Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Craftsman 28″ Quiet Engine
- Two Stage, 28-Inch Clearing Width
- Pivot Steering and Chute Control
- LED Light, Electric Start, Speeds and Skid Shoes
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Introduction
Our editors spent a few Chicago snowfalls with the Craftsman 28″ Quiet 2 Stage 243cc Snow Blower. It was an El Niño winter, so there wasn’t much snow, and what fell was heavy and wet. They emulated deeper snow with a big driveway and piles, and it went through like there was no tomorrow.
Craftsman 28″ Quiet Engine
The big selling point is that it’s quiet. It’s so quiet it almost sounds underpowered, like it’s idling, and you feel like you need to give it more throttle. It isn’t underpowered. The host noted Craftsman lists it as 45% quieter, which is nicer for you and your neighbors.
Our editors weren’t sure who builds it for Craftsman, but they called it a good unit.
Two Stage, 28-Inch Clearing Width
It’s a two stage: augers in front drive the snow into an impeller that spins super fast and shoots it out. It clears 28 inches with a 21-inch intake height and has drift cutters on the side. Undo a screw, flip them up, and you can get through really deep snow. For more on the types of machines, read snow blower vs. snow thrower.
It’s a big machine. It’s not nimble like a single stage, so it’s for bigger jobs.
Pivot Steering and Chute Control
It has power steering that works like a zero-turn mower. Squeeze the right handle and the right wheel disengages, so the machine pivots on itself. The left handle does the same to the left.
Push the auger lever down, then the drive lever. Once the drive is down, you can take your hand off the auger and it stays locked, so you can work the chute control to aim left, right, up and down. The four-way chute has 200 degrees of discharge and, according to the host, a lifetime warranty. It throws the snow pretty far.
LED Light, Electric Start, Speeds and Skid Shoes
The LED headlight impressed our editors. It lights up the area, but just as important, it helps you be seen at the end of the driveway when cars are coming.
Electric start plugs into the wall since there’s no battery. In the host’s experience, it also started first pull every time.
It has six forward speeds and two reverse. Even in sixth, the host wished it went a little faster. He didn’t use reverse at all. Pull up the steering handles and it freewheels, so you can just pull it back.
The tires are aggressive. The skid shoes are replaceable rubber, which Craftsman calls Glide Tech skid shoes, and they eliminate rust stains. Most machines use steel shoes that rust.
Final Thoughts
Our editors recommend the Craftsman 28″ Quiet 2 Stage 243cc. It’s feature packed and comparable to other units, and it’s quiet. It was $999 on Craftsman’s website at the time of filming, and you may find it cheaper at the end of the season. It comes with a two-year warranty. It’s a big machine for big driveways, not tight areas. For a newer Craftsman, see the CRAFTSMAN Select 26 snow blower review, browse all snowblower reviews, or visit Craftsman’s official site.
FAQ
How quiet is the Craftsman 28″ Quiet 2 Stage snow blower?
So quiet it almost sounds like it’s idling. The host noted it’s listed as 45% quieter.
Does it have electric start?
Yes, a plug-in electric start, plus pull start.
How does the steering work?
Squeeze the right or left handle to disengage that wheel, and it pivots like a zero-turn mower.
What kind of skid shoes does it have?
Replaceable rubber Glide Tech skid shoes that eliminate rust stains.
What did it cost?
$999 on Craftsman’s website when our editors filmed. Check current pricing.