I wouldn't buy Poulan on a dare. Look at the Ariens dealer for one of the better models.

I would recommend you look at Toro, Ariens and Simplicity snowblowers. I would also recommend at least an 8 horsepower with a 26 inch cut.

I have an 8 hp Toro and my back is not the best in the world. But with a 1200 foot long driveway, anything less would not get the job done. Price for a Toro 826 is around $1,000.00.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

I would look for a good used Ariens,like the ST824.Should be able to find one for around $500.00 or less.New at Home Depot around $1000.00.

just a dissenting vote re size. My drive way is 125' long and it has a 4 car wide parking area/turn around too. The winter of 04-05 gave us a good amount of snow usually 8-10" at a wack. here in Marshfield. I'm close enough to the ocean so snow tends to wet. I was using an old Ariens 20" 2 stage with a 4.5 hp motor. It was the little engine that could. As long as I kept the intake out of the snow that rig handled 2' drifts with out a problem. Last yr , I had an 8 hp 24" Ariens. less snow, and it was a bit faster, but my back felt the difference. I have no recommendations re replacement. Are you sure your present snowblower has a gear trouble or maybe it just needs a new belt or two?

Check out Boston Craigslist for a used one. There are some guys in Worcester, Reading, and Londonderry NH who buy old Ariens (mostly) and refurbish them.

When you say your old one doesn't throw snow anymore, does the impeller turn but not the augers? If both the impeller and auger stop, it's probably just a belt, easily changed in 10 minutes and $30.

Last year HD sold a bunch of them at 50% off, some folks are selling those off now. But you're not going to get a good deal anywhere at the beginning of December: I'd decide how much saving your back is worth.

There's a used 8hp Ariens for sale in Gardner, asking $250.