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

I have an Ariens ST824 that is about 20 yrs. old.  This year it needed a new carburetor and has been working well since.  The machine was used by the maintenance dept. at a 11 acre site before I obtained it about 10 years ago.  It has been used and neglected for years and owes me nothing.   I would like to replace it next year.  A replacement Ariens machine would probably be in the $1000+ range and I really don't have that money to spend.  I am considering a 5hp equivalent Troy Bilt 2 stage  machine from Lowe's.  They are priced more in my area of spending.  I live in Northern NJ and my driveway is about 70 ft. long.  I usually throw the snow in front of the machine and rethrow it until I get to a point in front of the house where I can get it on the lawn.  I realize I would be going from a Cadillac to a Chevy but am trying to determine if the Troy Bilt will satisfy my requirements.   I am sure I am not getting the original 8hp out of the old machine and am trying to determine if the 5hp (equivalent) will do the job in a heavy snow.  Rethrowing heavy snow puts the most load on the machine I have noticed.  All opinions are welcome, thanks.

Snowmann wrote:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ARIENS-Sno-Tek-26-208cc-Two-Stage-Snow-Thrower-920401_W0QQitemZ280428403739QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item414ad5dc1b

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ariens-Sno-Tek-24-Snowblower-snow-thrower-920400_W0QQitemZ300398927824QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45f12bdfd0

Thaks for all the replies.  I had some issues with the carb, mainly the place that did the work.  Probably bring it to a good Ariens dealer for a thorough inspection and put the money there.  As long as parts availablility does not become an issue I should be ok with the older machine.  Thanks again for the advise.