Looking to upgrade to a new tractor

[gjh]

Hello: Have been running a Homelite T12 (AC 3412H) for the past 5 years. Have many attachments, plow, belly blade, blower. Have to clear my 350' long dirt drive which goes up a hill. I am right on the ocean, so 6" of snow can leave 2-3' drifts for a good length (thanks to my neighbors row of beach roses which act as a snow fence & dump the snow in my driveway. Anyway, I love my T12, it's in great original condition, the 12hp briggs runs good, but does smoke a little at first. Anyhow I'd like to go to a machine with at least 16hp for the snow removal. I've been looking for a 16hp transplant with no luck. I'd rather keep the machine I have if I could find a 16hp. What machine would I be looking at to replace the T12? I def. want the hydro trans & poss hydro lift, (I currently have a elect. lift) Looking to spend $1500-$2000 range. Any suggestions/leads would be appreciated. My T12 would have to go to get a new machine so am wondering what it would be worth with a nice 42" deck. p.s. I'd like to be able to use my current attachments if poss, esp. the blower which is a single belt from a Soverign.

[SmilinSam]

I'd consider putting a 18 hp Kohler command V twin with one of Al's kits in it and keeping it.

[PhanDad]

A used 16HP engine maybe the best solution. Here's a 16 HP B&S engine currently available on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50371&item=4361054953&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW You could move the S/G and other parts from the 12HP Briggs to the used engine. May have to spend some $$$ to make sure the used 16 HP is good internally, but you'd have a fine running machine. I'm still partial to my Homelite T-12 vs the 17GTH-L I repowered a couple of years ago. The slightly smaller frame of the Homelite, the lower center of gravity, and the Vickers hydro are why I like the Homelite better than the 17GHT-L for mowing. But the hydraulic lift and 16 HP make snow removal easier with the 17GHT-L. And with the front blade on the Homelite - I can use the best "tool" for the snowfall, a great option that I didn't have with only one tractor! Also, at times Small Engine Warehouse has new "old style 3264xx" 16 HP Briggs engines for sale. I think they're for overseas markets - that could also be an option.

[gjh]

Thanks for the input, I tend to think that the Devil you know is better than one you don't, i.e someone elses problem. Anyone with a lead on a good 16hp Briggs, please speak up.