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.

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.