My Kubota has a subframe that can be used to power several attachments like a sweeper or the blower. It wouldn't be hard to attach a plow to it. I haven't looked closely but it looks like there's a gear box that mounts to the tractor's mid PTO that reduces the speed from 2000 down to I guess 540 as well as change the direction of the PTO from down to facing forward. I'll take a second look tonight but I thought the second stage was directly connected to the PTO shaft, no gear reduction, on the blower.
Al,
That's the way I think my 47" Deere blower worked. Also being able to use other attachments on the front PTO adds somewhat to the decision whether to get a front blower or a rear one. Deere's can run brooms ,blades, etc. too.
Rob