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

I am going to be purchasing a snowblower in the next month.  I've narrowed my choices down to two:

1. Toro 826LE with a 250 cc Briggs Snowmax OHV engine.  These just came out this year. 222 lbs.  $1399 Canadian

2. Toro 828LE with a 318cc Tecumseh L-head engine.  249 lbs.     $1620 Canadian.

I'd really prefer the 826LE due to the Briggs OHV engine but this model does not have freewheel steering whereas the 828LE has freewheel steering but a Tecumseh engine of which I'm not a fan.  The 826 would also more easily fit through a section of my patio that's only 31" wide.

I'm looking for advice as to whether the freewheel steering is really necessary.

Thank you.

When I bought my Simplicity last year for $1500.00 CDN, a comparable Toro was close to $2000.00.  I was impressed with the build quality of the Toro chassis but with an old style 8 h.p. L head Tecumseh engine and, aluminum auger gear housing, I think Toro has a lot of nerve to demand that kind of price.   The Simplicity chassis is built just as well.  It has a B&S ohv engine, cast iron auger gear housing and all mechanical controls that work in the most demanding environments.  To me, the decision was a no-brainer.  The $500.00 I saved will buy a hell of a lot of gas.   Another good reason for me not buying  the Toro is that the local dealer (stealer) is one of the worst gougers I've ever encountered.