mfreak wrote:
Any reason you want a single stage? For the $649 you're contemplating
on that toro, I got a craftsman 2 stage, elec. start, 6 forward/2
reverse speeds, it beats the hell out of any single stage snowblower I
ever had, and I've had a few.. I'd say don't get one if you have a lot
of heavy snow.. They're fine for a few inches of dust, but a foot of
heavy northern wisconsin snow will make em choke.

I agree,

once the snow is "heavy" the single stage stops working. Its nice for
three-four inches of light fluffy snow .

For $550 you can get a two stage snowthrower at Wal-mart that will do a
much better job in all snow conditions.