I think over time and use of the 1450 you will come to really like the hydro. To me, that would be the way to go while pushing snow. No clutching reaching down to change gears. Just push forward and pull backwards to move.

As for the motor mounts, if you can grab that motor and shake it and see it visibly move they are bad. If it actually shakes and moves around while running, they are bad. If they are bad, your driveline, ie: drive shaft, rag joints and bushings are all going to be in bad shape and can eventually do harm to the transmission. They are usually worse on the left side of the motor as you sit in the seat than on the right. Also, you should check to make sure all of your motor mount bolts are actually still there and are tightened. If you have an aluminum pan, there is a chance one or more bolts may have pulled loose the threads and have no way of tightening up. Cast Iron oil pans are the way to go on those big Quiet Lines.

I have hydro's and gear drives. My 129 is completely gone through new paint, rubber, seat, rebuilt engine I had maybe $800. I have a 42inch snowblower a 42inch plow and 10inch brinly plow none of which i lack power or traction for. I also have a 100 with a 12hp which is beast and ive never lost power just traction. Both have ups and downs but are both wonderful choices! Can never have too many!

I will have to check over the hydro on the 1450 agian, Wild Bill. Mine does "slow down" when under a load (pulling a loaded trailer up a grade as well as when mowing up one). As for the manules you suggested, I'm assuming they go into more detail than the ones in the tech section on this site?

Ok, you got me convinced. I will get a little deeper in the 1450. I will look in the manuals and check the adjustments you suggested. Thanks for the info