My Husqvarna snowblower is about to go through it's
10th winter. It has been a good machine, but now that
I'm starting to need to do some work on it, I find
that Husqvarna does not support DIY'ers. They are
completely dealer oriented and won't even sell you
a service manual. I'm not sure if Deere is the same
way, but in this instance, it looks like the better
of the two machines

PartsTree sells Husqvarna parts, at what seems like a discounted price: http://www.partstree.com/parts/?lc=husqvarna&mh=35. Husqvarna has the parts manual and owners manual online. I don't know if there is a service manual, but for the most part adjustments are in owners manual, engine maintenance comes from the engine manufacturer, and the hydrostatic transmission, if equipped, from its manufacturer Hydro-Gear.

Deere is very tight with the parts; however this is really a Briggs and Stratton built Simplicity large frame with the only difference being paint color, standard drift breakers, and use of the Hillard AutoLok rather than the a single wheel freewheel lever. However, it is maybe a $150 dollar better value than the equivalent Simplicity (L1730E) or Ariens (Platinum Deluxe 30) which are both $100 more with the drift bars an extra $30 beyond that. The Ariens shares the AutoLok, the Simplicity the construction. The Ariens has a handlebar design that lifts scoop when you press on the grips.

I think you probably have the ribbon auger. You are right, the Deere is more robustly constructed, but in several areas, especially the handlebars, the Husqvarna may be better designed.

David, what choice did you end up making? I recently purchased a 16530E and so far I am happy with it for the most part. The issues I had at first was from it not being properly adjusted from the get go. I have since adjusted things and everything works fine now. What made you not consider an Ariens Pro Series?? I feel they are another great option. I do wish the Hushy's had cast iron gear boxes and steel augers though (and 14" instead of 12"). It just seems to me that the Husky's auger setup may not be as robust as others are. I don't know why the gear box doesn't have any type of support like you see above on the Deere. I know with mine, my gear box moves up and down slightly when the auger is engaged. It's almost like it's designed to be a floating type of auger system.

I was able to get my Husqvarna reconditioned, but it was from an authorized dealer (Not Husqvarana itself) and I am pretty sure if you ask they will sell you some parts. You might be able to contact a dealer and ask if they would sell you a manual/some parts even if they don't list them for sale.

Here is a link that might be useful: Husqvarna Snow Blower

I bought a new husqvarna I call it the snowblower from hell the tip of the shout that supposed to go up and down will not operate in cold weather oh and the cheap plastic skids on the scoop worn down to nothing after 6 uses my 12 yr old craftsmen could out perform it

I bought a Husqvarna in February ,2013. It wouldn't back up or go forward for about ten minutes from the get go. After two snow storms it didn't seem to be throwing snow and a little vibration.

In Dec. 2013 I started it up preparing for winter. Never actually used it until end of January 2014. First snow storm, it took 10 to 15 min to get it in motion. After an hour there was no moving forward or reverse. Shut it off and there was transmission fluid all over the snow. Bolts backed out of the transmission. Dealer replaced trans. gasket. Checked the vibration and said there was nothing wrong. Got it home, still had to wait for it to warm up Dealer said it was because it was an roto-static trans.

I made a few adjustments on the cables. Finally after contacting Husqvarna and heated discussion, they agreed to have a look at it. I never heard from them again. However, in Feb. 2015, the dealer put new bushings after I showed him the auger assembly was moving up and down. I t worked a little better, but there was still play in the auger.

In Dec. 2016,There was still too much play in the auger. I took it to another Husqvarna dealer.He replaced the gear case and pulley. Put a new impeller. He also told me I needed a new transmission gasket. He also tuned it up for the winter...$583.67.

Used it one time, Bolts all backed out of trans. Jan, 2017, I went out and bought a cheap little 24" Yard Works. The original dealer had my Husqvarna for over a month. I use the Yard Works while the Husqvarna warms up.

It's Jan 1, 2018, I noticed transmission fluid. Had to tighten all the bolts, on the Husqvarna. I would never recommend Husqvarna. There is absolutely no play in the little Yard Works gear case assembly, it performs ten times better than the Husqvarna. I had an old craftsman or MTD for 12 years, with no problems, not so much as a spark plug replaced.

Buy a Toro and get on with Winter !

right cover is discontuned need used one