$1500?? You bet that's a good price! Seems to me as an add-on option when new it was pushing $3000, with all the parts.
As far as weight, I'd guess mine is as follows:
1) Quick-hitch assy...... approx. 70 lbs
2) Blower itself (mine has electric controls)... approx. 165 lbs
3) Mid-PTO driveshaft, 36" +/-..... approx. 12 lbs
Guess that adds up to about 250 lbs all together. Sounds light, but that's my guess... and that's what it is, a guess.
As far as that wire thing on the chute... well, let's just say mine didn't last long either! :laughing:
WBB/irvingj