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

Hello, I am new to the forum and in general new to snowblowers.

I live in Chicago area so we get quite a bit of snow. My driveway is about 50' long and can fit two cars side by side. I also have about 60' of sidewalk to clear.
I'm looking at Ariens 520EC or Yard Machines 31A-62EE729 at home depot. Yard Machines has more features, but Ariens has better quality reputation. Here are the links to both machines

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100596768&N=10000003+90075+501670
The picture on that Ariens is wrong becaus the chute crank handle goes all the way back.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100646701&N=10000003+90075+501670#

Given your clearing area and location with lots of snow the YM could be a consideration just on the 24 versus 20 inch clearing width.

 

For some people storing their machine in a garage the 20 versus 24 becomes a consideration when storing it beside or between cars or in front of cars.  The small footprint can make a difference.

 

The Ariens will have a bit more robust body but not to the extent of their reputation which comes from their larger high end machines.  The MTD is not a bad machine and could last 15 years if you use it properly, store it properly, do the maintenance, and clean off the machine well after use.

 

The Ariens engine is a standard Tecumseh very good proven L-head engine.  MTD is now using a foreign made Chinese engine.  Getting any detail on these engines has been difficult but I would guess MTD has selected a reliable design and overseas maker.  Both have a lot to loose if that is not the case.  Their OHV is not a super new design introducing exotic features like a Japanese car engine.  It’s a pretty basic OHV, probably well made, and a safe bet.

If your a first time buyer there is some info at: http://www.kedawei.com/snowblower.htm

trouts2

Thanks for suggestions and i did read your little web site.
I am concerned with space, because we have a 2 car garage and no basement so garage is already overfilled.
I ended up getting the 520EC based on reviews i read here and elsewhere. Since this is my first snowblower ever, I think that it will be easier with just one forward speed.

Good luck with that new Ariens.