>>If this 4 wheeled model doesn't have it, I would see that as an major deal breaker.
For you, but some would not mind having the 4 wheels, trigger turning and the bucket angle like a standard snow blower which is not so bad. The only questionable thing about angle is the lower bucket rust and replacement shoes in the picture. It makes me wonder if this arrangement puts a downward lean on the bucket causing excessive scraping. ? The back wheel might keep the bucket down more but a disadvantage on quick rise to make it scrap more. ?
>>Personally, I'd take the 4 wheel over a track machine because it's probably easier to move around when not running and is also likely to be more maneuverable to operate.
Hard to say as the MTD tracks are about as easy to move as a wheeled. A comparable HP MTD to your Simplicity would be lighter and probably easier to push around. All the MTD wheeled machines I’ve had are a breeze to push around. The double wheel is probably just as easy.
MTD tracks are nothing like moving a Honda. Yamaha’s are much easier to move than a Honda. Honda is alone in this department. BUT…I have two Honda tracks, had others before and have to move them often and don’t consider it a problem. The problem shifts from hard to move which does not happen because I don’t move them when not running to a wait problem.
The wait part is for the engine & parts to warm up before moving. Given the amount of times I move them per year it’s not a problem but for some would be. I move them to the back yard for summer, garage before the winter and side of the house for their winter start position which is probably more moves and distance than most and not a big deal.
>>the added bonus of being easier to operate compare to a track machine
If you could clear with one you’d know in an instant that they’re probably both the same. The track turns fast without operator effort other than the trigger finger pull. Their actually nice even with the lighter than average build. The bucket positions allow it to dig in if needed and good enough. I never found much of an advantage in bigger weighted front ends of bigger machines. They get you a few feet further into a pile but poop out quickly so not that much of a help.