I just bought the 24 Deluxe model. I also live in New Hampshire (Hollis), where we get a good amount of snow. I wasn't put off by the lack of a differential, since I preferred to save the $400. Handwarmers and joystick weren't imporatnt to me, and I really didn't need the headlight, since we have some post lights along our drive.
Our driveway is about 60 feet long and does slope at the end at a medium grade. At the top, we have a parking area about 35x35', so it's certainly not a tiny drive. A few buddies with blowers and the guy at the local OPE shop who dropped off the blower last wekk estimated that it would take 30-45 minutes depending on the snowfall to clear the drive.
Given your two small drives, i would think that the Deluxe model would be fine and the platinum one overkill... unless you really need a headlight. Don't forget, the ground will be at least a bit slippery when you blow snow and, if the unit is moving even a tiny bit when you turn it, it should not be hard to turn. I have to admit it's a tiny bit obstinate when I wiggle it in place to park it in the garage, but it's totally not a big deal.
I love the machine, even tho I haven't had a chance to use it yet-- it's totally solid!
This message was modified Dec 7, 2009 by amazer98
