Wonder whats better...the husqvarna posted a few days ago or this. I am banking on the husqvarna with the almost 200 dollar cheaper price - the main difference is this one has zero turn and also 2 more inches in width but the craftsman brand has been struggling (made in china) as of late.
^ You can get off brand (Murray, etc) 179cc, 24" for about $500. You can get a Craftsman 208cc, 24" without zero turn for $660 and many view it as one of the best values for residential use:
Perceptions of Craftsman brand struggling or made in China aren't very relevant. Most major parts on a two stage blower are interchangeable and today's (LCT) motors are pretty good compared to those of yesteryear, and not hard to find parts for either. You could get something with a B&S, Honda, maybe Kawasaki or Kohler engine but that'll run you $200 more (upscale model, has more features added than just a different brand motor, usually) and frankly for this class of snow blower it's not worth the extra coin.
Comments & Reviews (2)
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-24-in-208cc-dual-stage-snow-thrower/p-07188173000P
http://movingsnow.com/2014/craftsman-24-inch-208cc-model-88173-snow-blower-review/
The Husky listed a few days ago was $669 after $50 rebate:
http://bensbargains.com/redirect/husqvarna-208cc-24-2-stage-gas-snow-blower-669-at-451790/
Perceptions of Craftsman brand struggling or made in China aren't very relevant. Most major parts on a two stage blower are interchangeable and today's (LCT) motors are pretty good compared to those of yesteryear, and not hard to find parts for either. You could get something with a B&S, Honda, maybe Kawasaki or Kohler engine but that'll run you $200 more (upscale model, has more features added than just a different brand motor, usually) and frankly for this class of snow blower it's not worth the extra coin.
Thank you!