No equipment owner wants to let their machine sit in the shed for five months out of the year. Luckily, in the Northeast, you’ve got plenty of ways to put your mower to work through the off-season. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure the perfect fit for your snow clearance attachment of choice.
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Can You Put a Snow Blower On Your John Deere Mower?
Yes, on most models. John Deere offers snow blowers for every mower from the 100 Series and up. If you opt for a front blade (plow) rather than a blower, you’ll need an X300 model or higher. Both attachments are easily mounted after you remove the mower deck.
Don’t Forget: John Deere requires rear ballasting when running snow attachments, and recommends tire chains—these are sold separately.
What Snow Attachment Fits Your Machine?
| Your Machine | Snow Blower | Front Blade | Consdierations |
| 100 Series | 44″ | 46″ | Blower requires 2 suitcase weights and rear ballasting |
| 200 Series | 44″ | 46″ | Same ballast requirement as 100 Series |
| X300 Select | 44″ | 44″ | 2 suitcase weights; some models require an extra bracket |
| X500 Select | 44″ or 47″ | 48″ | 4 suitcase weights |
| X700 Signature | 47″ or 54″ quick-hitch | 54″ or 60″ quick-hitch | Closed cab available |
Snow Blower or Front Blade: What’s Your Best Choice?
When deciding which attachment is right for you, answer these two questions:
- How much snowfall do you see every year?
- Where do you want to put that snow?
A front blade is simple. It’s easy to mount, and pushes snow exactly where you want it. You can angle the blade for easy runoff alongside your driveway, or pile it at the far end of your lot. The real downside of a front blade shows up in the late season when each pass keeps building your snow bank higher and higher, and you run out of room to push new accumulation.
A blower, on the other hand, relocates the snow completely. That means you won’t run into late-season banks that encroach upon your driveway. Another upside to the snow blower is that it handles deep snowfall just as easily as a couple inches, whereas a front blade might require extra passes in deeper snow.
Wet snow is an issue here in the Northeast. Heavy coastal snows can bog down your front blade or even clog your snow blower’s chute. Take the extra time to run a shallow pass first, and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches.
Other Considerations
Rear Ballast
John Deere mowers require a back ballast weight to operate your snow blower. This is not a suggestion.
Tire Chains
Chain your rear wheels when clearing snow. This is recommended for blades and blowers, and on sloped or narrow drives. That added safety and traction will boost your plowing speeds and get you back into the heat much sooner!
Deck Removal
The deck comes off before the snow equipment goes on. Get familiar with deck removal before the first snow.
A Cab
The X700 Signature Series offers an optional hard-side cab with heating availability. If you’re spending several hours in the cold each snowfall, this upgrade pays for itself in no time.
Should You Winterize a Mower That’s In Use?
No, winterization is not necessary on machines that will be running all through winter. You can still keep your machine in top shape in cold temperatures, though.
Oil: Before the first freeze, you should swap your oil for a manufacturer-recommended cold-temperature oil. Refer to your owner’s manual for more details.
Fuel: Add a fuel stabilizer to fresh fuel at the start of the season, and refresh it as needed. Running your mower in cold weather on standard fuel adds unnecessary strain to your engine.
Battery: Once the temperatures drop below freezing, your battery requires significantly more power to start the engine. Test your battery in the fall, well before the first snow, to decide if it’s time to replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a snow plow attachment for the John Deere 100 Series?
Yes. John Deere offers a 46” front blade attachment for the 100 and 200 Series Lawn Tractors.
Can I clear snow with my mower deck on?
No, you must remove the mower deck before attaching your front blade or snow blower.
Are tire chains and weights required for snow clearance?
A rear ballast is required for snow blower operation. Tire chains are recommended but not required for all snow equipment. Both attachments offer improved traction, which will save you time and fuel efficiency through the snowy season.
What’s the safest way to clear a clogged chute?
Stop the engine and ensure that the blades have completely stopped turning. Typically, a stick or the end of a broom will be enough to clear a clogged chute.
