It's interesting to me that the largest compact they offer this year is a 6HP. I have a 7.5HP compact that I bought 2 seasons ago. I could be wrong but I believe they even put a 8HP on it that year. They were selling 7s last year at HD.

I wonder why only the 6 this year? Maybe 6 is plenty and 7.5 and 8 are overkill. I wonder if gas consumption could have been the issue or perhaps this is a signal that the HP wars are over.

Ah I see what they did. They offer an 824E as a Deluxe. Why is it no longer classified a compact? Looks like list prices are up this year.

Try taking a look at the Simplicity blowers. Simplicity makes some pretty good equipment.

Back to the original question, between the two Ariens, I recently chose the 624E over the 520 for a couple of reasons.
The 624 has the OHV engine, the 520 has an L head. I have read that the OHV is quieter and smoother.
The 624 has six forward speeds and two reverses while the 520 has one forward and no reverse.

From what I've read this should be a very good choice for me. It might take a little longer to get through really wet heavy drifts than with a larger machine, but it's much lighter. I work a lot of long hours and I think my wife will be more comfortable with this machine than she would be with one that weighs twice as much.

Also, I don't have that much room in the garage!

Bill