Well this is the closest group I could find, so I hope it's on-topic:). I'm planning on buying a snow thrower very soon and looking for one in the 7-8hp range.
I live in southern New England so not many major storms (plus I'm near the ocean) and it will be for home usage (short driveway & a couple of short walkways).
I'm looking at the 'Ariens' model (724-7hp) sold at 'Home Depot' but Lowes has a 'Troy-bilt' 8.5hp for a lesser price. Also Sears has a 'Craftsman' model with more HP than the Ariens in the same price range.
I wasn't happy with my last Craftsman snow thrower so basically my choice is running between the Ariens and the Troy-bilt.
So between the Ariens and Troy-bilt does anyone have any recommendations? Esp for long-term reliability (engine, drive train, thrower train, etc)? Thanks...Regards, Walter