MTD made blowers are the top dogs around here. They make good blowers. I would guess 90 per cent of the snow blown off in the snow we had several days ago was done with MTD made snowblowers. The engines do not seem to be any different between the two as far as type. Both are those cheap Chinese snow engines that about everyone is using nowdays under ten different labels. They seem to work just fine. I do not see a great deal one way or the other with warranty either. The triple stage is a new product. I do not like to be the tester of new products that I have to pay for. I would let someone else do the testing. One thing I do see worth mention on the Toro is the gear box is supposed to be so strong shear bolts are not needed. That is both a bit scary and impressive. If I owned the Toro, and it worked as good as they claim, and it was not worn out I would not trade it period unless I did not like it. If you just want to try the new three stage out my guess is that you can afford it straight out if you can afford to trade. So just buy it. Then you can sell one, or both, or none. Or buy an Ariens and trade both of them in. They are supposed to be top dog of all blowers.