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Snowbound


Joined: Feb 17, 2006
Points: 76

Craftsman Snowthrower Model 88115, 11.5 hp
Original Message   Feb 18, 2006 12:18 am
Just purchased this 11.5 hp machine after surfing the web and reading brochures.  I couldn't resist the closeout price of $905.  List price, I believe, was $1,299.  I planned to buy a 9.5 or 10 hp but this was too good to resist.  Also purchased Sears three year "at-home" repair warranty for $99.  This is my first venture in snowthrowing after a life-time of shoveling in Massachusetts.  I just turned 65 on Jan. 31, and thought it was time to stop pushing the odds (or Gods), spend a few bucks and finally have fun with snow removal.  The salesman said the machine was returned unused by a customer who thought it was too large for his needs and that was the reason for the unusually low price.  He said it was technically a used machine, however, the sale to me was written up as a new one.

I checked Sears website and this machine, 88115,  was sold out nationwide.  Coincidentally, while the sale was being written up, two other customers wanted to buy it.  Guess I bought the last one.

I would appreciate any input from all of you folks out there in snowland about this or other comparable two-stage machines.  I think it has 6 speeds forward and 2 reverse.  I'll be clearing a 120 ft long by 12' wide driveway in addition to a sidewalk and front entrance walk.  I'll never forget the Blizzard of 78 and another whopper that hit us last March 2005.  I had to be plowed out three times.  This machine might be considered oversize for my needs but if we get hit hard a few more times in addition to our normal 8"-to-12" snowstorms, it should meet the worst-case challenges.  Also any maintenance information would be helpful.  I plan to take care of it with proper maintenance in hoping this machine will last a long time.

I'm waiting for delivery (arrives late next week) and forgot what it looks like.  Frustrating after buying a new toy.  By the way, does anyone have the cab attachement?  It's on sale for $99.  If so, do you think its worthwhile?  For now, I bought a ski mask for $14.95. 

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Snowbound


Joined: Feb 17, 2006
Points: 76

Re: Craftsman Snowthrower Model 88115, 11.5 hp
Reply #6   Feb 18, 2006 1:42 pm
jubol wrote:
Snowbound,

 Electrolux is the parent company of Husqvarna and Poulon.

If you would email me through this forum and include your regular Email address,

I'll send you the Maintenace and service manual web site.

Which you can download!!

It is an Electrolux maintenance manual from Great Britain.

Huskys and Poulan are sold there under the Electrolux name plate!!

                                                                            Fred



Fred,

Thanks for the offer and Electrolux info. I have a Poulan lawnmower from Sears and saw the Electrolux name while filling it with gas one day . . . mergers & buyouts came to mind.  I called Sears to follow-up on the status of my manual which the salesman ordered, and it's in the mail.  Thanks anyway.  The lawnmower works great, after two seasons, and starts easily by the way.

Snowbound

nibbler


Joined: Mar 5, 2004
Points: 751

Re: Craftsman Snowthrower Model 88115, 11.5 hp
Reply #7   Feb 18, 2006 1:48 pm
I have a 11HP B&S Snow Intek and its noticably quieter and smoother than the previous Tecumseh 10.5HP Snow King I used. I listen to it through ear plugs which are under ear muff style hearing protection If I take the hearing protection off I can't hear a difference worth typing about. The point is,  wear hearing protection, either way they aren't particularly quiet.
AZinOH


Those who accept self-deception will perish by it.
Shakespeare said "to thine own self be true".


Joined: Nov 25, 2004
Points: 189

Re: Craftsman Snowthrower Model 88115, 11.5 hp
Reply #8   Feb 18, 2006 1:56 pm
Snowbound,

Do keep us posted on your experience with the machine. When it arrives, make sure there is oil in the engine before starting it and give it a good look-over before you start blowing snow. Also, it might be a good idea to change the oil after a few hours of operation to get rid of any contamination left over from the manufacturing process. After you have some spent time blowing snow, please post a review of your machine.

AZ

Snowblower...Toro Power Max 726te 2004

Lawn tractor...AYP w/ 14.5 Briggs-42in 2000

Snowbound


Joined: Feb 17, 2006
Points: 76

Re: Craftsman Snowthrower Model 88115, 11.5 hp
Reply #9   Feb 18, 2006 2:10 pm
nibbler wrote:
I have a 11HP B&S Snow Intek and its noticably quieter and smoother than the previous Tecumseh 10.5HP Snow King I used. I listen to it through ear plugs which are under ear muff style hearing protection If I take the hearing protection off I can't hear a difference worth typing about. The point is,  wear hearing protection, either way they aren't particularly quiet.



Nibbler,

Thanks.  I always wear ear protection (when I don't forget).  I was concerned about a grouchy neighbor.  I'll be discreet with operating hours, of course. 

AZ,

I'm looking forward to submitting a review.  I also found the owners manual on the Poulan website.  Thanks for the tip.  I'll compare when I receive the Craftsman.

jubol


Location: Dover, De
Joined: Oct 3, 2003
Points: 1558

Re: Craftsman Snowthrower Model 88115, 11.5 hp
Reply #10   Feb 18, 2006 2:52 pm
Snowbound,

The manual I am referring to is the Service Manual!!

Tells how to fix, check, and what to check specs!!

It is 51 pages of photos, specs, how to remove, replace, repair your blower.

What you have on order is the Ops manual!!!

This is the service Manual, what the dealers use!!!

                                                                      Fred

Husqvarna STE927(11.5HP) snowblower,  MTD Pro Series 18/42 Lawnmower, MTD 6.5 HP  Self Prop Lawn Mower,  Weedeater 1500 Blower, Web Gensis  2000 
Snowbound


Joined: Feb 17, 2006
Points: 76

Re: Craftsman Snowthrower Model 88115, 11.5 hp
Reply #11   Feb 18, 2006 5:05 pm
jubol wrote:
Snowbound,

The manual I am referring to is the Service Manual!!

Tells how to fix, check, and what to check specs!!

It is 51 pages of photos, specs, how to remove, replace, repair your blower.

What you have on order is the Ops manual!!!

This is the service Manual, what the dealers use!!!

                                                                      Fred



Thanks.  I'm waiting for the "Owners Manual" according to Sears.  Could you post the website on here? 
jubol


Location: Dover, De
Joined: Oct 3, 2003
Points: 1558

Re: Craftsman Snowthrower Model 88115, 11.5 hp
Reply #12   Feb 19, 2006 6:23 am
Snowbound,

Email me through this forum with your regular email address, and I 'll email you the site.

                                                   Fred

Husqvarna STE927(11.5HP) snowblower,  MTD Pro Series 18/42 Lawnmower, MTD 6.5 HP  Self Prop Lawn Mower,  Weedeater 1500 Blower, Web Gensis  2000 
Snowbound


Joined: Feb 17, 2006
Points: 76

Re: Craftsman Snowthrower Model 88115, 11.5 hp
Reply #13   Feb 19, 2006 2:15 pm
Fred,

Thanks for the offer but for privacy reasons, I don't reveal my e-mail address.

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