Jim,

I'm still considering a small electric blower, like the Toro 1800,
just to simplify the cleanup of our smaller storms. I just wonder how
it would hold up in deeper snow? I don't mind going slow if it will
eventually clear the way without breaking or burning up. Can't be any
slower than hand shoveling.

I did a 30" snowfall with mine. End of drive was 5' high-- Nice
thing about these is they only weigh 20pounds, so you can lift it to
the top of a snowbank and watch it gobble it all up.

In over a foot of snow, the first pass through the drive is almost
like work. Then you slice off a foot at a time and it goes pretty
quickly. Infinitely better than shoveling. [when you see one of
these little machines tossing wet slush 15 feet from your driveway
you'll be doing a happy dance]

Thanks again for the info on the 1800. I'm thinking I'll probably end up
ordering one, as all the alternatives seem too expensive or just plain
overkill for my needs.

I wish I could run down to the store and see one in person, but I checked
several stores and no one around here carries snow blowers of any kind.
Heck, Home Depot was the only place I could even find a snow shovel in
stock. Obviously, snow is not usually a big problem here.

Assuming the 1800 breaks the first time I use it, is there a place you
recommend for purchasing replacement parts?

Of course, we're heading towards the end of our snow season, so if I do buy
one, it'll probably just sit in the shed till next winter. Bummer.
Knowing my luck, we'll go through another several years of nothing but
dustings.

Anthony