I have a small (18" I think) 2-cycle powered blower, very light and easy to handle. When I finished, it'd go back in the shed until I needed it again... even if it wasn't until next year. I've done that for 15 years. Electric (120 volt ac) start, which I'd use the first time, then easy to pull start after that. Not self propelled, supposedly, but tipping it forward, the rubber edged on the blades would pull it along nicely, even up hill. That way it cleaned right down to the pavement, also. I've cleared a couple of 24 to 30 inch snows with it, takes a bit longer, but works if the snow's not too wet. Deep snow is rarely wet.
3 years ago I bought a large, 8hp, 4 cycle, 2 stage, self propelled, killing machine. Will throw snow, trash, and critters, a country mile, but these machines can't clean down to the pavement, they leave 3/8 of an inch or so. Haven't used it yet... 3 mild winters. Now the warranty has run out, be prepared for a nasty winter.
