The final 3 in the running were the Ariens 27 Deluxe, Simplicity L1226E and Toro 826OE. Ariens started the $$$ range at $1100, Simplicity was about $1200 and Toro topped it at $1300. I think these were pretty fair prices even on the big blizzard's eve of destruction.
I was most impressed with the Toro 826OE for it's tight tolerances in the impeller housing (about 3 mm between impeller tip and housing) and the impeller bypass that recirculates excess snow back to the auger if it's feeding in too fast. This Honda-like fit makes for efficient use of the smallish Briggs and Stratton 250 cc and in fact it throws farther than my neighbor's low tech MTD with a rip-snortin' hemi-like 312 cc.
The 826OE is not a loaded machine -- no fancy steering or heated grips -- just a sturdy, well designed thrower with a bright light and electric start. The lighter weight of the 250 cc allows for tossability even with both wheels pin-locked. Most wives though, would probably need one free wheel to handle it with confidence. The auger gearbox is so heavy duty that Toro eliminated the shear pins -- the dealer says engine stoppage or belt slippage is your cue to investigate. Plus the scoop housing and auger have a super glossy coating that's slicker than snot -- very little sticks to it.
I like the joystick chute control -- one hand quickly adjusts for windage and elevation. I believe it might freeze up more readily than a traditional screw gear though. At one point it felt a bit stuck, but a firmer tug on the joystick freed it. Aiming the chute is very easy and intuitive. You can do it on the fly and there's no "turn right to go left" like on a screw gear.
The intake is well sized to the engine. I tested it out in last week's snow. The 18" had settled to an icy 14" and I ran through it in each gear. First and second gear were cake. Third was just right -- the engine settled into it's power zone and was throwing about 35 feet. Fourth worked almost as good as third but was uncomfortably fast around obstacles. In fifth the engine began to bog, but throwing distance was not affected much. In sixth the engine bogged noticably and throwing distance dropped to about 20 feet. So fourth handled open stretches and second and third gave greater confidence around cars.
The final test was EOD -- where my old 5 HP MTD would plop out ice turds and die. The plow had left 3 foot high frozen ridges imbedded with bits of gravel. Using first gear the Toro chewed right into these and flung it nicely about 20 feet. The engine was working hard in the power zone but not lugging.
I paid a bit more for the Toro 826OE, but I'm pleased with the sturdy construction and overall quality.
