krilleater

I bought if for $760 at Youngs in Ridgefield. Nutmeg Power Equipment in Danbury had it for the same price.

Thanks for your advice RalphS. After giving this way too much thought, I will go with the bigger machine. I figure its better to have too much power than too little. I'll report back after the first snow storm.

I am about to purchase a new snowblower. I am choosing between the Ariens ST 5520 E 2 Stage Compact 5.5 HP Snow Blower ($600) and the Ariens ST 7524 E 2 Stage Compact 7.5 HP Snow Blower ($760). My understanding is that there are 2 advantages to the ST 7524: extra horsepower and its clears 4 inches wider. I have a gravel driveway that is about 100 ft long and two carwidths wide. It is pretty flat (although there is a slight dip at the road). I live in Danbury, Connecticut  which rarely has snows above one foot (although I think we had 2 last winter). Obviosly, I'd love to save the $160 but I'd hate to make a mistake by underbuying. I'd appreciate any advice.