Snow Considering Deere X304, but...

[Karl in NY]

Some physical problems mean switching from walk-behinds, for lawn and snow, to a rider. The x304
appealed because of the tight turn radius, but I question its use with a front blower.
First, can I assume the belly mower needs removal for winter?

How much trouble is converting from mowing to blowing, and back again, seasonally?

Is traction going to be a problem, with 2WD, and no locking differential?

The X304 represents about as high as I can go financially, unfortunately.

Any better choices in that price tier?

Thanks- [BTW, we avg. 65" snow/year]

 

[oldnslo]

Yes the mower deck has to be removed to install the snow blower.

You will most likely need rear weights and tire chains to operate the blower.

Will the manual lift on the blower be a problem?

I can't speak from experience on that model switching from mower to blower but on the older larger models like 425 & X485 the blower is heavy and hard to man handle.

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

Switching is not too bad once the initial install has been done. It does not mount quite the same as a garden tractor but is somewhat similar in that no tools should be needed to install, but having a second body to assist would probably be the easiest. As oldnslo mentions it is a manual lift, there are two methods to make the lifting easier one is the basic lift assist spring kit that is pretty reasonable at around $60 or so. The other is the electric lift option that is a little spendy at around $400 or so. It is also recommended that you add the winter grill cover to help avoid the fouling of spark plugs when blowing in windy conditions along with the weights and chains mentioned.