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

I recently sold an old Craftsman 11hp 26 inch snowblower for $50 less than what I paid for it 5 years ago because it just couldn't keep up with the snow up here north of Boston in Swampscott, MA.  I have been looking at Ariens and Toro Snowblowers and stumbled across what looked like a good deal at Home Depot so I put a hold on the machine, and was hoping to get some advice from the savy members of this board.  I was looking at the Ariens 926LE($999), and stumbled across a reconditioned 11528LE without a scratch that has never seen snow selling for $950 there.  The reconditioned machine carrys the full Ariens warranty, and looks brand new, just the price has been reduced.  I know I don't need the extra width and hp, but more power is always good, right?  The professional series is just not an option because of price.  Should I buy the new 926LE or the reconditioned 11528LE?