bfguilford

Well, it came down to the Ariens 7524 and the Simplicity 8560 (I eliminated the Toro and 9 HP Ariens because I prefer OHV to L-Head engines). My wife eliminated the 11.5 HP Ariens because I promised not to spend more than $1,000 (she just doesn't understand the concept of toys).

After comparing the two again (and again and again), I'll be going with the Simplicity. It has a couple of features that I prefer (one-hand operation, an extra 3 inches of height and the slightly more powerful Briggs OHV engine). Of course, there are features on the Ariens that I prefer as well (the 12 inch impeller, easier to operate chute control and the $210 savings). Dealer quality is about equal as well, according to friends who know both dealers.

Thanks for all your help. Maybe I won't hate snow as much this winter!

Thanks for the replies.

I just found a really good Ariens dealer around 15 miles away. He actually suggested that I get the 926LE or, if I can afford it, the 1128LE. His feeling it that the larger 14 inch impeller would be important in wetter snow. Of course, that threw me back into the L-Head or Tecumseh OHV debate, along with possibly getting away with one less pass on the driveway due to the 4 inches extra width if I get the 1128LE. Right now, I'm leaning toward either the 7524E or the 1128E... the 926LE seems like getting half-pregnant (L-Head, no trigger lock differential, a little more horsepower, a little more width, bigger impeller). I feel like a boater who has a bad case of 2-foot-itis :) Anybody care to talk me into it or out of it?

I live on the shoreline in CT, where we get anywhere from 0-6 storms (6-12 inches) plus some smaller snowfalls per winter (and this winter is predicted to be on the high side). My driveway is around 150 feet (single wide with a slight incline for 100 ft and double wide plus and flat for 50). It is mostly paved except for a 10x20 patch in front of one of the garage doors (the one that I would likely store the snowblower in).

My budget is $1,000. So far, I am considering four snowblowers:

1. Ariens 7524E ($760), 24 inch with a 7.5HP Tecumseh OHV.
2. Toro 826LE ($899), 26 inch with an 8HP Tecumseh L-Head.
3. Ariens 926LE ($999), 26 inch with a 9HP Tecumseh L-Head.
4. Simplicity 8560E ($999), 24 inch with an 8.5HP Briggs & Stratton Intek OHV.

What would you recommend (and why)? Thanks.

Where did you find the 7524E at $760. I'm in Guilford, CT and would like to pick one up. Thanks.