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?

I can get a Ariens 1128 Pro 2003 Model used for $1000.  It is in excellent condition however, the starter doesn't work.  He will replace it prior to selling though, since it's still under warrantee.  Is this common for the 1128 and is OK to get a used snow thrower?  Claims to have less than 20 hours total on the machine.

If you post the model and serial number I can confirm the date of manuafacture and possibly the selling date.

I don't know the serial number, but the model number is 924508. 

This unit  was built for 3 seasons 2001, 2002, 2003 (actual build dates 6/21/2001 through 03/01/2004).