croftwny

I have a 2011 Platinum 30 and am very satisfied with its ability to handle the Lake Effect snow we get as well as the heavy EOD stuff. I too wanted to upgrade and that's when I bought the Ariens. The ATC works very well and easy to maneuver, so I definitely recommend it over a trigger. Regarding Briggs vs. LCT, I can't speak to which would last longer or provide the best performance. I can say the 342cc Briggs on mine provides more than enough power to handle and throw snow at an impressive distance. Good luck! Feel free to report back what you ended up with.

I have the Toro 418 with the 87cc 4-cycle and my father has the Toro CCR 2450 with the 141cc 2-cycle. When comparing engine performance the newer 4-cycles seems to be on par with their 2-cycle predecessors. Their peppy and never seem to wanna give up, sure it stalls out when pushed too far but what SS doesn't. I've pushed my little Toro above and beyond its capacity, obviously with some effort and in a bind if my 2 stage ever was out of commission, I wouldn't hesitate to use the little Toro in its place. The 4-cycle has certainly exceeded my expectations.

Steve_Cebu wrote: Just curious, why did you return it?

Maybe this might help put things in perspective...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI-AFIA56yo&feature=related

I have a Toro 418 it had a hard time handling the hard chunks at the EOD so I had to break out the 2 stager, although the 621 is a bit larger and powerful so it might do a little better.  If you keep up with the snow and don't let if freeze overnight you should be okay.  I understand you need to make a compromise and if your situation is purchasing new then there are 2 stages available in the same price range (i.e.; Snow-Tek 920404).  I would suggest looking at a 2 stage in the same price range, you wouldn't want buyers remorse when your using a SS when you could've bought a 2 stage for the same price.