Update #2
Well, after much thought, I decided to go with the Toro 826. I figured out a way to get it through the tight spot around my house. I got lucky too because my dealer had a sale going on this weekend to clear out some stock. Normally the 826 goes for $1499 Canadian. I got it for $1299. Pretty good price considering the compact Ariens would have cost me about $900. Though the Subaru engine would have been great, I still think that the Toro 826 is a much better unit than the compact Ariens, even with a Briggs engine on it. Though it looks like a big machine when you first see it, I can't believe how easy it use to move with that freewheel steering. Anyhow, all I need is snow to see how it works now. Thank you so much to all of you for helping me out during this process. I really appreciate it. Big thanks to Steve too. I saw your videos on Youtube with your Toro 2 stage unit and it helped to convince me that the machine was easy to use.
Congratulations and welcome to the Toro family! 
It's a great machine throws snow like magic and when I use mine especially on the EOD it always impresses me. Mine threw a 2"x3" piece of solid granite that had come loose from teh walkway and it threw it like 30-35 feet! No damage to my unit at all. So forget newspapers, granite is tough stuff. Post some pics of your new baby if you can.
My wife and I are planning more videos for YouTube with our Toro 1028 to measure throwing distances of various types of snow. Should be fun!
Glad I could help.
"If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England." "If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England."
