Sorry, been away from the computer for a couple of hours.
To be honest, I'm not sure if I needed the hinged rear gate or not. I just figured it was easier to "lock it down" if I didn't need it, then to figure out how to make a rigid gate swing if I bought a fixed gate and needed it to swing.
I really don't have much experience with it yet. I'll probably put it to some use this spring and summer.
The HB series is a bit heavier than the GB series, so that's another reason I could justify it.
And I'll admit, I'm sure I paid a bit of a premium for the "Woods" name. However, that's what my (local) dealer sells and I like to support him whenever possible. He always includes delivery.
By the time I priced in other units with delivery charges, I was within about $100-$150 or so of the Woods price. I felt it was worth that to support my dealer. Plus, he had just recently given me a pretty good deal on a Woods SS60 snowblower.
And I don't wish to take anything away from the dealers that respond on this forum. They've been very helpful and I wouldn't hesistate to purchase from them either, if my local dealer couldn't help me out.
My reasoning, probably not yours, but it works for me.
Good Luck,
~Rick