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

I need help on deciding which snow blower to get since this is my first.  Challanges are that my driveway is about 150 yards (450 feet) long and ranges from 15 feet to 50 feet wide.  The driveway is on the fairly steep hill (approx 30 feet elevation) which will make it fun removing the snow for the first time at my new home.

I am looking for a snowblower that will have no problems making it up this hill and make removing snow a breeze.  For what I see, the John Deere 1130SE (lowes) or Ariens Deluxe 30 Platium ST30DLE (Home Depot) are my options without spending too much money on. 

Any suggestions or recommendations on other snow blowers?

From my research

Item                    Johne Deere 1130     Ariens Deluxe

Price                         $1350                          $1450               with 10% coupons

Engine                    BS 342cc                       BS 342cc

Steering                  Easy Steer                Automatic Traction Control

Gear Case               Cast Iron                    Aluminum

Wheel Diameter     16" x 6.5"                         15" x 5"

Clearing with, Augar Diameter, and other features are comparable

Due to the cost of my place, I am on a tight budget.  Short of paying someone to plow, I figure can get a good workout removing the snow. 

Do you think the walk behind snowblowers will make it up the hill and how long do you think a 4-8" snow will take to remove?

If I were to use a snow blower for a driveway like that with a "steep" hill.. Then I would be looking at a machine with a track and not wheels. But I think I would look at snow plow options with a four wheeler, truck or something..  Check out local auctions, some times great deals can be had on trucks with plow attachments, would make your life so much easier for sure!

If it were me I'd look at a much larger walk behind snow blower, a garden tractor or maybe an atv with plow (not sure about this one) or if I had the room... a full size truck with a plow.  Please keep us informed of what you decide and how it worked out for you this winter.

Here are examples of what I've found in my area.

For a walk behind, this one is 45" and I probably wouldn't consider anything smaller.

$1895 - http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/for/1471635804.html

Lowe's sells these too and you can get 10% off if you sign up at the new home moving in site.
$2299 - http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=139972-270-31AH9777766&lpage=none
Lowes Moving:  http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&ln=cstln4&p=moving/index.html

and Sears but more expensive:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07188846000P?keyword=snow+blower

$1395 - http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/grd/1468645256.html

$1200 - http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/for/1453480763.html

$2000 - http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/rvs/1456122800.html

$3500 - http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/cto/1467265031.html

$4800 - http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/for/1472217269.html