All I can say is keep your existing machines! I had a Ariens for many years and it served me well. I had a neighbor give me a much newer John Deere machine and I gave my son the Ariens. ( vintage early 50's). The John Deere is a horrible piece of junk! It has failed me every time I use it. Made of a much lighter metal and mechanically it is garbage. The Ariens is still chugging along and holding up well!! Son will not give it back...
