Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

My old Deere 726 is on it's lastlegs. Looking at a $300 repair. I am considering buying a new Ariens in the next day or two. Local dealers have the following blowers:

2013 Deluxe 30 with the trigger differential lock and I think the 342cc briggs engine for $1399

2014 Deluxe 30 with new Auto Turn and the 291cc LCT engine for $1299 at another dealer which I don't really want to buy from if I can help it

2013 Platinum 30 with the Traction Control differential and the 342cc briggs engine for $1599

2014 Platinum 30 with new Auto Turn and the 414cc LCT engine for $1599

I am leaning toward the Platinum 30 for the extra power although the 2013 deluxe 30 has the larger Briggs engine if I want the trigger differential vs auto turn.

 I guess it comes down to Briggs vs LCT and autoturn vs trigger. On the engines, two dealers I have talked to have said they have had no real problems with the LCT engines except for some availability on carb parts.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for any help