24'' 208cc Dual Stage Snow Thrower
Regular Price: $1199.99
Sale Price: $899.99
[IMG]http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/searsca ... 95&hei=400[/IMG]
Overview:
Things to consider before purchasing:
How much snow do you get?
Dual stage snow blowers: Recommended for moderate (6-16") to heavy (16"+) snowfall areas that require quick and easy removal of large snow amounts.
Single stage snow throwers: Designed for light snow (up to 6"). They are lightweight, maneuverable and easy to use.
What type of snow do you get?
Dual stage snow blowers are built to perform in conditions ranging from moderate to extremely wet snow.
Single stage snow throwers are intended for light duty applications.
What is the difference between a snow blower and a snow thrower?
Snow thrower (single stage): These units have one point of contact with the snow. Snow is gathered and thrown directly through the chute in one revolution.
Snow blower (dual stage): These units have two points of contact with the snow. Snow is metered inward by slow turning augers where it hits a high speed impeller, blowing it out of the chute.
Who makes the OHV "Craftsman" branded engines?
Craftsman branded engines are manufactured by MTD, the same company that makes the no-name engines for Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Ariens, and some Toro snow blowers.
What type of engine should I be looking for?
Briggs & Stratton engines are usually the consumer's choice in outdoor power equipment. Some engines are made in the USA (look for the "MADE IN USA" sticker) while most engines are made in China. Snow blowers/throwers with B&S engines come at a premium price point. Replacement parts tend to be more expensive although by not much.
MTD engines (basically, the house branded engines) are made in China. They are seen in many different brands and tend to cheaper in price. Reliability wise, they are just as good as B&S engines. Replacement parts tend to be cheaper, and more universal across many brands.
In the end, it's based on how YOU maintain your snow blower. Make sure you have the oil changed after the first use (or after 20 minutes) and use gas with low/no ethanol such as Shell V-Power.
What else should I keep in mind?
- Make sure you have a method to transport the snow blower/thrower home unless you're willing to pay a $70 delivery fee.
- Most customers purchase large snow blowers without measuring the size of their gate. Make sure your snow blower/thrower can pass through your gate unless you have other options to go around.
- Electric start
- Assisted turning (especially on larger models)
Valid Coupon Codes & Discounts:
- $10 Off $50 With Sears Newsletter Sign Up
- 5% cash back using Ebates
Deals valid from Oct 31 - Nov 1; most deals are currently valid as of now.
[IMG]http://i61.tinypic.com/10poxn6.png[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i62.tinypic.com/152c6x5.png[/IMG]
Deals valid from now to Oct 30; listed from best to warm:[/size]
CRAFTSMAN 27'' 250cc Dual Stage Snow Thrower
Regular Price: $1499.99
Sale Price: $999.99
[IMG]http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/searsca ... 95&hei=400[/IMG]
Overview:
- 27" 250 cc Briggs & Stratton engine
- Electric start
- Assisted steering
- Metal chute, 2-year limited warranty
- Better console/control layout
- Heated handle grips
CRAFTSMAN 208cc 24'' Steerable Snowblower
Regular Price: $1199.99
Sale Price: $899.99
[IMG]http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/searsca ... 95&hei=400[/IMG]
Overview:
- 24" 208cc Craftsman engine
- Electric start
- Joy-stick chute control
- Lifetime chute warranty; 2-year limited warranty
- Heated hand grips;15""x 5"" X-TRAC tires
CRAFTSMAN 357cc 28'' Steerable Snowblower
Regular Price: $1649.99
Sale Price: $1299.99
[IMG]http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/searsca ... 95&hei=400[/IMG]
Overview:
- 28" 357cc Craftsman engine
- Electric start
- Electric thumb chute control
- Lifetime chute warranty; 2-year limited warranty
- Heated hand grips;16""x 4.8"" X-TRAC tires
CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL 30'' 420 cc Dual Stage Snow blower
Regular Price: $1999.99
Sale Price: $1399.99
[IMG]http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/searsca ... 95&hei=400[/IMG]
Overview:
- 27" 420 cc Briggs & Stratton engine?? *Might be an error on the website. Pretty sure its 305 cc and not 420 cc*
- Electric start
- Electric chute control
- Metal chute, 2-year limited warranty
- Heated hand grips, Drift Cutters, Headlight, Storage Cover
CRAFTSMAN 24'' 208cc Dual Stage Snow Thrower
Regular Price: $1199.99
Sale Price: $899.99
[IMG]http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/searsca ... 95&hei=400[/IMG]
Overview:
- 24" 208 cc Briggs & Stratton engine
- Electric start
- NO ASSISTED STEERING
- Metal chute, 2-year limited warranty
- Better console/control layout