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

I need some advice from other experienced snowblowers.  I currently use an older, 5 hp, two stage, Ariens machine to clear the 5-6 driveways, EOD crud, and corresponding sidewalks in my neighborhood located in the Omaha, NE area. This Ariens works great the majority of the time since it provides the power of a two stage but is nimble as a single stage since it is self propelled by rubber paddles on the main auger (I haven't seen any other two stage model like this one).  There are times when the going can go real slow and/or I find myself blowing the snow twice.  The time involved isn't a factor since I enjoy blowing snow and helping out neighbors for free.

One of my neighbors is on the home owners association and has asked if I would be willing to clear off the development owned sidewalks for a fee.  I am interested but obviously, time starts to become a factor.  As much as I would love to have a higher HP of the model I currently have, such an animal doesn't seem to exist.  A single stage machine won't cut it and all of the two stage models I have looked seem to be really big, bulky, have lots of leavers and gears, etc.  I am at a loss as to where to go from here. 

I just want something that has two stages, is easy to maneuver, has the power I need, will last a long time, and doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles (a light would be nice but I can do that later on my own.  Does such a thing exist?

Thanks in advance.

The Ariens throwers are great machines. I just purchased a 926LE and it is awesome. The previous post about purchasing from HD in a box and assembling yourself is gospel. Before coming across this site, I visited HD and all the Ariens models on the floor had some form problem with the control levers. While there, a customer came by why my salesperson was trying to remedy a stuck chute control and he stated exactly what was wrong and that the machine was assembled incorrectly. i bought mine from a local farm equipment supply company and it was assembled perfectly. Also good for contacting and getting help on the machine later. There are many good models out there, just make sure you purchase from a dealer that services. Good Hunting!