It is far better than the 26 series, they did a great job on the cutting edge and guide ski design. bigger auger shaft and bearings 1.5" i believe, and the second stage fan has 4 blades. The new subframe comes completely off the tractor or breaks away at the front shaft if you choose to just remove the blower, grease fittings everywhere! I cant wait to fire her up. The driftknives should cut 2' of snow no problem. Imagine the snowblower was $1000. more than the 403 fel, doesn't seem right?