I have a 2520 with FEL/62D/54" Front Blade/Ballast box & R4 tires, as well as an X495 with the 62C mower.
I agree that you are far better off having a dedicated mower. As others have said, the R4's really aren't that hard on you lawn, especially if you drop the loader when mowing. The issue is the overall weight of the tractor, that can tear up your turf in the soggy spring/fall periods. Even my X495 can leave pretty good marks in those conditions. I just cut my lawn for the last time a few days ago, and even though we have had a number of "dry" days, the ground is still soft enough where the 495 tracks could be easily seen. No big deal really, but I certainy would not have wanted to see the marks the 2520 would leave.
The R4's are a much stiffer tire, and much better suited for loader work. Speaking of loaders, I went with the 53" bucket on mine, (the std 49" just looked a little wimpey, but would probably be the best for actual digging) the 53" is just wide enough to cover the wheel stance of the tractor. Unless you are doing a lot of loading where the extra capacity would help, to me the 61" bucket is getting pretty big, and a lot easier to bash into things, especially if you're not careful backing up and turning at the same time. I know, I've already had to do a repair job on my garage door frame as a result of not paying attention. Whatever size you decide on get your dealer to weld on a hook or 2 to the top of bucket, great for attaching a chain.
As far as snow removal, I have a pretty level drive, about 300' long, and last year, I had no problem at all with the R4's, without chains. Because of recommendations from others here, I did purchase the ballast box, to help with traction, and trust me, it makes a major difference. I was somewhat skeptical as to how much of a difference it would actually make, but to say I was impressed, is an understatement........get a ballast box if you plan on plowing snow. By the way, I live in Southern Ontario, not far from Buffalo NY, and although we don't get the snow Buffalo does, we still get our share.
I didn't get the Independent lift kit or diverter valve, I really can't see when I would want to have independent control over the deck, and the 3pth. In most cases, if you have a rear implement on, you would probably take the deck off. Besides being a fairly expensive option, (especially with the diverter valve), I have read a few posts, that are complaining that the Independent deck cylinder has a tendancy to "leak" down. I went with the deck "lock-up" kit, mainly to lock up the mower lift arms when the mower if off. The lock-up kit doesn't sound all that cheap, just for a couple of pins, brackets and chains (around $175 if memory serves me) but unless you are pretty handy and have the ability to make your own, it's not all that bad........a lot cheaper than buying the independent lift, just for the locking part of it.
One last point, I also bought the "I" Match rear hitch. I don't really have any rear implements, but it sure makes picking up and dropping that ballast box an easy job.
Here's a couple of picks from a last years snow, to give you an idea of my plowing needs.
