Smolenski7

I couldn't find anything that said B and S makes their engines over seas.  In fact, I found an article stating that the labor in China became too expensive, believe it or not, and that the plant moved to the Phillipines.

Are you kidding me?  My Briggs engine is made in China.  Well, at least it's a Briggs and not a no name.  I can get some solace out of that.

I just went out to Sears and bought the Craftsman 88999.  I chose this particular model because of the "power steering."  I know it was suggested to choose quality over gizmos, but I REALLY like this gizmo.  After looking at my neighbor attempting to maneuver his machine in the middle of our sidewalk, I think it is a feature that is well worth it for me.

I also bought it because it came with the B and S 250cc engine.  I just couldn't buy anything but American made.  The engines made in China are too knew for me; they don't have a history like B and S.

I did consider the Snapper 1695328 and the Toro 828LXE, however they were way out of my price range.  I just couldn't accept dishing out over $1500.00 for a snow thrower that would only be used on average 5-6 times per winter.  That brought me to the Cub Cadet 524 SWE.  I was very tempted by it because it was the size I wanted, 24in, and about $100.00 less than the Craftman.  However, the engine is made in China.  I figure that if it was a better more reliable engine than the Briggs and Stratton in the Craftsman 88999, it would be placed in more of the higher end machines.  However, it's not.  That engine is only found in the units engineered as entry level machines in order to keep the cost down.

I know I bought a lesser quality machine compared to some others, however, I am fairly handy and can fix just about anything on my lawn tractor, so I figure as long as the engine is good and I keep up the maintenance, which is never an issure for me, this machine should last 15  - 20 years.

Thanks for the help.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good snow blower under $1000.00?  I know Ariens makes the 624E, but I worry about that model because it can be found in HD.  I can't help but think that Ariens was trying to "dumb" down the unit just to hit a price point for the mass consumer.

So far the "Snapper" I've seen at Sears.com is the best.

I just found a Snapper Model 1695571at Sears.  Seems like a good machine, better than the other Craftsman, Cub Cadet, or Troy-Bilt I''ve been looking at.  However, it doesn't have power steering.  How big of a deal is that?