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

I'm days away from pulling the trigger on a new snow blower. I had been using a 5HP Montgomery Wards (Gilson) 24" blower that I got from my dad (vintage 1973). The ol' girl put up a good fight but in the end I just got sick of fixing the engine.
My driveway is about 12' wide and about 200' overall.
I've got $1300 to spend and have narrowed it down to the 2 above models.
Ariens ST30LE, 305cc B&S motor or the Poulan PR1330ES with the 414cc LCT.

So, if someone handed you $1300 and said choose... Which would you take?

Go with the Ariens i hae found the with the lct engines not many people cary the parts.