I bought this snow thrower after extensively researching all brands. Ariens and Toro are overpriced. The slightly smaller Craftsman (MTD) have a no name Chinese engine. I settled on Poulan after looking at the others...which also included Troy-Built....Chinese engine too!!
I realized that Poulan is actually made by Huskvarna! which is a good thing. There are very few plastic parts, unlike the other above mentioned brands. The Auger, and Drive are controlled by threaded rods...not plastic cables, on plastic pulleys! The rods can adjust the tension on the system, to account for any give in the belts....nice option. The machine itself is built like a tank!.....It weighs roughly 70lbs more than the MTD or Troy-Built! which should tell you alot right off the bat!
The thrower ran very good , throws snow farther than you will ever need....and seems oveall to be made very well! I have used it 4 times this winter, and am very pleased with it. I noticed on a couple of sites that someone said that it didn't have a headlight . the PR8527ES.....does have a headlight!! I am expecting many years of service from this machine!

The snowthrower was as expected but was a little damaded in shipping, promt service was given through Northern Tool and resolved quickly. The unit started right up with minimal effort to assemble minor parts. I have not needed this yet but I believe it will do the job easily.Poulan PR8527ES Pro 8.5 HP 27-Inch 2 Stage Snow Thrower With Electric Start (Non-CARB Compliant)

I haven't been able to use it yet,but can't wait till first snow storm.
I can tell you that it started right up on first pull and by pressing electric start button. It seems like it is well made no plastics.

Arrived in perfect condition. It took longer to get out of the box/crate than it did to setup about 30 min. Read the instructions, fueled it up, started it up (first pull by the way), and I was out throwing old snow from the cities snow plows so far I had to watch out for the neighbors windows and cars. I haven't even tried the electric starter yet, that will be the test for today's predicted storm. This machine is heavy and well built, and if you let it do the work it is very satisfying to use. I'm actually looking forward to the next heavy wet storm. If you want a heavy duty machine then this one should be on your list. Thanks Poulan and Amazon.

faster than expected service great machine great price delivered to garage door ---freight equals time and gas and taxes- done deal