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

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?

I don't think I'll need multiple snowblowers for backup. One should do nicely.

I just spent an hour last night digging out my mailbox. Probably would have been done in 10 minutes with a good snowblower.

I think we really need à la carte snowblowers. Pick your type (single-stage, dual-stage), pick your engine size, pick your frame size, add on accessories. Just pay for what you need. It'll never happen though. I really think the Ariens 24 Deluxe would be perfect if it just had the wheel lock trigger like all the other bigger Deluxe. Bad omission on Ariens' part.

alexsha wrote:

Why not look at the Platinum Deluxe then?  From people I have talked to the automatic traction control works great and is a lot more convenient than the trigger lock, plus less cables/linkages to freeze up because the ATC is all internal.

I'll agree with the trigger lock comment as I had that on the Simplicity, I really did not like it as it would engage at the worst times if I was not careful and give me a good jerk.

borat wrote:
She is around 4.5 cars, stick built 2x6, insulated, finished, heated, cooled, with a 2nd story loft and 3 10ft doors. If it had plumbing I could rent out the upstairs as an apartment. Me and the neighbors built here a couple of years ago and saved a fortune over having a contractor come in so we went a little bigger, just paid for materials and beer, lots of beer. I really love the area around here and the neighbors, I feel very fortunate to live in such a place.

The more I keep looking, researching, and thinking, the more I'm inclined to go over my $1000ish budget. By what I understand, an Ariens snowblower could last me 10+ years (if not 2~3 times that according to some people). So if I spend a few hundred more I'll have all the higher end features for that amount of time.

Making me want to spend more is mean to my wife

alexsha wrote:
Spend the money now, get it over with. Take care of it and it should easily go 15 years with regular maint. Heck my little plastic Toro CCR2000 is 15+ years old, she is a little long in the tooth but still moves snow.