Hi Carmello, There are very few 20-26 inch racked machines available and only two that I recommend.
1. Ariens Compact 24 Track. Like your Craftsman, the Compact has a solid axle so it has all the traction but can be VERY hard to turn. You are used to that… It has 223 cc engine so it has almost twice the horsepower of your old snow blower. It’s built to last as long as your old Craftsman.
2. Cub Cadet 2X 26″ TRAC. The Cub Cadet is a very easy to use snow blower. It has power steering and three great LED lights. The engine has more than twice the HP of your old Craftsman. You’ll like the easy chute controls and that you can lock the front of the snow blower up for transport.

Hi Karl, You get what you pay for. If you want a good cheap snowblower I recommend the Troy-Bilt Storm 24 in. 208cc Two-Stage Model# Storm 2460. It works well, will last, and you can get warranty repairs, parts and service easily. That said,

The PowerCare is a snowblower made in China imported by YardMax. YardMax has an office in Libertyville, Il. I suggest calling them 844-YARDMAX (844-927-3629) and asking the following questions.
1. If I have a problem with this snowblower where can I get it serviced?
2. If they say “a local repair shop” ask them for the phone number to the shop near you. Call that shop and ask them if they service and do warranty repairs for a Power Care snowblower. My guess is they’ve never heard of Power Care or even YardMax.
3. If I need shear pins, belts, sparkplugs, and other maintenance items where do I go?

Just so you know, with all of these Chinese snowblowers have an office here in the U.S. and they may be able to get you parts but that does not include engine parts. In this case, the engine is made for them by LCT. You will have to find a repair center that works on LCT engines for that. The snowblower and the engine have separate warranties and in most cases separate repair networks. If you buy a “namebrand” snowblower like the Troy-Bilt above, Cub Cadet, Ariens, Toro, and Husqvarna the engines are serviced and repaired by the same dealer you bought the product from.

thank you

Hi Justin, You have a decent size area to clear so a 28 inch is a good choice. Since you get snow plow snow on the sidewalk you also want something that won’t clog on heavy/wet snow. You live in Chicago so you don’t need a high horsepower snowblower.
So my choice for you is the Ariens Deluxe 28. You can get it at the Home Depot or your local Ariens Dealer. Here is a link to Home Depot (Ariens Deluxe 28)
Just so you know – a $1000 snowblower is now about $1200. Prices have gone up in the last year.

I live in Chicago and we get all types of snow. My driveway is 93′ long. The first 50′ is 16′ wide and the last 43′ is 30′ wide. I also have a path between the house and garage that goes to my front steps and gate and also i am responsible for the side walk in front of my house on a busy street that gets covered by snow plows. What snowblower do you suggest for around $1000 or less?

Hi Brian’s, The Ariens Compact is built well. It’s the smallest 2-stage on the market. It is fairly hard to find because most people opt for the Compact 24 or Ariens Classic 24. But, I don’t know if it’s the right snow blower for you. Where do you live? How big is the area you have to clear?

Thanks again.

Hi James, The Ariens Deluxe 24 has the most throw for a 24 inch snow blower. Most of the time it will throw snow 40 feet.