I bought a Troy-Bilt snow blower in Dec 2000 at the local hardware store. It had an issue a few years back and the owner of the same hardware store said he would spend $500 to repair it as my unit is better than just about anything sold today. (I got it fixed.)
My Troy-Bilt broke an NLA part so it is dead. I've been looking at "Professional" snow blowers that all cost over $2,000. Other than creature comforts they are all junk compared to my Troy-Bilt. My Troy-Bilt has thicker steel than any of them and mine has a cast iron gear case. Even the expensive models now have aluminum gear cases. They all have Chinese engines instead of USA built engines.
I ordered a Toro Professional unit, but I cancelled the order since it turns out it will take close to a month to get due to the holidays. I am going to try to find a used Troy-Bilt to steal parts from.