Craftsman Select 24″ Snow Blower Review

In the quest for an effective snow removal tool, the CRAFTSMAN Select 24 Snow Blower stands out prominently. This snow blower, powered by a 208cc two-stage gas engine and boasting a 24-inch clearing width, offers significant promise in revolutionizing snow clearance. Exploring the capabilities of this model, its potential to efficiently handle heavy snowfalls is striking. The CRAFTSMAN Select 24 Snow Blower combines strength with user-centric design, positioning it as a key contender in winter maintenance.

The opportunity to test the CRAFTSMAN Select 24 Snow Blower and observe its performance in real-world snow conditions was compelling. Its proficiency in cutting through dense snow indicates its value during severe winters. With features like electric start and ergonomic controls, this model emerges as a potentially indispensable tool for homeowners in snowy regions, transforming challenging snow removal tasks into manageable, even effortless endeavors.

Craftsman Select 24 Snow Blower Specs

• Engine: 208cc 4-cycle OHV engine
• Start Type: Push-button electric start
• Drive: Self-propelled with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds
• Clearing Width: 24 inches
• Intake Height: 20 inches
• Augers: 12-inch sawtooth steel augers
• Chute Rotation: 200 degrees
• Ergonomics: Comfortable controls and handgrips
• Warranty: Three-year limited warranty

Powerful Engine

The 208cc 4-cycle OHV engine is the cornerstone of the Craftsman Select 24 Snow Blower snow blower’s performance. This engine’s capacity and design are tailored for handling substantial snowfall, providing the necessary power to tackle thick, heavy snow efficiently. During my evaluation, I observed that this engine delivers consistent and reliable output, which is crucial for maintaining steady progress in clearing snow.

The 4-cycle OHV design also contributes to smoother operation and better fuel efficiency, making it an effective choice for residential snow removal tasks. It’s clear that this engine is thoughtfully engineered to offer a blend of power and efficiency, key for any homeowner looking to manage winter weather effectively.

Two-Stage Operation

The two-stage operation of the snow blower significantly enhances its efficiency in handling diverse snow conditions. The first stage is crucial for breaking up the snow, especially important for handling compact or frozen snow. This preliminary stage ensures that even tightly packed snow is loosened and ready for removal. In the second stage, the snow blower efficiently ejects the broken-up snow. This dual-stage process is particularly effective for heavy and dense snow, ensuring thorough clearing.

During my evaluation of this system, its capability to manage different types of snow was impressive. Whether dealing with light snow flurries or challenging dense, wet accumulations, the two-stage process worked flawlessly. This seamless operation across various snow types not only enhances the machine’s versatility but also assures users of its reliability in diverse winter conditions. The ability to handle a wide range of snow densities and moisture levels without clogging or losing efficiency marks this feature as particularly noteworthy for those in heavy snowfall regions.

Self-Propelled Drive

The self-propelled drive system of the snow blower, featuring 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, is a key aspect that significantly boosts its maneuverability. This wide range of speed settings allows for precise control and adaptability, catering to various snow conditions and terrain types. The ability to adjust speeds provides flexibility, facilitating easy navigation through both open spaces and more confined areas.

During practical use, I found this array of speed options to be incredibly beneficial. It allows the snow blower to be tailored to different situations, whether it’s swiftly clearing expansive driveways or maneuvering through narrower paths and sidewalks. The inclusion of reverse speeds also adds to the convenience, especially when needing to reposition the machine in tight spots. This feature ensures that the snow blower can efficiently handle diverse clearing tasks, making it a versatile tool for snow removal in varying environments.

Electric Start

The electric start feature of the Craftsman snow blower greatly enhances the user experience, particularly in very cold weather conditions. This feature eliminates the traditional, often strenuous, pull-start method, a common challenge with gas-powered snow blowers. During my testing, I found that the snow blower consistently started smoothly and effortlessly, even under extremely cold temperatures.

This reliability in start-up reduces the time and effort required to begin snow removal, making the process more efficient from the outset. The convenience and dependability of the electric start mechanism are particularly noticeable during those cold, early mornings, transforming a potentially difficult start into a seamless experience.

200° Chute Rotation

The 200-degree chute rotation on the Craftsman snow blower significantly enhances the precision of snow discharge direction. This ability to finely control where the snow is thrown is particularly valuable for keeping cleared paths clean or protecting sensitive areas, like flower beds or vehicles, from accidental snow dumping. During my evaluation, this feature proved to be a standout, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing snow disposal strategically.

In practice, the flexibility offered by this chute rotation adds a layer of efficiency to the snow removal process. It allows for quick adjustments on the fly, ensuring that snow is not just removed, but also placed where it won’t cause further inconvenience. This level of control is especially useful in residential settings, where snow needs to be cleared from driveways and walkways without affecting neighboring areas. My testing showed that this feature could be a major time-saver, streamlining the snow clearing process.

Table Comparison with Competitor Model

In this comparison, the CRAFTSMAN Select 24 Snow Blower shows advantages in its chute rotation capabilities, build quality, and ease of maneuverability due to its multiple speed options. Both models share similarities in engine power and starting method, but the CRAFTSMAN model stands out with its user-friendly features and robust construction.

Ariens 920025 Classic 24-In. 2-Stage Snow Thrower, 208cc AX Engine Specs

• Engine: 208cc Ariens AX Engine
• Start Type: Electric Start
• Drive System: Self-Propelled with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds
• Clearing Width: 24 inches
• Chute Rotation: 205 degrees
• Construction: All-steel with a freeze-resistant blade
• Features: In-dash chute deflector and rotation, Disc-O-Matic Drive System, Remote chute deflector
• Warranty: 3-year consumer warranty

User Experience and Ease of Use

The Craftsman Select 24 Snow Blower stands out with its electric start feature, a significant benefit in cold weather, making it easier to start than traditional pull-start models. Users will value the smooth and reliable startup, ensuring efficient snow removal without delay. Its intuitive controls and ergonomic design make the snow clearing process more user-friendly and efficient. Additionally, the self-propelled drive with various speeds enhances maneuverability and adaptability to different snow conditions, appealing to a broad range of homeowners.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The Craftsman Select 24 Snow Blower is equipped with a robust engine, capable of tackling heavy snowfalls with ease. This powerful engine ensures that even in challenging winter conditions, snow removal is efficient and effective.
• The two-stage operation of this snow blower adds versatility, allowing it to break up and eject snow efficiently. This feature is particularly effective in handling a range of snow types, from light flurries to dense accumulations.
• The self-propelled drive system with multiple speed settings enhances the snow blower’s maneuverability. This makes it easier to navigate through different terrains and snow conditions, offering flexibility and control.
• The electric start feature is a key convenience, especially in cold weather. It provides hassle-free start-ups, eliminating the difficulties associated with traditional pull-start methods in freezing temperatures.
• The Craftsman snow blower is designed for durability. Its robust construction ensures long-lasting performance, making it a reliable choice for regular snow removal tasks.

Cons

• The Craftsman Select 24 Snow Blower is relatively heavier compared to some other models. This aspect might affect its ease of handling, especially in maneuvering or transporting the blower.
• Being a gas-powered machine, it necessitates regular fuel management. Users need to ensure they have adequate gas supplies and maintain the engine, which includes regular oil changes and fuel checks.
• Typically, gas-powered snow blowers, like this model, tend to be louder than their electric counterparts. This factor is something to consider for users sensitive to noise or in residential areas with noise restrictions.

Conclusion

The Craftsman Select 24 Snow Blower is a top choice for efficient snow clearing at home, thanks to its powerful engine, user-friendly design, and durable build. Perfect for harsh winters, it combines ease of use with robust performance, making it an excellent choice for maintaining clear and safe outdoor areas during snowy seasons.

FAQs

1. How effective is the electric start in extremely cold temperatures?
   The electric start functions reliably, even in very low temperatures.
2. Can it handle icy, compacted snow?
   Yes, the two-stage operation and robust augers can manage icy conditions.
3. Is assembly difficult?
   Minimal assembly is required, and it’s straightforward.
4. What type of maintenance is needed?
   Regular cleaning, engine checks, and proper storage are key.
5. Is it suitable for clearing large areas?
   Yes, its width and power make it ideal for larger spaces.
6. How does the chute control enhance usability?
   The 200° rotation allows for precise control over where snow is thrown.
7. Is it noisy?
   It’s relatively quiet for a gas-powered model but louder than electric ones.
8. How does it perform on slopes?
   The self-propelled drive handles slopes well, reducing user effort.
9. What is the warranty, and what does it cover?
   A 3-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects.
10. Can height adjustments be made for different users?
    While the handle height isn’t adjustable, the ergonomic design accommodates most users comfortably.

As we wrap up this review of the Craftsman Select 24 Snow Blower, the conversation now turns to you. Has this snow blower piqued your interest, met your needs, or perhaps left you looking for more? It’s your real-world experiences, thoughts, and feedback that truly animate these reviews. Whether you’re an experienced user of the Craftsman Select 24 Snow Blower or contemplating its purchase for the first time, your insights are invaluable. They help paint a fuller picture of this product. So, I invite you to dive into the comments, share your experiences, and join a community that values genuine experiences and forthright opinions.

Charles Hayes

Forestry Author

I'm Charles Hayes, I bring over 15 years of specialized expertise in landscaping and woodworking, blending artistic design with sustainable environmental stewardship. My career, fueled by a profound passion for the natural world, encompasses extensive education and hands-on experience in creating harmonious, eco-friendly outdoor spaces and responsibly managing forest resources. Recognized for my professional standing, I am committed to continuous learning and certification in cutting-edge practices. My expertise is not only reflected in my work but also in my contributions to community projects, educational workshops, and collaborations with industry leaders. As an authoritative voice in my field, I strive to share knowledge and promote environmentally conscious approaches, making me a trusted resource in landscaping and forestry.