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

I've been researching for a couple of months now.  Today is the day you help me make the decision.  I live in Southern Ontario, Canada, where we can expect numerous snow storms and good accumulation during the winter.  I have a 2 car wide, 50' long drive way.

I have narrowed my search down to the Toro 1028LXE and the Ariens 1130DLE.  The Toro up here is $1899 and the Ariens is $1749.  I would like to make a decision today and buy one of these units with your help.

I'm leaning towards the Toro because of the plastic parts (yes, I think they are a positive, especially after reading posts in this forum) and the Chute control.

Your opinions are appreciated.

Thanks!

I just bought a brand new 9.5 h.p. 28" Simplicity for $400.00 CDN less than you paid for the Toro.  It has the B&S overhead valve engine, trigger release wheel lock, cast iron auger gear drive housing, excellent chute and deflector controls and it's built like a tank.  I used that hammering, noisy Tecumseh L head  for 12 years and I'll tell you, the OHV engine is a real treat by comparison.  You would have done yourself a favour by looking at the Simplicity.  Four hundred bucks will buy a lot of gas.