I would cruise around and find another 20+ yr old Ariens 2 stage. My 1st Ariens was a 5hp from the 70s, it was like the little engine that could. It was a loaner from my BIL, and like a dummy, I returned it. It was a lot easier to handle than my present pair. I now have an 8hp and a 7 hp Ariens of the same vintage. I pulled them out of the dump. One I put a factory re-manned engine on from an ancient Bolens. I also replaced the belts and freed up the linkages. The other, i havent touched, it popped on the stale gas left in the tank, I knew i had a runner before I even loaded it onto my truck. This weekend, I dug them out of where they had been sitting outside uncovered since last spring, Both started easily. Whenever I see what Ariens is selling new at the big stores, I wonder how many of them will last 30 yrs. They are all plastic with an aluminum auger gear box.

Stay away from the single stage throwers. They don't have the power needed to move heavy, wet snow.

I would look for a 7 to 8 horsepower one - new or used. I have a Toro 826 that can move any type of snow.

I would make room in the garage for a decent size unit.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

There is not room.One I got rid of was Ariens ST826.Need one smaller.Was just wondering if the 5.5 Ariens,single speed would be any good?

Depends on the snowfall and the time you have on your hands .. My neighbor has a 524 and here's out there forever cleaning his drive. Sure beats a shovel but, if time is an issue you might need to somehow make some space and look at something bigger. Possibly the footprint of a new 824 is smaller than the old ones?