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

Well I'll throw in my 2 cents.
Having owned, and worked on quite a few I would suggest an Ariens.
If our going to go used.  Eighties and Ninties models.  There are still many of them around and parts are easy to find.
They are built like tanks and many of the parts for different models interchange. 
The Ariens have something no one else does and that's a differential.
Which makes turinng them a breeze.  I've got a restored 1032 repowered with Honda 13hp.
Without slowing down I can turn that beast 180 degrees with one hand.
A few things to look for if you decide to go with an Ariens.
One would be the Axle Lock which you will see on the left wheel hub.
It allows you to lock out the differential and have both wheels driving equally.
Which also means you will have to drag it to turn it like other blowers.
I have vary rarely had to lock in my axles, but it's nice to know you can.
Also some models are designated "large frame" you can tell those models by the larger wheels and tires they have.
Again, nice to have.  The 1032s have the large frame.  The largest axles and differential on any models and usually wider tires.
The ST824 (large tires and axle lock) might suit your needs fairly well.
The newer (old)  models have the Ariens control panel higher up on the handle bars than the older (old) ones.

When your checking out any blower lift up on the handles and watch at the point where the axles go through the housing.
If the axle bearing are bad or worn you will see the frame / housing rise while the axle stays put when you lift the handles.
If the bearing are in really good condition the axle should move up with the housing.  It can be kind of hard to see but do it
a couple of times and you'll see what I mean.  Badly worn axle bearing can mean other parts in the drive train are also worn quite a bit.
Not a deal breaker if you can work on it yourself.  But Worn out drive gears can get a little involved and messy.
If you buy used I would figure on replacing both drive belts and maybe the Friction drive wheel.  That way your covered for the season by replacing the 3 most
likely things to give you a problem right in the middle of a snow storm.
It's just my opinion but hope it helps a little.