It seems like they only have 24" models. Don't see how 2" would make a difference. I was skeptical about going with some unknown foreign company, but since you mentioned the friend recommending it, maybe I'll give it a try/investigate further.
The Husqvarna units' blade/churner areas get higher, as they get wider, handling deeper snow. Mine has 15 inch wheels, 6 forward speeds and one reverse, twin headlights and with a steel chute, which can rotate 180 degrees. There are separate controls, for the blades and the transmission. You can set it up for plug-in-the-wall starting or use the pull cord. Mine always starts on the first pull. It blows though snow, slush and ice, even packed snow, from the plows, like no other machine I've ever owned. I have the older version of the ST224 model. The newer version is push button start. My driveway is 100 feet long and double wide, plus a wide and deep patio, in the rear.
Gary