It is an excellent machine. I have a JD LX255 which is identical except the 277 has the premium twin cylinder Kawasaki motor. I can highly recommend the LX as a premium long term lawn tractor that is also capable of utilizing many attachments. It has heavy duty everything yet still has a tight turning radius and is very manuverable. The hydrostatic two pedal tranny is a joy to operate. It has a large rear gas tank with huge fill opening..............basically is just has all the bases covered. Great machine. The Kubota T1770 would be a very good alternate for comparision.
If I were him, however, I'd seriously consider a separate walkbehind snowblower. They usually work out better unless he has a very long driveway. You can get a top of line walkbehind for the same or less $$$.
Bob