Editorial correction and disclosure: CMXGBAM105 is an incomplete model number, not one Craftsman snow blower. The earlier page treated the prefix as a single gas machine and carried an unrelated wet-leaves verdict and unsupported numerical score. Craftsman’s official records attach additional digits to materially different single-stage, two-stage and three-stage machines. YardToolLab has not physically used these machines, so this page is now an identification guide rather than a product review.
Bottom line: find the final four digits
Do not buy parts, download a manual, follow a capacity claim or rely on an owner review using only “CMXGBAM105.” Find the complete model on the Product Identification Label. Craftsman says a snow blower’s 11-character model number is on the back of the metal base between the rear wheels and begins with “CM.” A valid example is CMXGBAM1054540, not the shortened prefix.
The difference is substantial: verified models under this prefix range from a 21-inch, 123cc single-stage machine to 28- and 30-inch 357cc multi-stage machines. They do not share the same clearing width, auger system, controls, service parts or owner-feedback pattern.
Verified CMXGBAM105 variants
| Complete model | Official/retailer identity | Key verified distinctions |
|---|---|---|
| CMXGBAM1054539 | SB230 single-stage | 21-in clearing width; 123cc 4-cycle engine; 13-in intake; 190° chute rotation; electric start |
| CMXGBAM1054540 | SB270 single-stage | 21-in clearing width; 208cc 4-cycle engine; 13-in intake; 190° chute rotation; electric start |
| CMXGBAM1054542 | SB450 two-stage | 26-in clearing width; 208cc engine; self-propelled; a different architecture from 4539/4540 |
| CMXGBAM1054544 | SB630 two-stage | 30-in clearing width; 357cc engine; 21-in intake; power steering; electric chute; heated grips |
| CMXGBAM1054546 | SB650 three-stage | 28-in clearing width; 357cc engine; 21-in intake; power steering; 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds |
This is an identification table, not a complete production-history list. Craftsman catalogs change, and the separate equipment number and date code can also matter for parts. Confirm the label and the matching manual before service.
Why the missing digits change the buying decision
Single-stage: 4539 and 4540
These 21-inch machines use an auger-assisted single-stage layout and are officially positioned for snowfall up to six inches. The 4540’s 208cc engine is not evidence that every CMXGBAM105 machine uses 208cc. Neither model should be evaluated as though it has the powered wheels, steel auger/impeller system or deep intake of the large multi-stage variants.
Two-stage: 4542 and 4544
The 26-inch SB450 and 30-inch SB630 use a two-stage system and self-propelled drive. The larger 4544 adds 357cc power, steering assistance, an electric chute and heated grips. Feedback about a lightweight 21-inch machine therefore cannot predict maneuverability, belt loads or chute behavior on the SB630.
Three-stage: 4546
The 28-inch SB650 adds a third-stage accelerator and is meant for dense or plow-packed snow. That extra mechanism also creates different performance and service considerations. It would be misleading to call the entire prefix single-stage, two-stage or three-stage.
What exact-model owners report
The available retailer evidence is mixed and must stay attached to the complete model:
- CMXGBAM1054539: recent verified purchasers commonly praise easy starting, simple operation and useful clearing for the price. Complaints include snow building on the wheels, awkward chute control, unclear maintenance information and durability or delivery-condition problems.
- CMXGBAM1054540: owners often praise its power-to-weight balance and clearing performance. Recurring negatives include snow-packed wheels, chute parts or adjustment problems, auger engagement failures and machines that become difficult to start after limited use.
- CMXGBAM1054542: positive reports describe strong clearing when running, while repeated multi-season complaints describe hard starting, carburetor contamination and the need for annual service despite different storage practices.
- CMXGBAM1054544: owners praise heavy-snow clearing, power steering, heated grips and electric starting. Other reports describe fuel or starting trouble, chute-control faults, broken auger cables or belts and drivetrain failures.
- CMXGBAM1054546: the smaller visible review pool includes praise for steering and dry-snow operation but repeated complaints about wet-snow clogging, short throw and shear-pin or auger-system frustration.
These themes are not interchangeable. They identify questions to investigate after the complete model is known; they do not establish one reliability rating for “CMXGBAM105.”
Review provenance and evidence limits
Lowe’s pages for the 4539, 4540, 4542 and 4544 combine verified-purchaser reviews with reviews syndicated from Craftsman, and the retailer states that ratings may include incentivized submissions. Some visible reviews identify verified purchasers; others only say they came from Craftsman. We therefore did not calculate a YardToolLab score from the averages.
Independent snow-blower discussions provide longer ownership context, including disagreement about newer Craftsman/MTD construction and reports that fuel condition affects small-engine starting. However, many participants say only “Craftsman 208cc” or use an SB name without the full label. Those accounts cannot safely be assigned to one exact variant and are treated as background, not model-specific evidence.
How to identify your machine safely
- Turn the engine off, remove the ignition key and wait for all moving parts to stop.
- Look behind the machine at the metal base between the rear wheels.
- Photograph the full model, equipment number and serial/date information on the label.
- Match every character against Craftsman’s product or support record.
- Use the exact manual for fuel, oil, belt, shear-pin and storage instructions.
- Never clear a chute with your hands; follow the manual’s shutdown and clean-out procedure.
Choosing the right class
A 21-inch single-stage machine is easier to store and maneuver on paved areas with lighter accumulation. A self-propelled two-stage model adds traction and intake capacity for deeper snow. A three-stage design targets dense, plow-packed material but adds weight and mechanical complexity. The best choice depends on surface, snowfall type, storage space and operator comfort—not the shared CMXGBAM105 prefix.
Once you know the full model, compare it with our gas snow blower guide. For a broader explanation of stage count, power sources and driveway fit, see our snow blower comparison guide.
Sources and correction method
Model-label location was checked against Craftsman’s official identification guide. Product distinctions were verified on the official 4539, 4540, 4544 and 4546 pages, plus the official model/service supplement covering 4541–4546.
Exact-model owner themes were checked on Lowe’s review records for 4539, 4540, 4542 and 4544, and a retailer-syndicated 4546 review record. Independent snow-blower discussion was used only for non-model-specific context because the full label was often absent.
