bbrowne74

Sorry to hear about your issues. I'd be curious to hear if these issues were just with the 5524 or were they wtih all the compact throwers? I didnt' buy at the HD, found the mom/pop dealer in the area that is Ariens (and the one that services my single-stage).

personal preference though -- let's not just take the same post and respond to every other post with the same thing. What you typed here I've found elsewhere verbatim. It's bad form and lazy.

Doesn't the 624 have the newer oHV engine? I got my 624 a couple weeks back (been through 2 snowfalls now). They didn't have any of the 5524's left in stock, had sold that last two on discount. Love my 624, welcome to the club!

Wish I had a picture of it.

It's a "Sno-away 642 Electric Start" two-stage Seems to have a 5HP B&S engine. I believe this is a machine circa '74 or so but if anyone can correct me all the better. I still have the engine and blower manuals in the original plastic bag.

About 10 years ago my grandfather traded this machine in to the local Tru-Value in the spring for $250 and was going to buy in the fall. Went back in the fall and found the machine out for sale for $150. Bought it back and made $100, and they rebuilt the engine and cleaned the machine up.

Grandfather passed away a couple years ago but before he went I got the blower (mom had moved in to his house and brought her machine with her). I'm NOT an engine person. I'm a tech guy (you got a computer question or gadget question, I'm your guy). Machine runs a little rough, and since it's a bit worn around the edges my wife was afraid to touch it. THus, I got the Ariens 624e.

I probably need to give the machine up, but It's a bit sentimental to me. Granted I remind myself (and my wife reminds me constantly) that my grandfather had given it up already once, so let it go. I got a neighbor next door (2 cops) who were helpful with my garage theft issues (see my other thread) so I was thinking of giving it to them (he has contacts who could help him tune up and he's pretty saavy himself).

I know I dont' need 3 blowers, but I just can't give this Simplicity up.

NEw fella here (hello to everyone):

It's been quite a day. More on that in a min.

Bought a house almost 3 years ago. Inherited my a Simplicity Sno-Away 742 2-stage from my grandfather. Funny story on this machine for a later time. It worked, but you could tell it needed work itself.

Bought my first blower in 2005, a single-stage Ariens 522e. Loved it, but EOD was a pain and the heavy/slush types were a pain as well. But that little machine was a trooper. BOught it @ HD, but found a local Mom/Pop shop and had it serviced there.

2 weeks ago bought an Ariens 624e from that same M/P. I wanted a functional 2-stage that was self-propelled so that my wife or I could hit the EOD with some force. First snowfall of the year both machines worked admirablly.

This AM, woke up to 7" of snow (lake effect here in Milwaukee). Looked outside, and saw that my garage door was open and my 522e was gone. After profanity I called law enforcement and insurance, etc.

Went immediately to sPeedway sales (they're local here) and will be picking up a 722e that was on sale tomorrow. Another 4-6 coming tomorrow night so I wanted to have both handy.

I read a lot about machines here so many thanks to all of you for all the informed opinions. I went Ariens @ first since it was on sale @ HD. Loved that machine and the local M/P was Toro and Ariens so went Ariens again (The Simplicity Dealer in town wasn't very accessable to me). The 522 served me so I went 722 (more power right!) and I'll still have the other mom/pop service it (they were out of single stage).