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

We are in need of a new unit as our 10 yr old unit died last week. We live in WI and the past 2 years have required lots of snowblower use.

Here are the options we are looking at and have no idea which one is a good choice..

Simplicity 1924E 999.00
Arens 27L 1199.00
Simplicity 1226L 1099.00
Yard Machines 2-Stage 26 In. Electric Start Snow Thrower 699.99(Home depot).

We know we want a 2 stage and hoped to stay below $1000. Are we really taking a risk with the Yard Machine??

Any advice would be very helpful.

Thanks so much,

From the line up you posted, I'd be choosing one of the Simplicity machines.  The I924 Simplicity model is their intermediate machine.   For the money, I'd step up to their large frame model to get easy steer, one hand operation, heavy duty cast iron auger gear drive, much stronger engine and probably an overall tougher more capable machine.  Go large frame. 

Tough to get a good choice this time of year, especially after a few snows.

Borat mentioned a good Simplicity and I don't think anyone will disagree.  But you may  have trouble finding one, so check Sears and John Deere. They both have the same machine (some Sears sell the Snapper brand, it's not one of the Craftsmans) with a different name.

Take a look at the specs and pictures of the following:

http://www.simplicitymfg.com/products/snowthrowers/large_frame/
http://www.simplicitymfg.com/products/snowthrowers/large_frame_dual-stage/specs/

http://www.snapper.com/products/snowthrowers/large_frame_dual-stage/
http://www.snapper.com/products/snowthrowers/large_frame_dual-stage/specs/

http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/HO/servlet/com.deere.u90785.cce.productcatalog.view.servlets.ProdCatProduct?pNbr=LP1695441&tM=HO
http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/HO/servlet/com.deere.u90785.cce.productcatalog.view.servlets.ProdCatProduct?pNbr=LP1695442&tM=HO

It could all boil down to what's available now, your confidence in the dealer, and who has the best price.  Oh, and your favorite color  ;)