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

Looking for some advice on a two stage snowblower.  I originally fell in love with the Troybilt 3090XP or the Craftsman equal.  But just found out that it is
a china made engine. 

My drive is about 180 ft long and gravel, currently.  Should have some pavement on it next year.

I'd like something that's wide, 28+.  A decent amount of power, something that can throw the snow.  Not outrageously expensive, perhaps 1200 tops. 

What are your thoughts? 

Thank you.

I've never had a snowblower with hand warmers and I don't think I ever needed them as my hands never got/get cold. If you wear good gloves you should not have a problem. For that matter, I also have never had a snowblower with steering controls and never had a problem with that either. Maybe it's just me.....

Have you looked at the 900 series Cubs? The "small" one (30") is 380 lbs. Not some cheap tin toy. Yes. It IS built by MTD. But it's built on their much bigger frame (16" impeller). I think painting ALL MTDs as junk is a little off. My 930 ingested a soaked then frozen rolled up newspaper hidden under the slow. There was a solid "whump" as it threw it into the woods. No damage whatsoever and it kept running. The same thing happened a few years prior to my 1970 Wards/Gilson blower. It stalled as it badly bent the impeller. Hmmm The good ol' days. My "cheap" 357cc Chinese engine may not last as long as a Honda 390, but when it wears out in 10+ years, I'll just get another.