X304 snow removal blower, blade or shovel

[RubiconRider]

Hey there,
New to the forum and this is also my first Deere product and first tractor.
I just purchased a 2007 X304 (with bagger) from the original owner. 48 hours on it! Paid $2300.

Told my wife I wanted something for snow removal and since I got a good deal on the tractor she gave me the green light.

I've read too many posts and am still not able to decide.
I figured I would throw it to the pros and see what you think..

My situation is that I have a 300 ft paved driveway with a slight incline....probably a height difference of 20 ft between one end to the other.
I am not a fan of snow blowers, becasue of the all additional parts to wear\tear and also because I never had one that would not clog up when the snow was wet.
My first inclintation was to get the 46" blade.. But it seems it would be a PITA to adjust the angle and lower\raise it. I would have preferred the bigger quick mount blade but it doesn't appear to be compatible with my model.
Then I discovered the 40" shovel. I am leaning towards the shovel since I can use it to move snow and mulch, etc.
But I wont rule out the snow blower...again would prefer the quick mount model but I don't think it will mount to 304 so I thinking of this one instead.
What would you do in my shoes?
I look forward to your words of wisdom.
Thanks in advance

 

[beenthere]

Hey there,
........................ so I thinking of this one instead.
What would you do in my shoes?
I look forward to your words of wisdom.
Thanks in advance

That would be the choice for me (if I had the X304)

 

[RubiconRider]

That's what I plan.
Thanks

 

[BleedGreen]

Remember... The X304 is a lawn tractor and does not have a lockable rear differential. With anything but a completely flat driveway - or descending from garage to street - you will have traction issues pushing snow. Yes, rear ballast and chains can be added, but pushing snow uphill - even on a slight incline - will not work well with the X304. With a front mount snowblower the blower is doing most of the work - the tractor is just moving it (the snowblower) around. The blower also gives you the ability to literally "move" the snow almost exactly where you want it to go. I would also advise that you at least look at a large walk-behind snowblower. After the very dry winter several areas have had you should be able to get a pretty good deal on one. I know you can here, lol.

Dont get me wrong, I love the 304 and sell many of them, but as far as snow removal goes (especially in your situation) the snowblower is the way to go.