srgallan

To all,

I was wondering if I could get perhaps a little input, I have done some searching since January on purchasing a snowblower and used this forum quite a bit.  I am down to a couple of brands/models and was hoping for a little input.  I have only chosen these models due to availability/pricing and requirements, many brands like snapper/simplicity/Husq and Poulan for some reason are unavailable/not found yet in my area (200Km radius).

I am looking for approx 27-30 inch bucket with anywhere from 9 - 11 HP (not sure of Torque conversion), I am not much for features so hand warmers, auto-chute and power steering are of no real concern to me at the moment.  I am still young enough to tough it out (except shoveling :-) )and don't want to spend more than I need for comfort options right now and just want reasonable reliability.

Craftsman 13.5 torque B&S OHV, 27 inch - $1,299 - I have no model number (Made by AYP)???
Ariens 927LE 9HP Tec L, 27 inch - $1,149 (From HD, local retailer has the same one for more money and further distance)
MTD brands, numerous names like MTD, YardMan, YardMachine, Troy - 999 - 1,299 (Most widely available in my area) ips

I am trying to get some pricing (CAD) on a John Deere 928E (Frontier Equp??) but have no information on that yet, the dearler is almost walking distance from my house.  Unfortunately the local Toro dealership I find way to expensive, the cheapest was an 8HP for $1,899 and price was not flexible so ruled it out.  Same reason for ruling out a honda, I like there cars and have one myself but ther blowers seem overpriced to me. 

I can also get a used 12 year old Noma 10 HP tec/30 inch for about $300, needs some work and has some rust but apparently blows snow as is.  I don't mind picking away at a machine but I don't want to be fixing it all over winter with the work schedules of my wife and I.

Right now I am leaning towards the Ariens from HD when they have their purchase snowblower get a gift card special which should be between now and the 2nd week of Oct, I have a heated garage to store it in the winter.

Thoughts?

Tired of shoveling!

Thanks for all the replies, sorry for my delay but my PC died.  This is very informational.

To all,

I may have the opportunity to pick up an older (12 years) Noma blower for approx 300 CAD, it only operates at full throttle but the owner suspects that a carb job should do the trick.  It's a 10.5 HP tecumseh, new bearings in Auger and Impeller 2 winters ago.

I have never heard of Noma, so not sure what they are like and if worth looking at.

SG

I have not ruled out that possibility but I find they tend to be expensive, but perhaps my idea of pricing for a used blower is incorrect.  For example, a 1988 8HP Ariens, was just re-done to be snow ready going for 500.  3 year old 8 hp Ariens going for 1000.  10 HP MTD's that are 8 years old going for 600.  I just figured for that kind of coin I may as well get new, although in the month of April/May they may be further discounted as you suggested.

Well checked out Snapper and a 9.5 starts at 1900$ here, so that would be out of the question.  I thank you all for your time, this is a great forum.  Special thanks to Borat who has been trying to provide assistance and great info.  For the price I may even give the MTD 8HP pro a shot, I can buy two for the majority of these.