Craftsman snow blower engines come from a few key makers, with Briggs & Stratton being the most common. Knowing who makes Craftsman snow blower engines helps you find parts and get service for your machine.
I get asked about this a lot. People buy a Craftsman snow blower and then need a new spark plug or air filter. They don’t know where to look.
I’ve looked into this for years. The answer has changed over time as companies have bought and sold the Craftsman brand. It’s not as simple as it used to be.
This guide will show you the current engine makers. I’ll also tell you how to find out which one is in your machine. Let’s get into it.
Who Makes Craftsman Snow Blower Engines Today?
The main maker right now is Briggs & Stratton. If you buy a new Craftsman snow blower, it likely has their engine. They are a huge name in small engines.
Briggs & Stratton makes engines for many brands. They are known for being reliable and easy to fix. You can find parts at most hardware stores.
Another maker you might see is Kohler. They are less common on Craftsman models but still show up. Kohler engines are also very good and last a long time.
In the past, Tecumseh made a lot of these engines. That company is gone now. If you have an older machine, it might have a Tecumseh engine inside.
So, who makes Craftsman snow blower engines? For new models, it’s mostly Briggs & Stratton. Always check your model’s sticker to be sure.
The Consumer Reports site has good info on engine brands. They test how well they run over time.
A Look at Briggs & Stratton Engines
Briggs & Stratton is the big player here. They have been making small engines for over 100 years. That’s a lot of experience.
Their engines are simple to work on. I’ve changed the oil and spark plugs on many of them. The parts are easy to find and not too pricey.
You will see different series names. The “Snow” series is made just for snow blowers. It has features to help in cold weather.
Another common one is the “Intek” series. These are general use engines that go on many tools. They work fine for clearing snow too.
When you ask who makes Craftsman snow blower engines, Briggs & Stratton is the top answer. Their logo is usually right on the engine cover.
You can look up your engine model on the Briggs & Stratton website. They have manuals and parts diagrams for free.
What About Kohler Engines?
Kohler is another big name in engines. They are known for making strong, smooth-running motors. You find them on higher-end outdoor power equipment.
Kohler engines on Craftsman snow blowers are less common now. But some models, especially the bigger two-stage blowers, might have one.
These engines often have a cast iron sleeve. This makes them last longer under heavy use. It’s a good feature if you clear a large driveway.
Parts for Kohler engines are also widely available. Their website has a great parts lookup tool. You just type in your model number.
So, who makes Craftsman snow blower engines besides Briggs? Kohler is a solid second choice. They make a great product.
If you have a Kohler engine, treat it well. Change the oil every season. Use fresh gas with a stabilizer in it.
The History of Tecumseh Engines
Many older Craftsman snow blowers have Tecumseh engines. This company was a giant in small engines for decades. They stopped making engines in 2008.
If your Craftsman is from the 1990s or early 2000s, check for a Tecumseh label. The engine shroud often says “Tecumseh” or “Snow King” on it.
Parts for these older engines can be tricky to find. Some common items, like carburetor kits, are still around. Other parts might be discontinued.
When people ask who makes Craftsman snow blower engines from that era, Tecumseh is the answer. They were the main supplier for a long time.
Don’t worry if you have one. Many Tecumseh engines are still running fine. They were built to last with simple technology.
Websites like Jack’s Small Engines have a lot of Tecumseh parts. They are a good resource for keeping an old machine alive.
How to Find Out Which Engine You Have
Look for a sticker or metal tag on the engine itself. This is the best way to know for sure. Don’t just look at the snow blower’s brand.
The engine model number and code are on that tag. Write these numbers down. You will need them to buy the right parts.
The tag is often on the blower housing or the fuel tank. Sometimes it’s on the side of the engine block. Clean off any dirt so you can read it.
Who makes Craftsman snow blower engines? The name will be on that tag. It might say “Briggs & Stratton,” “Kohler,” or “Tecumseh.”
You can also check the owner’s manual for your snow blower. It should list the engine brand and model in the specifications section.
If you lost the manual, search online. Type “Craftsman [your model number] manual” into a search engine. You can often find a free PDF.
Why the Engine Maker Matters for Parts
Knowing the engine brand saves you time and money. You can’t buy the right air filter or spark plug without it. The parts are brand-specific.
A Briggs & Stratton spark plug is different from a Kohler one. The same goes for carburetors, fuel filters, and gaskets. You need the exact match.
When you know who makes Craftsman snow blower engines, you can shop smarter. Go to that brand’s website or a parts dealer that specializes in them.
It also helps when you need service. A small engine repair shop will ask, “What kind of engine is it?” Telling them “Briggs & Stratton” gets you help faster.
I keep a note in my garage with my engine model number. It’s a simple trick that has saved me many headaches. You should do the same.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rules for small engine emissions. Newer engines from any maker must meet these standards.
Common Problems and Fixes by Engine Brand
Each engine brand has its own common issues. Knowing them helps you diagnose problems. Let’s break it down.
For Briggs & Stratton, a common problem is a dirty carburetor. Old gas turns to varnish and clogs the small jets. Cleaning the carb often fixes hard starting.
Kohler engines are very reliable. Sometimes the ignition coil fails, causing no spark. This is an easy swap with basic tools.
On older Tecumseh engines, the primer bulb often cracks and leaks. This stops fuel from getting to the engine. A new bulb kit is cheap and easy to install.
Who makes Craftsman snow blower engines in your garage? The answer guides your troubleshooting. It points you to the most likely culprit.
Always start with the simple stuff. Check for fresh gas, a clean air filter, and a good spark plug. These solve most starting problems.
For official repair info, check the Small Engine Suppliers Network. They have links to service manuals.
Buying a New Craftsman Snow Blower
If you’re shopping for a new machine, look at the engine. It’s the heart of the snow blower. A good engine means years of reliable service.
Most new Craftsman models will have a Briggs & Stratton engine. Look for the engine horsepower (HP) and cubic centimeter (cc) size. More is better for heavy, wet snow.
Check the warranty on the engine. It’s often separate from the snow blower warranty. A longer engine warranty shows the maker has faith in their product.
Ask the store clerk, “Who makes Craftsman snow blower engines on this model?” They should know or be able to look it up for you quickly.
Think about parts access down the road. Briggs & Stratton parts are everywhere. That’s a big plus if you plan to do your own maintenance.
Read reviews online. See what other owners say about how the engine starts in the cold. Real-world experience is the best guide.
Caring for Your Snow Blower Engine
Good care makes any engine last longer. It doesn’t matter who made it. Follow these simple steps every season.
Use fresh gasoline. Old gas goes bad and gums up the carburetor. I add a fuel stabilizer to my gas can for all my small engines.
Change the oil once a year. Do it at the end of the season so old, acidic oil doesn’t sit in the engine all summer. It’s an easy job.
Store it properly. Run the engine dry of fuel or use a fuel stabilizer. This prevents varnish buildup in the carburetor over the off-season.
Who makes Craftsman snow blower engines isn’t as important as how you treat them. A neglected Briggs engine will fail before a well-kept Tecumseh.
Keep the cooling fins clean. Snow and debris can block them, causing the engine to overheat. A quick brush-off after use helps a lot.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines for safe equipment use. Always clear the area of objects before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Craftsman snow blower engines for new models?
Briggs & Stratton is the main maker for new Craftsman snow blowers. You might also find some with Kohler engines, but that is less common now.
Who made engines for older Craftsman snow blowers?
Tecumseh was the primary engine maker for decades. If your Craftsman is from before 2008, it likely has a Tecumseh engine under the hood.
How do I find parts for my Craftsman snow blower engine?
First, find the engine model number on its tag. Then, search for that number on the engine maker’s website or at a small engine parts dealer online.
Are Craftsman snow blower engines good?
Yes, they are generally reliable. Briggs & Stratton and Kohler are both respected brands. Proper maintenance is the key to making any engine last for years.
Can I swap a different engine onto my Craftsman snow blower?
It is possible but can be difficult. The shaft size, mounting bolt pattern, and throttle linkage must match. It’s often easier to repair the original engine.
Who makes Craftsman snow blower engines for the cheapest models?
Even the lower-cost Craftsman models typically use Briggs & Stratton engines. They might be a lower horsepower version, but they come from the same trusted maker.
Conclusion
So, who makes Craftsman snow blower engines? Today, it’s mostly
