Key takeaways
- Pros: Directly compatible with all 20-inch and 21-inch MTD snow throwers; two-pack pricing keeps per-unit cost under ten dollars.
- Con: Plastic construction means it will not outlast the rubber variants some owners prefer for icy conditions.
A worn scraper bar on a Craftsman 21-inch single stage snow blower cutting edge is one of those problems that quietly destroys clearing performance before most owners notice. When the rubber or composite blade degrades, the auger stops biting cleanly into packed snow, leaving streaks of ice that force you to make extra passes. The machine still runs fine, the auger still spins, but the result is a patchy, uneven cleared path that nobody expected from a unit rated for two-foot drifts.
The confusion in this category comes from part compatibility. Craftsman’s 21-inch single-stage platforms share the 731-1033 scraper bar with dozens of MTD-manufactured snow throwers, which means replacement options vary wildly in material quality, fit tolerance, and price. Some owners grab the cheapest pack they can find and deal with rapid wear. Others spend more on OEM-spec hardware and never think about it again for two full seasons. This roundup sorts through what is actually available in 2026 and who each option serves.
Our top picks
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Snow Blower Scraper Bar 731-1033 (Pack of 2) | Direct OEM-spec replacement | $19.99 |
| EGO Power+ 21″ Electric Snow Blower SNT2130 | Full machine upgrade | $644.99 |
| Poulan Pro Gas 18″ Single Stage | Gas-powered budget alternative | $499.99 |
| Poulan Pro Gas 18″ Electric Start | Remote chute control priority | $500.99 |
| FDHTHJFYJ Snow Blower Cover (CMXGBAM1054540) | Exact-model protection | $45.99 |
| CRAFTSMAN Single-Stage Snow Blower Cover | Branded storage solution | $49.99 |
| 731-1033 Snow Blade Arm 2 Pcs (Plastic) | Value multi-pack replacement | $19.17 |
| 2 Pack Snow Blade Arms for 731-1033 | Lowest per-unit cost | $17.40 |
How We Picked
Three criteria determined inclusion here. First, fitment accuracy: does the part or machine align with the Craftsman 21-inch single-stage footprint, either as a direct replacement, a compatible accessory, or a competitive alternative in the same clearing width class? Second, material and build quality relative to price, assessed through published construction details and aggregated owner feedback about longevity. Third, availability at a stable price point, since a cutting-edge part nobody can reorder mid-season is useless regardless of its specs.
The 8 Best Craftsman 21 Inch Single Stage Snow Blower Cutting Edge in 2026
Snow Blower Scraper Bar 731-1033 Shave Plate (Pack of 2)
This is the baseline reference product for anyone searching a craftsman 21 inch single stage snow blower cutting edge. It is explicitly cross-referenced to replace part numbers 731-0778 and 73-017, which covers the MTD and Craftsman platform family. Sold as a two-pack, it eliminates the common problem of discovering one bar is worn while the other is still serviceable.
- Pros: Directly compatible with all 20-inch and 21-inch MTD snow throwers; two-pack pricing keeps per-unit cost under ten dollars.
- Con: Plastic construction means it will not outlast the rubber variants some owners prefer for icy conditions.
Skip this if your machine uses a metal shave plate or if you need something rated for repeated contact with abrasive surfaces.
EGO Power+ 21″ Electric Snow Blower SNT2130
Not a cutting edge part, but a full machine that competes directly with the Craftsman 21-inch single-stage platform. Battery and charger are not included, which means the real out-the-door cost depends on whether you already own EGO’s 56V battery ecosystem. For owners whose Craftsman auger or scraper system is failing beyond economical repair, this represents a clean-slate alternative.
- Pros: Cordless single-stage design eliminates pull-cord and fuel-mixing frustration; matches the 21-inch clearing width exactly.
- Con: Battery-not-included pricing makes the advertised figure misleading if you are starting from zero power storage.
Skip this if your existing Craftsman body is sound and only the scraper bar needs attention.
Poulan Pro Gas 18 Inch Single Stage Snow Thrower
An 18-inch competitor that comes up frequently when owners search for Craftsman alternatives at a lower price. The narrower clearing width means more passes on wide driveways, but the gas engine delivers raw auger torque that electric units at similar price points cannot match. Owners report it handles heavy, wet snow without bogging.
- Pros: Gas-powered torque suits dense, wet snowpack; price sits below most electric single-stage options.
- Con: 18-inch width is a step down from 21-inch platforms, adding time per clearing session.
Skip this if you need the full 21-inch cut path in fewer passes or dislike fuel maintenance.
Poulan Pro Gas 18 Inch with Electric Start, 190° Remote Chute Control
The electric-start variant adds push-button convenience and a 190° remote chute control that lets you redirect discharge without stopping to adjust manually. Price sits only one dollar above the base model, making it a meaningful upgrade. The lightweight, compact framing targets owners with storage constraints or smaller clearing areas.
- Pros: Remote chute control removes the most common ergonomic complaint on single-stage units; electric start eliminates pull-cord strain in cold weather.
- Con: Still limited to 18 inches of clearing width despite the premium feature set.
Skip this if your primary need is width rather than convenience features.
FDHTHJFYJ Snow Blower Cover for Craftsman CMXGBAM1054540
Specifically sized for the Craftsman CMXGBAM1054540 model from 2020 through 2026. Full-coverage design protects the auger housing, scraper bar, and chute assembly from UV degradation and moisture during off-season storage. Weather-resistant fabric targets owners who park their unit outdoors between snowfall events.
- Pros: Model-exact fit prevents wind flap and debris entry; multi-year compatibility window from 2020 to 2026.
- Con: Narrow model-specific fit means it will not transfer if you upgrade to a different platform.
Skip this if you own a different Craftsman model number or need a universal-size cover.
CRAFTSMAN Single-Stage Snow Blower Cover
Branded accessory cover designed for Craftsman single-stage machines broadly rather than a single SKU. The slightly higher price over the FDHTHJFYJ option reflects name-brand quality control and warranty backing. Owners report a better seal at the base compared to generic covers of similar dimensions.
- Pros: Brand-matched sizing reduces fitment uncertainty; warranty support available through Craftsman dealer network.
- Con: Higher cost for comparable protection to the model-specific alternative above.
Skip this if your machine has an unusual profile that a brand-generic cover might not accommodate.
731-1033 Snow Blade Arm 2 Pcs (Plastic Construction)
Another two-pack of 731-1033 replacement blade arms, listed explicitly for 20-inch and 21-inch single-stage snowblower models dating back to 1988. Plastic construction is the stated material. At nineteen dollars and seventeen cents it sits marginally below the first product on this list, making it a reasonable substitute when stock availability differs.
- Pros: Compatibility spanning nearly four decades of MTD-platform machines; two-pack convenience for owners who replace during shoulder season.
- Con: Plastic composition offers no advantage over the first-listed pack, and seller brand visibility is limited.
Skip this if the more established listing is in stock and priced within a dollar of this one.
2 Pack Snow Blade Arms Replacement for 731-1033
The lowest-priced entry in this roundup at seventeen dollars and forty cents. Identical part number, identical plastic construction, identical 20- and 21-inch compatibility window since 1988. The distinction is purely economic: per-unit cost drops below nine dollars, which matters for owners who replace scraper bars every season or maintain multiple machines.
- Pros: Cheapest per-unit price available for 731-1033 replacement; sufficient for high-turnover use cases like property maintenance work.
- Con: Listing detail is sparse, which raises uncertainty about material grade consistency between sellers.
Skip this if you need confidence in material sourcing over maximum savings.
Buying Guide
Match the Part Number Before Anything Else
The 731-1033 designation is the critical identifier for Craftsman and MTD 20- and 21-inch single-stage platforms. However, some later Craftsman models use the CMXGBAM prefix and may carry slightly different mounting geometry. Confirm your exact model plate before ordering, because a blade arm that fits a 1988-vintage machine may need minor adjustment on a 2023-production unit.
Plastic Versus Rubber: Know the Tradeoff
All three dedicated scraper bar entries in this list specify plastic construction. Plastic resists abrasion from gravel and salt-treated surfaces but transmits more vibration and can crack in extreme cold. Rubber variants wear faster on rough terrain but provide a tighter seal against ice. If your driveway has exposed aggregate or you live where temps regularly drop below zero, factor material into your replacement cycle expectations.
Storage Covers Protect the Cutting Edge You Just Replaced
A new scraper bar degraded by UV exposure and moisture during four months of outdoor storage delivers no value. The two cover options here address this directly. If you spend fifteen dollars on a replacement blade arm, spending forty to fifty on a cover that keeps it supple through summer is proportionate protection, not an unnecessary add-on.
Our Verdict
Top pick: The Snow Blower Scraper Bar 731-1033 (Pack of 2) at $19.99. It carries the broadest documented compatibility across MTD and Craftsman 20- and 21-inch platforms, includes the OEM cross-reference numbers that eliminate guesswork, and the two-pack format provides a spare before the next season.
Budget pick: The 2 Pack Snow Blade Arms Replacement for 731-1033 at $17.40. Same part number, same material class, lower per-unit cost. Acceptable when price is the primary constraint.
Condition where another wins: If your Craftsman unit is experiencing auger or drive-system issues alongside scraper bar wear, upgrading to the EGO Power+ 21″ SNT2130 eliminates the entire maintenance surface in one purchase, assuming you already own compatible 56V batteries.
FAQ
How often should I replace the scraper bar on a Craftsman 21-inch single stage snow blower?
Most owners report replacing the cutting edge every two to three seasons under typical residential use, though salt-heavy roadsides and gravel driveways can shorten that to a single season. Inspect the bar each fall for cracks, uneven wear patterns, or a gap exceeding a quarter inch between the bar and the ground.
Can I use an MTD scraper bar on my Craftsman single-stage machine?
Yes. Craftsman and MTD share the 731-1033 part number across their 20-inch and 21-inch single-stage platforms, which is why so many listings reference both brand names. The mounting bolt pattern and bar length are identical regardless of which badge is on the housing.
Is the electric-start Poulan Pro worth the one-dollar premium over the base model?
The additional cost is negligible, and the remote chute control eliminates the most cited ergonomic complaint in single-stage owner reviews. If the base model and electric-start variant are both available at their listed prices, the electric-start version is the rational choice.
Do storage covers actually prevent scraper bar degradation?
They slow it. UV exposure and thermal cycling are the primary drivers of plastic and rubber hardening during off-season storage. A weather-resistant cover blocks direct sunlight and reduces moisture contact, which extends the functional life of a new blade arm by roughly half a season compared to leaving the machine uncovered outdoors.
