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For better or worse. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a HS520 this weekend. Space, speed (most of the time), maneuverability, and cost were the driving factors vs a 2-stage. Tough choice on the honda over the Toro..I've heard many good things about the toro, but the higher torque on the Honda 4 stroke leaned me that way...thanks for all the input...

Majorxlr8n...The LT180 blower is 42", and probably 200lb+...I use one of those things that you lie on and roll under the car for repairs to move my mower deck around..would proably work for your blower attachment when you get it. I hate to say it but for now I keep the tractor under my screened in deck since I have no room in the garage. Hoping to get a shed next year. That's one of the reasons I wanted a small blower, so I can store it in the garage. Not sure how good it is to be starting the deere up in the cold. machXS1...I think I'm along your line of thinking when it comes to the few big storms...I won't mind taking a more time. JasonBlue...Glad to hear you positive experience. I've heard about the torque steer as well. I think I remember that game..was that the one where some fans were sitting on 4' piles of snow in the stands? I've been considering the issue with the crank to turn the chute as well. Have heard pro's and cons for both (Crank is slower and sometime binds on the 3650, Non-cranks are move of a hassle to move on the go and on the honda the large chute handle can get in the way in tight places). Now I'm leaning toward taking a chance with it.

Majorxlr8n Nice Deere! I have an LT180 but they want $1600 for the blower, weights, and chains. And it would be a bit over kill for my conditions. I was hoping one of these single stages might do it for me, because they're cheap ($600), fast, reliable, easy to maneuver, and don't take up much space. But if the single stages absolutely won't cut it in heavy snow conditions and I'm stuck bumming my neighbors 2-stage, I'm thinking I might save up and get the Deere blower attachment, rather than put another big piece of machinery in my garage where I don't have the room for anyway. Thanks for the input.

TheKneebiter, Glad to hear the toro 2450 works for you, my conditions in Natick are probably very similar. Also glad to here it handles the plow pile... How much snowfall will yours handle? You mention you have a bigger 2-stage for backup, but do you think it would handle 24", if even requiring 2 passes. My fear is I'm stuck if I don't get to it if 2ft or more of snow falls...like having a car that starts 90% of the time. Also heard about snow getting sucked in the carb of the toro 2 strokes, and causing them to lose powre or stall...any problems here? Thanks