Running an overhauled 2011 vs a new 2025 could be a blessing if the 2011 is properly retrofitted.   anything tier 2 or tier 3 would be a much better choice.   New diesels with dreaded DEF systems in cold weather is a huge issue in many areas.

I found the Mach Z steering heavy when I switched from my Cat Turbo (non-EPS). I added MPS brackets on my spindles which changes the leverage. It definitely lightens the feel but it also causes you to move the bars farther to achieve the same ski angle for cornering. It saves my shoulders a lot of wear. I don't notice the added bar movement unless I'm trying to move around a parking lot or a really tight trail.     I vote the 600 Etech as well.

Everyone having issues even hailburton had one unit stuck a few days ago and one broke down (they are saying hydraulics don't like cold either) Seems maybe units aren't getting enough pm maintaince during off season. Stuff wears out. If you are running a 10 year old unit with 2000 plus hours going to be down time. On farm we keep a mix of equipment and backup for everything when possible.       

Riding the trail between Blyth and Kincardine last season, there was somewhere we came across a wing night. It was not an official club event so it doesn't appear on the ITG.   Does anyone know where it was located and if it is running this year? Thanks. 

And the fleet is getting older especially in the south. Our groomer is a 2011 and Conestoga Lake is a 2015 I believe.  I've been told the OFSC will not put new groomers in the south anymore. Not sure if that is correct but if they aren't going to replace them then they better be ready to fix them quickly when they break. Our tractor groomer typically goes to the local Case IH (or whatever they call themselves this year) dealer. Last season it was down there 31/2 or 4 weeks for a kingpin.