6 useful tips for buying snow blowers, according to someone who's built dozens of them

Whether you're buying your first snow blower or replacing one you already have, it can be difficult to know what kind to buy. Here's what to know before you do.

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For a few years after I graduated from college, I worked at MTD Products, a manufacturer that assembles powered lawn equipment, such as snow blowers, lawn mowers, and string trimmers. 

Having built, torn apart, and refurbished countless snow blowers, I have become familiar with how they work. 

Also: I tested DeWalt's electric snow blower over the weekend - now my gas model feel outdated

To help you make the most informed buying decision, I'm going to break down all the major differences between snow blowers. That way, you won't spend a fortune on a machine that isn't right for you.

1. Model ...