Rick,
Sorry for the late reply. I have lived in SE MA all my life (30+yrs). In that time, I grew up plowing snow, vice using a snowblower (or FEL), as most of the snow in New England tends to be of the wet heavy kind.
When I moved out on my own and bought my own property a few years ago, I purchased my Kubota with FEL, thinking that would be good for me to "move" the snow during the winter. I was able to get practice using the FEL during that summer spreading fill, loam, and mulch. I was also able to practice scooping crushed stone of my driveway. I had enough seat time using the FEL that I did not gouge up the driveway. (however, I am still just a novice with my FEL)
Thinking I was well prepared for the snow, it took me over an hour to "move" 3 inches from my 30'x40' driveway. Plus a lot of snow seemed to stick to the bucket. After that, I bit the bullet and purchased the front blade and quick hitch for my
BX1500. The blade (TG2754) was only $249, but the front quick hitch was $499! The plow was also A LOT cheaper than the snowblower option (over $1000!). Anyway, the first storm after the installation of the plow, it only took me 30 minutes, not to mention, the "plowed" driveway looked cleaner and neater than using the FEL. Also, I am now set up if I ever decide to purchase the front mounted snowblower or rotary sweeper.
