I'd like to buy a snowblower (for $1,500 or less if possible). I have a normal sized driveway (10 feet by 80 feet) and get pretty heavy snow as I'm in the snowbelt here in northeast Ohio. If you guys could help me witih the exact brand/model to get, it would help me out a lot.
1. I read that the Briggs & Stratton engines are better than Tecumseh -- how true is this?
2. Research has indicated the best brand names (in approximate order) are: Honda, Simplicity (Snapper), Ariens, Toro -- is this fairly accurate?
3. However, since my budget is $1,500 I'm looking for the best VALUE too (not necessarily the best blower). I'm thinking the best value might be: Simplicity, Toro, Ariens, Honda -- is this accurate or am I way off?
4. If I spend an extra $500 will I get something SUBSTANTIALLY better than what a $1,500 (or less) snowthrower can give me?
I'm not into bells and whistles (i.e. I don't want hand-warmers or electronic shute controls). If you can offer any advice on the exact brand/model to get, I'd appreciate it!!
(P.S. I also have a 600 squarefoot deck - is it OK to use a snowblower on a deck?)
