When it comes to plowing, more weight is always a help. If that is your primary use for the machine I'd probably lean towards the heavier one. On the other hand, do some research and see how they are handling the DPF stuff, make sure there aren't any current issues with them. I do also use my machine to plow snow in the winter, and it has done a fantastic job IMO even with a 78" plow. I'm not a huge fan of the way I have it set up - no trip mechanism and loader mounted. I am looking for a way to add that safety factor into it for next season. My area is fairly small in comparison to most, and it wouldn't bother me to have to remove the plow and use the bucket if the situation called for it.