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

Having spent  over a decade out in California, I decided to move back to Minnesota, just in time for snow!  Needless to say, snow will come soon and I need to be prepared - by which I need a snowblower.  Since I haven't blown snow since 2001, I'm not sure what a good snowblower is.  My previous experience was with a Toro PowerShift when it first came out and an Ariens 2-stage mounted on a GT-20.  From what I can tell, Toro doesn't make the PowerShift any more, so I wonder if it got too costly to manufacture or if there were problems?

So, I'm looking for something used - I hate paying sticker price, but if the community feels that a new machine is by far the best option, then I will consider it.  But I also know that some older machines can move snow and are built better than moderen units.  Sometimes this is an advantage to buying old, other times it is a disadvantage.  What are some of your guys' thoughts on a good "used" units?  I've only got a driveway that is 20'x100' (concrete) and about 200' of sidewalk.

I also have a good mechanical background and wouldn't have a problem repairing an older machine as items break/wear, but I don't want to be broken down every time it snows.

Some of the units that are under consideration right now are as follows:

Ariens 1032 - $500

Craftsman Track Drive 826 - $400

Deere 826 - $400

Deere 828D - $725

Deere 924DE - $500

Deere 1032 - $500

Duetz Allis (Simplicity) 828 - $375

Snapper 1030 - $550

Snapper 826 - $380

Toro Power Max 726OE - $800

Toro Power Shift 824 - $300 ( A little beat up)

All units seem to be in good shape.  Some have chains, some have drift cutters, some have lights, etc.  I'm more concerned about base units as I can alway add different tires, chains, lighting, etc.

Although more primitive in feel, my old Ariens that I gave to my son to buy this Honda grips and manuevers far better that this Honda track drive.  Subsequently, I am selling it to buy a hardly ever used large Ariens 30" ($500 with less than 15 hours on it) with chained wheels. 

I am tired of fighting the Honda to get traction which isn't there!.  The tracks slip and I even asked if Honda makes a metal grip kit to put on the ribs (pinched on or pop riveted in some way like a U channel.  No, they do not.  I was going to try to retro myself then cames across this sweet Ariens deal from a colleague.  The Honda does throw snow far and can easily take care of the heaviest wet snow, even slush, but then again, so can the Ariens.

Sometimes paying more IS NOT better.  My old Ariens, now in my son's hands, is over 15 years old and starts first time, everytime!

You all can do what you want, however, I am going in the old Ariens direction.  Does anyone else have this experience?  I do not see how yours could be any different.  I am not a Honda hater, I have one of their fantastic burbling (extremely low noise) inverter generators and a Honda lawnmower which we love.