This is a great thread which I may contribute to . I make a few bucks flipping tractors , snowblowers as well as anything with a motor . I picked up a hydro Toro for free 2 weeks ago and put 11 bucks into it . It runs like a top and I'll get $500 bucks out of it . 10 minutes work and a beer to enjoy while doing it . I own an Ariens blower as well . Bought it brand new for 599.99 and still has the tag on it . Used once with ethanol gas , maybe 10 years ago . Hasn't run since . I'll get it back up and running one day but it's not on the hot to do list . I own shovels , have 3 kids and a wife , and the Kubota FEL for snow duty ( at least one of the mentioned handles the snow ) !
As far as working on these things , it's what I enjoy and find it much more entertaining than machining something . It is also more profitable for me . Chainsaws are another issue . Repairs can sometimes be quite expensive . They wanted more to fix my Stihl than what I paid for it new . They didn't even pull anything and said I needed a full repower . BS . I bought a pair of new Huskies . To say the least , my garage is packed with things people gave up on . Not me . I enjoy the learning from my failures .
I also happen to live 5 minutes from these guys who treat me VERY well .