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

We live in Cleveland and get dumped with snow rarely, but when it happens it is 6-8 inches. I got a MTD single stage 5.5 HP 21" that rarely is able to throw the snow off our driveway. Major considerations before this buy was : garage space is limited, driveway is small, 2 car wide, 4 car long. small sidewalk. Need only for our home. I plan to return to HD because it is not having any punch to the snow throwing from the center of the driveway, all it does is dumps it on the side of the driveway and I have to re do the sides again. Everyone is out of ariens here and was thinking of buying a 5.5 HP Ariens, 2 stage 21". Read the forum and got concerned bec I have paid 400 for MTD and Ariens is 680 for the 5520. Not in stock anyway, expected next week. Alternative is my neighbour bought a craftsman 5.5 HP 2 stage from Sears for 450. With sears warranty, can get it fixed locally. Dont know if Ariens dealer will fix if I buy from HD. Any thoughts, maybe other models: Toro? Cost, repairs and garage space are major considerations. Thanks in advance for any input