Craftsman 88173 Review – 26” Snow Blower 2023

Engine

The Craftsman 88173 comes equipped with a 208cc engine, which is standard for this size and type of snow blower. In terms of reliability, it has a solid pedigree; as far as maneuverability goes, the engine is small enough to allow for easy mobility, even for amateurs. Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size, however—this is a classic, tried-and-true engine that’s amazingly sophisticated, especially for a unit that’s meant primarily for domestic use.

The engine on this model also comes equipped with an electric starter, which comes in especially handy on those frigid winter mornings. The push-button control makes it even more user-friendly—no need to tug on a cord and wait for the telltale growl to kick in.

Width and Depth of Clearing

This model allows for 26 inches of clearing space, which is sufficient for most pathways—even areas of the sidewalk. In terms of depth, the machine is capable of clearing drifts of up to 21 inches. These specifications make it a great choice even if you live in areas that are prone to storms with a significant amount of snowfall.

Gears

The Craftsman 88173 features six forward speeds and two reverse speeds. This versatility allows you to work at your own pace, and to adjust as you go if needed. The various speeds also help when it comes to clearing drifts and banks of different depths since deeper falls will generally require more time and effort.

Control Features

This unit is operated using a single hand controller. Put simply, this means that you can make changes in the direction of the chute without having to stop during the snow blower’s operation. While this is a minor point, it represents a great deal of potential time saved, particularly in the mornings when you’re trying to get to work.

Tires

The tires on this snow blower are small by industry standards—only 13 inches in diameter and 4 inches wide. Despite their small size, however, they feature a special “X-Trac” design that allows them to maintain a firm grip on the snowy ground, giving you superb maneuverability. The only reason you might want to consider larger tires is if you have a large garden that you plan to keep clear during the winter, as these won’t do as well on soft or unstable terrain.

EZ Chute Control

This flexible, low-maintenance polymer chute is standard issue for all Craftsman snow blowers. It’s sturdy enough to hold up to long use, but its flexibility means that it won’t get clogged up with snow like the chutes on some lower-end models. The controls for snow disposal are simple and provide a high degree of accuracy, even when dealing with deep drifts.

Skid Shoes

This is a feature that definitely falls under the “special add-ons” category, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless. The poly skid shoes are specially designed not to leave ugly skid marks on your driveway or property. They also help you keep the snow blower on track during use.

Power Steering

The Craftsman 88173 does not have power steering, which is one of its few weak points. However, the fact that the self-propelled engine features six forward speeds and two reverse speeds helps to mitigate the disappointment. Unless you’re dealing with exceptionally wet, heavy snow, you should have no problem guiding this unit where you want it to go.

Optional Light Feature

Some snow blowers come equipped with built-in lights, to make them easier to use at night. Since many users will be aided with the light from their porch, garage, or a nearby streetlight, this is considered an extraneous feature. This feature doesn’t come standard with the Craftsman 88173, but the unit can be fitted with lights if you need them.

Having used the model both with and without this optional feature, I don’t personally believe that it’s necessary. Nonetheless, I will note that the light is sufficiently bright and that the feature is reliable, so if you need the extra illumination, go ahead and spring for the add-on.

The Bottom Line

Given the strong points of the Craftsman 88173, I think it would make a great addition to any home. While only you can decide whether this particular unit will suit your needs, it’s a durable and reliable model that’s built up an excellent consumer reputation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the market for a powerful yet maneuverable snow blower with all the basic conveniences, the Craftsman 81173 has you covered. The strength and versatility of the engine, coupled with the user-friendly electric starter, makes this a wonderful choice for amateurs and professionals alike. Given our positive experience with this model, I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a snow blower to help them keep their paths and driveways clear this winter—and for many winters to come.

Optionally, the 88173 also has a smaller brother, a 21”, 179cc, single-stage snow blower at about half the price. While that gives you a great option between two very different budgets, the smaller model limits your snow clearing width and power substantially. Consider how much area you need to cover and how quickly you wish to be done.

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