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#

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.