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

Shoveling sucks! There I said it. Living in Norther NJ we don't get TONS of snow, but when we get it, it's usually a bunch. I am tired of shoveling my driveway so I want to get a snowblower, but just looking online at all the different options has my head spinning. My driveway is approx 30' Wide by 65' Long. It has pavers at the entry and then asphalt for the rest. It's perfectly straight with no real inclines. Imagine 2 cars wide and 3 cars long, nothing special. I also don't really like doing yard work and snow removal so I want a blower that will get the job done quickly at one time, not having to go out twice for more for a big snow storm over 12".

1) What width should I get? 26"? 28"?
2) Any particular reason to get one with tracks?
3) They all seem to have very similar features, so what should I look for?
4) Which brands are better than the rest?
5) Does someone make all of them, because a bunch look the same? Craftsman, Troy, CubCadet.
6) A friend recommended a power chute adjuster, any have this?

Last, but not least, PRICE! I want to keep it under or close to $1K. I am not interested in useless features and I prefer quality so I rather get better quality with less bells and whistles. This also means possibly getting one a bit smaller and having to walk down the driveway one extra time, but I like good quality things.

Here are the ones I found so far, but can't decide:
Craftsman: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07188691000P?mv=rr
Troy: http://www.troybilt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_14102_10124_55007_-1 (Same as Craftsman?)
CubCadet: http://www.cubcadet.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_14101_145102_27656_-1_600000_42261 (Again same as Craftsman?)
Toro: http://www.toro.com/home/snowthrowers/gastwostage/828oxe.html
Simplicity: http://www.simplicitymfg.com/products/snow-throwers/large-frame-dual-stage/
Honda: http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/modeldetail.aspx?page=modeldetail&section=P2SB&modelname=HS928WAS&modelid=HS928WAS (Crazy Price!!!)
Ariens: http://www.ariens.com/products_snow/s_deluxe_group/s_deluxe_27/Pages/features.aspx

Thanks a lot!!!

I thought that Ariens made snow cabs only for 27"models and bigger, but according to their website, you can also get them for 24" units.  Still, I prefer to be out in the open when dealing with the elements.

I like being outside with the elements too.  I don't like when the elements come back to my face wet and cold.  Not so enjoyable to be blasted when I'm outside for more than half an hour.

Get an Ariens...

Spend a few more bucks and get the professional model. No levers for traction control

You won't regret it...

http://www.snowblowersdirect.com/Ariens-926037/p3247.html?source=froogle&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=shop+portals