10 and 12 HP machines were handling the same amount of the same type of snow quite well without overworking the machines. I know very well about taking small amounts but when you are trying to move snow from the foot of the drive that is 4 to 5 feet high, even small bites takes a lot of power. Having used snow blowers for about 40 years, I think that I have some idea on how to handle them and what to expect of them.
I just don't want to buy a pony when a real horse is what I need.