nonedude's Full Review: Craftsman 215 Mph, 470 Cfm Gas Blower/Vac
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I assure you I am reviewing the correct product, and I notice the details.
Quick Generalized Background Info, I recommend gas blowers
Craftsman is quickly earning a strong reputation in this reviewer’s mind. After trying lawn & garden equipment from manufacturers such as Poulan, Bolens, Toro, and Craftsman (to name a few)… I realize Craftsman has continually met and exceeded my expectations for a quality product engineered to last and bring the happiness associated with a job well done.
I used to shun Craftsman based on price alone, until I became accustomed with the name.
If you look at many a hardware store you may notice electric leaf blowers generally rate around 150 mph in speed (generally cheaper to buy but weaker than gas blowers). Also, many gas blowers may have a top speed of 205mph. This Craftsman blower I’m reviewing tops out at 215mph! The faster the better.
Do you have a decision to make? Here are my thoughts:
Electric corded blower – cheaper, weaker speeds compared to gas, corded (yuck!)
Cordless blower – Battery length? A waste of money in my opinion (at least for my yard), not going to touch this one.
Backpack blower – I’ve used one and hated it. My posture was affected and it was uncomfortable.
Gas blower – Easily switch hands, relatively light, no cord, no back issues, one full tank of gas lasts hours.
COST
I purchased this blower (winter 2008) at Sears Hardware during a sale week. It was normally priced at $175, I got it for $135.
SPECS and INVENTORY
Quoted specs listed on product box:
25cc engine w/ E-Z fire Starting, 215 mph peak velocity, 470 cfm air volume, Sim-Pul technology, Reduces debris up to 16:1.
Blower weight: 11.1 pounds.
Solid build and somewhat weighty for a hand held blower. I am by no means a husky fellow, continually carrying an 11.1 pound blower around the yard for a few hours (switching hands when necessary) is no problem for me.
Located in the box:
The Blower, 2 Blower Tube Attachments (Lower & Upper ). 2 Vacuum Tubes (Lower & Upper), 1 High Speed Nozzle, A bottle of 2-cycle engine oil - 3.2oz, 1 Elbow Tube, 1 Vacuum Bag, and Manual
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS -- Appearance: --
The vast majority of blower is black in color (exceptions: stickers, trigger, lever, button, & rope handle) encasement has a good deal of shine similar to a clear coat appearance on a car. All blower tubing attachments do not have the same luster, they are dull black. Stickers/labels are easy to spot and read, plus dirt/scratches/scuffs on equipment are easily less visible when compared to my previous leaf blower (an orange color “Poulan Pro”).
-- Starting: --
Guide to starting procedure (sticker) is located on blower near starter handle. Sticker has color illustrations.
Directly Quoted
1) Set Cruise Control to idle
2) Prime 6x
3) Set to “Start”
4) Pull rope 5 times
5) Pull trigger
6) Pull rope until engine starts
End quote
-- Notes: --
Cruise control lever is in idle position upon purchase of blower (vertical position, relative to ground). See cruise control section below for more info on this feature.
Cold Start:
The six steps above assume starting engine when cold
Step 4 mentions pulling starter rope 5 times, this step will engage engine for a few seconds then shut it down. Step 5 (pulling trigger) automatically sets “Start Lever” from “start” position to “run” position. I find two pulls from a cold engine usually does the trick, next move to step 5. This blower is easy to start in comparison to all 2 cycle crank engines I have ever used concerning lawn and garden equipment.
Warm Start:
Engine has been recently run and is still warm, but now turned off.
Proceed with steps 5 and 6 listed above in order to start blower.
Warm starts successfully occur within 1 or 2 pulls of starter rope (Step 6).
When pulling starter handle/rope, don’t feel the need to wrench mightily with your arm and jerk your back. A strong pull is good, a mighty pull is overboard. I didn’t locate a straightforward definition for the “Sim-Pul” Technology employed, but will reason its purpose is to make engine starts easier.
-- Start Lever: --
Two positions: “Start” and “Run”
Both positions are clearly labeled and color coded (“Start”=Orange, “Run” = Green), lever is located above gas cap at back right of blower.
Start position is only used for starting the engine from a cold condition.
Warm start (or throttle trigger depression) as listed in “step 5” above, automatically places start lever in “run” position.
-- Stop Switch: --
A red stop switch is conveniently located at top of handle nearest front of blower (horizontal to ground). This switch is covered in a durable plastic which is soft to the feel and clear in color. Push switch [click noise] towards back of blower to shut engine off.
-- Handle: --
Reduced vibration handle is long and well suited for small or large hands, with a comfortable softened grip, even during extended use. Vibrations passed to naked hand while blower running at full throttle is minor, never an issue for me. Handle unit is set to sway just a few degrees (minor) to the left and right, pending situational use. I can wear heavy duty lawn gloves while gripping the blower (yet don’t do so) thanks to the amount of space on the under portion of handle.
Blower trigger is located within handle (underneath towards front) and is used in conjunction with the index finger (left or right hand).
-- Stand:--
A well designed built-in stand underneath blower provides great stability. Keep the blower running, and set it down on the grass or unlevel ground (within reason) and blower will stay how and where you set it.
With blower running and set down on concrete (or any hard/level surface), it will slowly dance around in a circular motion, but it will not tip over thanks to the stand!
-- Throttle Trigger: --
Big red button located under front end of handle. Designed for index finger usage and unless you have huge hands, your middle finger can also fit.
Variable speed trigger makes for easy manipulation of engine rpm’s. Good smooth feel on naked skin, just the right amount of slight tension.
-- Cruise Control --
This lever (approx 2 inches in length) is red colored and designed for easy thumb gripping.
Located close to stop switch and throttle trigger, on front left side of blower handle.
Off position is vertical, almost but not quite a 90 degree angle.
Approximately one quarter turn towards back of blower initiates cruise control mode.
Cruise control can be set at any RPM range desired by depressing trigger slightly or fully.
Cruise control is a stellar option to have and I fully recommend using it.
-- Gas Tank:--
Mix one gallon of gas with 3.2 oz two cycle engine oil to create a 40:1 ratio (Gas to oil ratio). This mix is a must for the 2 stroke engine in this blower!
Educated guesstimate of tank capacity: 1 gallon, probably can squeeze a little more than a gallon into tank. Exact capacity not listed per my research.
Gas tank has a wide mouth for easy refilling. Remaining fuel is also easily visible.
1 3/8th inch interior radius on fuel tank mouth – per my measurement.
Gas cap has easy grip indentations and a plastic line attached to interior of tank to prevent losing the cap – it stays attached to blower.
-- Exhaust: --
Exhaust is hot as you could probably imagine. I can put my hand up to the exhaust air for about 3 seconds before I have to pull away. Exhaust emanates from front of blower directly underneath blower attachment. This is a good spot because it would be very difficult to burn your clothing or skin unintentionally.
-- Noise: --
Noise is contingent upon how hard trigger is depressed, don’t forget it also has cruise control, to maintain a constant engine speed (at any engine RPM range while on).
With hand off of trigger (undepressed, engine RPM at lowest), it’s easy to have a conversation with someone (I’ve done so more than once) without yelling.
I never wear ear protection while using this blower. I can easily use it for 1-2 hours straight (large yard, many oak trees) and I have not experienced temporary hearing loss. Longer than 2 hours continual usage can lead to temporary decrease in hearing per my experience.
-- Up to 16:1 debris reduction: --
This blower can be used as a mulcher.
Example: reduce a large pile of leaves into smaller pieces hence reducing volume for bagging purposes.
Lower vacuum tube attaches to upper vacuum tube. Lower tube connects to blower mulcher blades. Canvas type bag attaches to blower outlet (via elbow tube in blower bag) where mulched debris collects until bag is full. Suction from blower tubes will drastically decrease upon bag becoming full. Unzip back end of bag (furthest from elbow tube which remains connected to blower) empty into desired location, close bag, and repeat until mulching is complete.
ATTACHMENTS
Thumbs up regarding attachment configuration!
A male/female slotted quarter turn locking system is used to maintain a sturdy connection between upper and lower blower tubes. High speed nozzle also uses this connection method with upper blower tube end.
Lower blower tube connects into female end of blower base which has a locking knob.
Knob is easy to grip, it’s a metal screw with a large plastic handle (righty tighty, lefty loosey).
Vacuum tubes connect to each other via friction to form a tight bond.
Connecting lower vacuum tube to blower:
Blower turned off! Insert a flat headed screwdriver into mulcher grill slot.
Angle screwdriver (slightly) towards back of blower while inserting.
Slightly twist screwdriver (left or right) to unlock grill and pull it outward. Grill opens towards back of blower because hinge is located on opposite side of release slot. This grill cover remains attached to blower at all times. Lower vacuum tube connects to blower base via male/female slotted quarter turn locking system (4 connections).
Disconnection of tubes can be a little pesky, much easier when two people disconnect vacuum tubes.
Mulcher grill is heavy duty plastic and similar in shape to a fan grill.
Vacuum bag system is common to most hand held gas blowers.
Smallest end of elbow tube is inserted through small end of vacuum bag. The elbow tube connects to blower outlet, then tighten locking knob. Vacuum bag has an adjustable shoulder strap and also a large mouthed zipper opening for emptying contents.
USAGE EXPERIENCES
Blower is easy to start and works superbly! Dry leaves are easy to propel across long distances. I own approx. one acre of land and have multiple Oak Trees. Wet leaves (variables involved) can be difficult for any blower to move and will take additional time to manipulate.
I can tell you for sure that this Craftsman Blower with its 10mph faster air speed and attached high speed nozzle clearly beats out a 205mph Poulan Pro gas blower at moving wet leaves and dry leaves.
I live in a wooded area and have many trees on my property. I use this blower to clean debris off my front cement walkway and steps leading to my home. I also use it for my backyard steps and large cement patio. It saves me a lot of time compared to using a push broom.
I can easily remove cobwebs and debris which adhere to the vinyl siding on my home. This includes reaching up and under where the stucco-like foundation meets the vinyl siding, approximately 3 feet up from the earth/ground.
16:1 mulching blade works nicely with significant dry leaf pickup capability and strong enough suction to pickup small sticks and shred them.
Full gas tank should equate to at least 2-3 hours of use pending blower or mulcher use and throttle speed used.
Cruise control is just an excellent feature! Who would want to hold a trigger for a 1,2, or 3 hour job?
Set cruise control at any throttle speed and it will maintain.
Blower motor RPMs will start dropping and increasing as an indicator of gas tank very near empty. You will have about 1-2 minutes worth of gas/oil mix left in the tank. Engine will completely stall upon empty gas tank. Blower does an excellent job of using all gas in tank, there will only be a matter of drips left in the tank upon reaching stall point.
MAINTENANCE NOTES Champion spark plug (part number: RCJ-6Y or compatible) is used with this blower, this is an easy to find plug at most places which sell lawn equipment (usually $3-$4 to replace). Spark plug wire is located near blower handle in a recessed area. Use thumb and index finger to twist wire head clockwise for removal. Use a 3/4 inch deep socket attachment/wrench to remove plug when necessary. It’s recommended to change spark plug once per year to keep blower running optimal and manual mentions engine is certified to be emissions compliant for 50 hours of usage.
Air filter is exactly ½ inch in width (odd shaped outline, mostly rectangular). Made of black soft foam. It’s located about 1 inch above gas cap. Filter housing is very simple to remove thanks to a push button release. Filter is pushed into a hole like a puzzle piece and protects the carburetor from dust/debris. Recommending cleaning schedule: After every 5 hours of blower usage. It will get dirty, so it does a good job!
Reattach filter housing by aligning bottom end first, towards blower bottom tab. Slightly move “start lever” before fully pushing housing into locked position. Any other method will cause frustration.
Air filter is hand washable and reusable. Use soap & water, then completely air dry.
Per manual: Apply a few drops of oil to the filter; squeeze filter to distribute oil
I have cleaned my air filter once and it’s an easy process. Air drying is the most time consuming, I left it out in the open for one whole day to be safe.
Fuel Filter is a small cylinder residing at the bottom of fuel tank attached via fuel line. Manual instructs to remove emptied gas tank in order to remove/replace fuel filter. Gas tank has two retaining screws (Star Wrench, looks to be T-20 head). Don’t bother removing gas tank when fuel filter needs to be replaced, unless you are a stickler for following the manual!
It took me less than a minute to pull the fuel filter out through the wide gas tank’s opening (remove gas cap) with a clean pair of needle nose pliers. It’s easy!
There is no recommendation on when to replace the filter (regarding operation hours) yet manual suggests once per year. Manual also recommends replacement in troubleshooting section when fuel has difficulty reaching carburetor. Fuel filter replacement part number: 530095646 (Approx $2 part)
Carburetor Adjustment/Idle Speed Adjustment Idle speed is set at the factory - per manual
There is an idle speed adjustment screw if your blower needs fine tuning (stalls? idle too high?)
Remove the air filter cover and look directly behind “starter lever” for a lone silver colored screw (Phillips head). Clockwise turning will increase idle, and counter clockwise will decrease idle speed.
After multiple months of ownership, multiple start-ups, and a couple of gas tank empties (from full tank) – I have not needed to adjust the idle speed. Start-ups and shut downs have been very consistent in nature.
-- Suggested Maintenance Schedule: owner responsibility: -- Direct quote from manual
Check for loose fasteners and parts ~~~ Before each use
Check for damaged or warn parts ~~~~ Before each use
Inspect and clean unit and labels ~~~~~ After each use
Clean air filter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Every 5 hours of operation
Replace Spark Plug ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Yearly
Replace fuel filter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Yearly
Check Muffler mounting screws ~~~~ Yearly
End quote
Manual also recommends changing the spark arrest screen after every 50 hours of usage (Don’t clean, just replace is advised). Screen has a silver color small metal plate covering it, held in place by 4 Phillips head retaining screws. Screen is black and is similar in appearance to a window screen used in a home.
MANUAL
Black and white print with many illustrations, well organized, and good detailed information is present.
37 pages total, plus additional 2 blank pages at end for note taking.
19 pages in English, 18 pages in Spanish.
Manual chronological order of sections:
Table of contents, Warranty statement, Identification of safety symbols, Safety Rules, Assembly, Operation, Maintenance, Storage, Troubleshooting table, and EPA Statement.
Warranty is for two years from purchase, free repair or replacement if necessary. Warranty does not cover spark plug and air cleaner because they can wear out prior to two years ownership.
Multiple contact numbers are located on back cover of manual (English/Spanish)
Main number for service, parts, accessories, and owner manual is: 1-800-4-MY-HOME
Call anytime (US and Canada)
www.sears.com
CONS
There is no shoulder strap for the blower (Mulcher bag has one built-in), some may see this as a con. I could care less about having one. My last blower had one and I preferred not using it. I like the freedom of having just one hand hold the blower. If you need a strap it can be ordered, part number is: “ 71-85783 ” per manual, page 8.
Ultimate Recommendation
This blower has made one seriously happy customer in me!
It’s powerful, easy to start, and is quality made with great engineering.
The warranty is not too shabby either.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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