MasterMech said:
Old Ariens blowers are indeed worth $$. Quality Sells. If you have any of the other attachments for it (tiller, blower, etc) it's a goldmine.
I guess that was part of my point. Just because the old machines were built like tanks does not mean the new ones are just as good. Having a friend in the power equipment business, i have seen most of the Toro's in action next to the Husq units as well as others. I noticed that the box stores are all selling the Ariens untis, which is usually a red flag for me.
Chute design - Toro does indeed have the best chute design and controls, which is a BIG selling point for me. I have 2 driveways and move that chute a million times to get the snow where I want it. I also plan on having my future snow blower for quite some time and the same can be said about the older Toro units, they are great. Heck, even the small old craftsman unit I have is good.
Wet snow - is also a big issue. Some units have the square discharge and all they do is make bricks of ice - great for making an igloo but not so much for snow clearing.
Engine - As far as engines and the Subaru engine you reference, I have not had one issue with various engines on my lawn tractors, snow blowers, log splitter and others so engine brand is not always the biggest factor for me. I have found that as long as you maintain them well, they should last and treat you well.