Lot's of good advice here.

+1 on the blower can also be used as a pusher.

Being in MO I'd think you'd be better off with a blade.
Wet snow takes lots of power to move.
Make sure you have a spare belt on hand.
Sometimes I've sprayed some silicone spray on the auger and chute on the QA-42A.
It also helps to keep the flutes nice and straight.

PeterJ