Hi,
I am with the exact same problem that you have encountered but maybe a couple of weeks ahead in the process. I too have been to Chad little since im about 20 min. away. One thing i have found is that there really isnt a 9.25 hp. Its a labeling thing. The toro 826lxe that i like so much with the quick stick most likely has the exact motor as the 926 ariens Le that is labeled as 9.25hp. Talk about confusing huh? I have discontinued looking at the Ariens pro series because i have seen old ariens around with alum gearcases that are just fine and just cant justify the added cost. I too have considered the 11528 le for around $300 mor than the 926 le at the big box store. But thought it was overkill. Currently im looking at shopping around for a couple more weeks for a barely used one for about half over new. Ive found two promising ones on a local publication that supposely only have light use for around $500. One is a Ariens st 824 and the other is a toro 826.
My advice is to seriously take the advice that has been given elswhere and find local shop that you would trust to have service and maintain the snowblower. The models that you most likely will choose will be close in comparisons and choosing a shop may end up being more important in the end.
Guy
