Can't speak for ariens or cubcadet, but troybilt is just another MTD product. Some are good and some are just very poorly made. I had an MTD blower I bought new in '98 and when I sold it in '08 due to moving south, it didn't owe me a dime.
Mike

I've gone through 4 seasons with my Ariens Compact 24 and it's a great little machine for it's size. It had no problem with the large amounts of snow NJ saw last year.

Guys, thanks for feedback. Bought an Ariens Compact 24 the other day at Home Depot (free delivery was the clincher). Also picked up some extra shear pins. I'll let ya know how it works ; )

Wankel: You will be glad you paid a little more for the Arien's very capable unit , with a proven track record for reliability . Have Fun Dude !

We have a Cub Cadet and it has been a super machine for us. Never have had a bit of trouble with it. We have had it 10 years and it has had a lot of work. We would buy one again...

"We have had it 10 years and it has had a lot of work."...Mamy people say this, but you are NOT buying the same machine today that you did 10 years ago. Prices may not have increased substantially, but quality has decreased considerably in the last 10 years.

Like your logic Dude ! Especially when it comes to Box Store Blowers of late .