I agree that deals are out there if you are patient. But there are hard to find.
I was lucky to pick up an Allied/Buhler 5' 3PH for $800. It was an old unit, like 8-9 years old. But it had never been used.
I had to make a five hours round trip drive, but well worth it for that deal.
It has worked well for me too. Snce I bought it, we have only had one snowfall deep enough for me to use it. But it made 6the driveway clearing much easier. I'lll be ready for that next "big" snow we get.
Tim