This is the snowblower I want:
http://www.sears.ca/product/craftsman-305cc-24-dual-stage-snowblower/71529070?ptag=1

305cc Briggs & Stratton, Snow Series engine, 13.5 ft lbs torque
Steel remote chute
Remote chute controls
Remote axle lock / Power steering

Where is this for sale in the USA for a similar price? The Ariens Deluxe Platinum 24" is the closest I've seen but it's a smaller engine and costs more. I live in Utah and while we do get lots of storms, the snow doesn't get too deep where I live. It does, however, get VERY wet at times. I looked around at the higher end single-stage Hondas and Toros, but for the price, I'd only be $100~$200 away from getting a good dual-stage. Even if I only had to have the power of a dual-stage once or twice a year I'd rather be prepared and not stuck with a blower that works most of the time but not that time where it really counts.

So, back to the topic at hand. Is there a similar snowblower to be found in the US for around the same price?

Looks like this guy:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07188728000P?vName=Lawn+%

Snapper 305cc 28" path Two-stage Snowblower

For a list of the fulfilling retailer(s) to your MyGofer pickup location, click here.

Sold by Sears | Online only | Sears Item# 07188728000 | Model# 1695572

or this one

Craftsman 277cc 28" path Two-stage Snowblower

Sold by Sears | Sears Item# 07188791000 | Model# 88791

Either one will get you through the winter, first one is $1300 and second is on sale at $930 (US)

If it is wet, you just need to make sure you take your time and not take a full cut of the snow, but take them at smaller cuts.  Otherwise you'll end up bogging things down too much for the auger and impeller...

The craftsman you posted is basically a husqvarna (definitely made at the same place just different "trim"):

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/homeowner/products/snow-throwers/12524sb/#specifications

This one is bigger but in the same price range:

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/homeowner/products/snow-throwers/1827sb/#specifications

Here in the states, craftsman sticks to MTD for snowthrowers.  I have not seen a husky style sno thro at a local sears.  I think it because they can get away with the price/market.  The United States has a market that favors the disposable cheap product.  That is what craftsman provides here.  Ariens beats Husky here, since you can get a deluxe 27inch for $100 less.

I looked at both of those during my search for a new snowblower and niether one had a Briggs or the steering feature. You need to step up to the Landowner series to get the features of the Sears unit.

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/homeowner/products/snow-throwers/14527sb-ls/

If you look at Sears closeout center you might find a few Husky build units for sale. I looked localy by me but there were none left.

I believe that the is the 12524SB closest. I'm not interested in going over 24".

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/homeowner/products/snow-throwers/12524sb/#specifications

Does anyone know what the turning control on that model is? If it has is the handle trigger to unlock the left wheel, I think I've found my snowblower. Seems to have all the features I want and a good engine.

The interlock allows both the auger and drive levers to stay locked down. so you can use the other hand to operate the chute.

None of the home owners series have the power steering. If I am not mistaking to get this feature even in the Poulan Pro line by Husky you have to go to a 27" or 30" model according to poulans web sight

I guess not many 24s come with upper level turning control. I know the Deluxe Platinum Ariens 24" has an automatic disengage and the 27" Deluxe has the trigger to manually disengage. I just with there was a 24" with the manual disengage.

I suppose it just has to be man-handled or a bit of forward, reverse, forward?

To the op, have you looked at the Simplicity units? http://www.simplicitymfg.com/products/snowthrowers/large_frame_dual-stage/

They have the features you are looking for in your price range as I just sold one. I had the equivalent of the large frame 26" L1226E and paid roughly $800 in 2007, and sold it for $750 the other day. They are built like a tank, much better build quality than the Sears units I looked at. And they keep their resale value, at least here in MI. That same unit is now selling for $1100, other than a model number change I could not tell the difference. I sold mine as I am now retired and here during the day to keep up with the snow. I purchased a couple of the Toro Power Curve units to replace it, well one to replace it, a 221QE for the drive and a 180 to clear my deck.

Mike

Not for this model year but last year they did. Mine is a Husky clone. opecrazy wrote:

I guess I would have to compare the 27" Ariens Deluxe to the 24" Husqvarna.

27" Ariens: http://www.ariens.com/products_snow/s_deluxe_group/s_deluxe_27/pages/default.aspx
24" Husqvarna: http://www.husqvarna.com/us/homeowner/products/snow-throwers/12524sb/

I could also consider a 27" Simplicity (http://www.simplicitymfg.com/products/snowthrowers/large_frame_dual-stage/specs/index.cfm) but I'm not sure if the additional $200 is worth it. The Simplicity and the Ariens seem VERY similar.

I don't really need a 27" snowblower, which is why I've been looking at the 24" lines. Also, the 27" Ariens and Simplicity have smaller engines than the 24" Husqvarna. How does the Husqvarna engine compare to the Briggs & Stratton. More torque/power in a smaller frame should allow me to cut through ice, slush, etc easier than a larger frame with a weaker engine.

The biggest selling point to going to 27" by what I see is the easier turning. Oddly, the Ariens releases the left wheel and the Simplicity releases the right wheel. I have seen a few machines (Craftsman I think) that allow you to release either wheel (trigger on each handle).

Thoughts?

AFAIK all Husqvarna models in current lineup have the dual trigger release for wheels. You can see them in the pictures as the blue levers on handles. I'm not sure about the Husky motor. Mine has a B&S. alexsha wrote: