tgseaver

Klennop, Great post, good to know other people are going thur the same exact process ( with no skin in the game). I did go to a Ariens dealer and played with the Platinum's controls and got use to them quickly,I liked everything else about the Ariens, just seems to have more beef to it because of the steel. I am going to the Toro dealer today .................stay tuned............ but the Ariens is in the lead.

Thanks for the replies, I am leaning towards the Ariens (bigger engine,less plastic). It might come down to which local dealer I like best. My last blower was a 12 year old 7hp Yard man track drive that you had to almost pick up to turn lol,So I am upgrading big time with either blower.

Going back and forth as to which one! Same price, Local dealers that service, like the look of both. Kinda leaning toward the Ariens only cause of the bigger engine 342 vs 305,is that a good reason?,or is 28" Toro a little more nibble to move around. Ariens seem to have more metal and less plastic, see I go back and forth.Please help ! Need to buy soon! Thanks for your suggestions.

And lived in the Northeast,with a 175 foot driveway,with a slight incline, and a rather large turning pad what snow blower would you buy? Currently have a 12 year old, 24", 7 hp Yardman that I need to retire soon! Thanks in advance.