The page says the "ribbon style auger flighting" is 1/2" thick, not the end plates....
Hopefully you're getting the 60-S and not the 60-LS....the "LS" model only has an 18" fan, which IMO is VERRRRYYYY Sub standard....wont blow much snow with an 18"er...
Snowblowers & Fan Tip speeds have been discussed in MANY threads here....bigger IS better..