I bought this (my first) snowthrower yesterday. After doing some research and breaking my back for the past two years in the Far northern Burbs of Chicago, I finally broke down and got this little gem. Had a pretty decent snow storm and this thing just ate right through everything....even that slop at the end of the drive from the City Plows.
No mixing oil and gas. Electric start is VERY convenient. It's also nice and compact so I can store in relatively any little area of the garage.
For those with MODERATE snow falls, I would highly recommend this. For those in the UP (Upper Penninsula) I'd stay away. This however amazed several neighbors that I helped out.
Craftsman 179cc 4 cycle Single Stage Snow Thrower with Electric Start is recommended by DewDad