[PA318Guy]

The helper spring sells for an incredible price most of the time. I've seen them go from $120 - $250. If you got a good left arm you can live without it and use the Armstrong lift! The blower can be a bear though when it gets packed with wet snow!

 

[PA318Guy]

Since everything is relative, I'm 6'3", 285 lbs. I've had enough wet snow in the blower to make me "work" at lifting it. Mind you I'm not in the shape I was in 15 years ago but it did take some effort. I like the 318 with hydraulics......work smart, not hard!