cwags

Wife again:  I have to say, this is absolutely maddening.  Let me know if you think he needs a bigger machine.  Our driveway is only long/wide enough to fit 1 minivan and 1 sedan back to back.  Then a long sidewalk spanning a few houses (as he will want to plow the neighbors too.)  We live right outside boston so maybe an average of 8-10" per snowfall.

The 5.5 hp craftsman (tecumseh engine) had good reviews but the 8.5hp craftsman (Briggs & Stratton OHV Engine) had mixed reviews.  So that was my reason for picking the 5.5hp.  But maybe the 8.5 would be a better choice?

OR...since Ariens is CLEARLY the MUCH better model.  However, the reason I wasn't considering them was b/c the models in my budget (520 E and 5520--is one better than the other? Only $10 difference btwn) didn't have the chute turner out in back ... was in front of user.  Let me know if that is not a big deal?  Would user need to shut thrower off to turn chute?  From reading consumer reports the ease of moving chute is a big deal, since he'll be going up and down driveway.  Def don't want that to be a pain.

I guess next model up from there w/ the snow chute adjustment in back is the Ariens 5524E.  $779.  Guess I could do that but wasn't planning on spending that much.  Is it really necessary for a driveway like ours? Not like we live out in the country with a 1/2 mile drive...

Sorry, I'm so confused but need to figure this out by tonight b/c sears is having a 10% off sale sat morn and If I"m getting a craftsman I need to be there.

Thanks so very much for your help on this.  I really appreicate it and my husband will too!

Hi, I've decided to get my husband his dream present...a snowblower.  It's a total surprise and I really want it to be the right one.  We are in MA, have a medium-sized driveway and long sidewalks.

So, I'm considering 2 models:  Craftsman 5.5hp dual stage 24" #88355 (can get for $558)     website:  http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Snow+Equipment&pid=07188355000&vertical=LAWN&subcat=Snow+Throwers%2C+Gas&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

OR Yard Machines 2 stage 5.5hp 24" Snow Blower (31AS6BEE700) item no: 7171093 ($650)  website:  http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2422176&cp=1254884.1900505&clickid=lefttnav_catlinks_txt&parentPage=family&searchId=1900505#specs

The seem very similar with one difference being that the Yard Machines one has a knob at the top where handles are and craftsman has that knowb down lower.

I've come to a dead end in my research and and hoping for some guidance.  Thanks so much!