Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I am about to purchase a new snowblower. I am choosing between the Ariens ST 5520 E 2 Stage Compact 5.5 HP Snow Blower ($600) and the Ariens ST 7524 E 2 Stage Compact 7.5 HP Snow Blower ($760). My understanding is that there are 2 advantages to the ST 7524: extra horsepower and its clears 4 inches wider. I have a gravel driveway that is about 100 ft long and two carwidths wide. It is pretty flat (although there is a slight dip at the road). I live in Danbury, Connecticut  which rarely has snows above one foot (although I think we had 2 last winter). Obviosly, I'd love to save the $160 but I'd hate to make a mistake by underbuying. I'd appreciate any advice.

My two cents:

On one hand, the four inch difference will probably wind up being negligible.  I usually wind up "trimming" the sides of my driveway once or twice anyway. 

On the other hand, as you mentioned, the two HP advantage may be helpful, especially on the EOD (end of driveway) crap left by snowplows. 

I have four Ariens SnoThros, three 24" 8HP and one 20" 2.7HP (up-powered to 4HP).  I have only used the 8HP models (the smaller one is for a real emergency if the other three fail).  The 8HP models do a great job.  Living on the MA/ NH border about 30 miles inland, we often get 12"+, sometimes more. 

I would spend the extra $160.  The Ariens will last at least ten years (my oldest is a 1960)- that's $16 per year extra for a little extra peace of mind. 

Good Luck. 

Thanks for your advice RalphS. After giving this way too much thought, I will go with the bigger machine. I figure its better to have too much power than too little. I'll report back after the first snow storm.

When going 2 stage, I always say 8 HP and up. The machine has to propell itself, and there are drivetrain losses. 5 hp is fine in a single unit, but do yourself a favor, and go 7.5. If you get 18" of snow, you will be thanking yourself, Or me

They are great prices on both of those units.  Since they are cheaper than MSRP, buy the biggest one. 

Where did you find the 7524E at $760. I'm in Guilford, CT and would like to pick one up. Thanks.

I saw this model at homedepot in Rockland county for $769.00

I bought if for $760 at Youngs in Ridgefield. Nutmeg Power Equipment in Danbury had it for the same price.

Just bought the 7.5 hp one. Returned a Troy-bilt 5.5hp unit to Lowes that I'd bought first because I thought it'd be to little HP. The Troy-bilt actually had a bigger intake on it, a wider wheelbase, fatter tires, but with only 5.5, I figured it'd be overwhelmed by the big piles the plow leaves at the end of the driveway. So for $150 more, I got the Ariens, and it's more compact and seems to be better made. I don't think you can go wrong with the 7.5HP ariens.

You'll be glad you bought the 7.5 HP one. I actually wouldn't suggest anything under 8 HP, but it's close! I live in Danbury as well. We get 40 inches average snowfall a year. Not many storms, but the past 4 - 5 years, we've had quite a number of 16"+ storms, the last few years we've been above average for snowfall. You can always use a bigger machine on a small storm, but if you buy too small, you'll be out more than once during the storm to handle the snow.