WisBill

OK, I pulled the trigger.   I bought the 7HP Ariens model, the 722.   $650 USD.

 I do like the chute control, since I change the direction of the chute each time you make a pass on the driveway, I want something I can change in 1

second.   Some snowblowers require you to turn some handle which you have to make about 5 revolutions on to change the chute from the far left to far right.  The ariens control is geared better so that moving

the knob from the left to the right moves the chute from the left to the right.      The 722 was only $50 more than the 5HP Ariens.   I figured going to the single stage (vs the slow 2 stage Toro I had) was a risk when

it came to the big heavy snows and the big pile at the EOD, so I thought the 2 extra HP would mitigate this risk.

As for the many Toro single stage models, it seemed to me the comparable HP models were 50 or 100 bucks more.   The sliding blue plastic bar which controlled the chute via some cables looked problematic to me.  I'm guessing that mechanism freezes up in certain conditions.     The top of the line "Snow Commander" Toro looked to be a little bigger and beefier than the Ariens 722, but it was 200 or 250 bucks more.

Anyway, now awaiting our first snow here in WIS so I can try it out.

I am in the same boat with you debating 1 stage vs. 2 stage.  Last year I didnt do my research and I made a purchase I now regret.  I live in Wis. and we probably use the snowblower 10x a year.  8x are for smaller snows and 2x are for larger > 8" snowfalls.   I had been in the market for a new snowblower for awhile but rushed out before a big snow and bought an Ariens 520.    THis is a 5 HP 2 stage snow blower.    I knew this model only had 1 speed but they were sold out of the higher model that had multiple forward speeds.  WHat I learned was the one speed is very slow and it is very irritating to walk much slower than necessary to clear a 3" snow fall.

So...now I am trading that in and am wondering if I really need a 2 stage snowblower or if I should just go with the 1 stage model that would allow me to walk as fast as I want.  Yes, the heavier snowfalls would be a little more work, but that is only a couple times a year.  And the end of driveway is an issue for me as the snowplow can pile up a 4' pile after a large snowfall.  Get at it right away and the 1 stage would probably be OK but if it sits overnight and turns cold, then the 1 stage might not have the bite to get rid of that pile easily.

Anyway, I have heard from a lot of people around here that 1 stage is the way to go.    I looked at 1 stage models recently and my opinion is the Ariens is superior to the Toro.  The Toros looked more cheaply made.

I like the Ariens 722 model.  7 horsepower, 22" cut.  $650.   The knob to turn the chute direction is very easy to handle and very quick.  On the Toro the blue plastic handle that moves some cables to move the  chute direction seems like it would fail after awhile especially in wet, freezing weather.

I am interested in others' opinions, either on the 1 stage vs. 2 stage debate, or on the Ariens 722 model in particular.