Do NOT buy Troybilt. As far as homeowner grade snowblowers go, I've had good lucky with Murray, Ariens, John Deere, and Cub Cadet. For commercial models, we stick with Ariens, John Deere, or Simplicity. One think I definitely do is spray my equipment with Fluid Film or something similar before/after each storm. Keep treated fuel and shear pins on hand, check tire pressure and oil before each storm etc