Normally, I would recommend an Ariens because of their reliability. However, because of the fact Tecumseh Engines will be going out of business in December, and most Ariens blowers use their Snow King Tecumseh engines, it might not be a good idea to buy anything with a Tecumseh engine. Parts and service will brobably go down hill once the parts inventory gets depleated. Charles Ranheim

Cranheim is right. Parts may be a problem. As for Service, There will be none from the factory after they close down. There are "Some" ariens snowblowers coming out with Briggs engines, I have not seen which one's, but only heard about. I'd personnaly still go with an Ariens, take care of it. I picked one up this morning, a 1974 with the same engine on it. The man takes good care of it, has never had a problem starting it either. A lot of the stuff that comes through my shop is equipment that is not taken care of properly. I'd go with ariens. My 2 cents. Pat

Honda

I am sure Ariens will have Briggs or whatever new engine manufacturer there is, make sure there is compatibility even with older models.

If Ariens contracts with an engine manufacturer, the customer (Ariens) will define the specs IMO. It seems like the logical thing to do to retain their customer base.

I'm sure somebody will keep TEC alive. The Sno King series has been the standard for years. Briggs never made a good snowblower engine. As far as brands go, MTD is the parent company of Husky, White, Cub Cadet, Troy Bilt and others. AYP/Electrolux makes most of the Craftsman line, Husqvarna and others. Ariens is a GREAT machine and Home Depot has better than average pricing on them. JD is also good. Check for options;Hand warmers work well, individual wheel brakes for steering on larger machines, SOME track machines are OK.
LOTS of choices, ALL do the same job, but some LAST for years!! GOOD LUCK

Wow didnÂt expect so many responses. Thanks to all for the feed-back, will shop accordingly. Any input on the size machine I should get due to my potential traction problems getting a machine up the hill? Or would I be safe with any 2 stage thrower? thanks again

I don't see traction as a problem with these new machines. Keeping up with a storm also helps. For sizes, 8/24 ( 8hp. 24"cut) or 9/26 should be plenty. If you have any Tractor Supply outlets in your area, check them out, also some good deals. Around here, it seems people buy a machine for the first big storm, and then return it. They are then sold as USED with large savings.