Having spent over a decade out in California, I decided to move back to Minnesota, just in time for snow! Needless to say, snow will come soon and I need to be prepared - by which I need a snowblower. Since I haven't blown snow since 2001, I'm not sure what a good snowblower is. My previous experience was with a Toro PowerShift when it first came out and an Ariens 2-stage mounted on a GT-20. From what I can tell, Toro doesn't make the PowerShift any more, so I wonder if it got too costly to manufacture or if there were problems?
So, I'm looking for something used - I hate paying sticker price, but if the community feels that a new machine is by far the best option, then I will consider it. But I also know that some older machines can move snow and are built better than moderen units. Sometimes this is an advantage to buying old, other times it is a disadvantage. What are some of your guys' thoughts on a good "used" units? I've only got a driveway that is 20'x100' (concrete) and about 200' of sidewalk.
I also have a good mechanical background and wouldn't have a problem repairing an older machine as items break/wear, but I don't want to be broken down every time it snows.
Some of the units that are under consideration right now are as follows:
Ariens 1032 - $500
Craftsman Track Drive 826 - $400
Deere 826 - $400
Deere 828D - $725
Deere 924DE - $500
Deere 1032 - $500
Duetz Allis (Simplicity) 828 - $375
Snapper 1030 - $550
Snapper 826 - $380
Toro Power Max 726OE - $800
Toro Power Shift 824 - $300 ( A little beat up)
All units seem to be in good shape. Some have chains, some have drift cutters, some have lights, etc. I'm more concerned about base units as I can alway add different tires, chains, lighting, etc.
