Hi Folks - new member here and have done a lot of reading. In fact I may have analysis paralysis.
Moving to a new home with a much larger driveway - 50X30' pad with a 100-120' driveway, pretty flat, less than 5% grade. My wife just wants to pay someone to clear it. But I like my power toys and want to try a snow blower for the first time. We agreed to look at used models as a compromise for the experiment. I have found two local candidates that will do the job easily - well built older models. My concern is about getting parts if/when needed. I have begun to hear rumblings about parts for older Tecumseh engines being harder to get. So, I want to turn to the forum for advice from the learned community. The choices are:
Ariens 8526LE (Model 932105, SN 017232) Estimating from ~2005. Original owner downsizing homes.
Toro 826 OE (Model 38624, SN UNK) Estimating from ~2009.
Both are priced at $500. Any thoughts or opinions are welcome.
BTW - We live in Central MD so we can get dumped on occasionally but average only 20" a year - mostly wet and heavy. We both have an inkling that this winter could be bad one for snow. I want to be prepared.
Thanks for taking the time to read and respond!
Moving to a new home with a much larger driveway - 50X30' pad with a 100-120' driveway, pretty flat, less than 5% grade. My wife just wants to pay someone to clear it. But I like my power toys and want to try a snow blower for the first time. We agreed to look at used models as a compromise for the experiment. I have found two local candidates that will do the job easily - well built older models. My concern is about getting parts if/when needed. I have begun to hear rumblings about parts for older Tecumseh engines being harder to get. So, I want to turn to the forum for advice from the learned community. The choices are:
Ariens 8526LE (Model 932105, SN 017232) Estimating from ~2005. Original owner downsizing homes.
Toro 826 OE (Model 38624, SN UNK) Estimating from ~2009.
Both are priced at $500. Any thoughts or opinions are welcome.
BTW - We live in Central MD so we can get dumped on occasionally but average only 20" a year - mostly wet and heavy. We both have an inkling that this winter could be bad one for snow. I want to be prepared.
Thanks for taking the time to read and respond!