Crapsman snow blowers; built to run on those warm, sunny days

Three years ago I purchased a snow blower. For legal purposes let’s call it a “Crapsman”, that way their real identity can be kept secret, and they won’t sue the pants off me for telling this story. The machine worked great at first, tearing through anything I threw at it; snow, ice, stray cats. Then come the second or third snowstorm, I pulled it out, started it up and was met with a deafening screech emanating from the pulley system. I think there are dog’s three counties away that are still barking.

I took it to the repair center, and after paying a significant amount to have it repaired (because it was one month out of warranty) I brought it home. There was still a bit of snow on the ground so I thought I would try it out. I started it up, used it for 15 minutes then the loud screech returned, redoubling its volume from before. It was so loud I actually panicked trying to make it stop. I fumbled and jerked on every switch and handle before it donned on me to just hit the off switch. I called the repair center and was informed that they ATTEMPTED to repair the problem, but because they were unsure of the cause, they could not guarantee a positive result. They said if I brought it in again they would be glad to look at it and see if they could do something else… at an additional fee of course.

After several phone calls, I refused to pay the organization (let’s call them “Rears”) any more money to NOT repair my snow blower, and wound up selling it in a garage sale for parts that summer. I swore off “Crapsman”, claiming I would never use their products again. Then this fall “Rears” had a great deal on snow blowers so, in the spirit of second chances, I thought I would give it another try. We brought our new “Crapsman” home, put it together, and started it up. It is a monster of a machine, worthy of battling winter avalanches in the Alps. It ran great on that balmy 60 degree day, but then the snow came.

I pumped the primer and pulled and pulled on the cord. I even hooked up the electric start, but try as I may it just wouldn’t go. I guess “Crapsman” has a temperature limit on their snow blowers. Anything under 40 degrees and it won’t run. I think they should note that in the owner’s manual. It would save folks all the trouble of actually trying to use in when it snows.

I called the “Rears” repair center to see when someone might be able to some out and fix it, but they told me I would have to bring it in to the repair center. The operator was snide, unwavering and was in no way interested in hearing about the fact that the machine was brand new. When I explained that it would take three men and a rhino to get it into a truck she told me she would be glad to send a repairman out to fix our BRAND NEW snow blower for a MINIMUM charge of $99.00.

So now I have yet another useless “Crapsman” snow blower sitting in my garage, this time with the plastic literally still on it. I’m not sure where I’m going with this story but I just couldn’t help but tell it. I figured it would be OK since I hid their identity and no one will ever know which company I am really talking about. I guess I’ll just end with the obligatory “Rears” sucks, and I’ll never buy “Crapsman” again.

Thanks for listening. I have thrown my soap box back into the garage next to my snow blower and I promise not to get it out again… until next time.

Stay warm, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and joyious reading!!!!