snowblowers

Now is the perfect time to be purchasing a snowblower as demand oscillates significantly with the severity of the weather. An Associated Press December 3rd, 2004 story noted that the thus far snowless season in Minnesota and New England had stifled sales. Thus inventory availability and pricing should be attractive right now. However that situation relative to demand vs. supply can change dramatically as a Google search for snowblower sales revealed that storminess drove people into the marketplace with fervor. In fact many articles note the increasing THEFTs of snowblowers and the black market for sales of these stolen machines. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute is projecting that 2004 season will be the 1st to top 1 million units.

Our Profsmart analysis of this product category produces our most significant difference of opinions with other consumer advice services. Consumersearch.com cites Consumer Reports and Epinions.com reviews extolling Toros in particular, but also Hondas and Ariens. We acknowledge those brands qualities as well as their longer warranties yet alert readers to the PRICE premiums those brands carry. The Profsmart study suggests PRICES are dictated very much by HORSEPOWER and that being the case we identify more Yardman, Murray and Craftsmen as better VALUEs.

Our data sources included Amazon.com, Sears.com and Ariens.com and out Profsmart VALUATION/ASSESSMENT algorithm is as follows

each HORSEPOWER adds $108.98
each INCH WIDTH of CUT adds $4.79
2-stage Wheel Drive is $47.16 more than single stage; this is a transmission system with multiple gears that propels the machine forward and is appropriate for more diverse terrain such as gravel driveways
ELECTRIC START adds $7.60

The Murray 621500 @ $399.99 is a SINGLE drive BARGAIN by $127.37 and appealing for those living in modest winter areas.

Regarding the 2-stage drive options we perceive there are numerous BARGAIN opportunities in the $700-$900 range including

Craftsmen 88180 @ $699.99 is a BARGAIN by $230.20
Craftsmen 88175 @ $699.99 is a BARGAIN by $158.75
Murray 624808 @ $749.99 is by $165.84
Murray 627809 @ $849.99 is by $155.14
Yardman31A56fef700$799.99 is by $122.81
MTDYardman
31A56cle700 @ $729.99 is a BARGAIN by $347.07

So in conclusion we counsel that there is no need for a typcial homeowner to spend over the $1,000 threshold where a number of manufacturers such as Husqvarna have concentrated their efforts, perhaps appealing to the commercial snow removal market.

Look for our other product reviews at http://bargainchooser.blogspot.com and for background about us at www.profsmart.com.