I must say I have to thank my father (gone for a long time already) for buying his Ariens 7hp/24", in the winter of 1969/70, it's still running like day one. Excellent machine, parts are still available if needed. It's had 2 mufflers, 3 belts and one friction drive wheel in 36/37 years, can't complain. Change oil, pump up tires, add gas and blow snow. If I had to choose another model it would be either a Bolens or Toro. In my opinion, the rest like Murray, Yard work, you'd better have a snow shovel on standby.