Snow Attachments X739 Snow Blower Questions

[UpNorth13]

Hi,
I apologize for originally posting this in the attachment section, but now noticed there is a snow removal thread.

I purchased a 739 (gas since they didn't offer a diesel AWS, 4WD) this summer with the 60" HC mower deck, and love the AWS 4WD combo with the 3 bag bagger so far.

Since winter is fast approaching in northern MN, I am considering purchasing a 47" or 54" snow blower. My local JD dealer quoted me about $4300 (including tax) for a 54" blower with the hyd option to control both direction and height of snow throw, which also included rear weights and rear tire chains (with wheel spacers). He said that he would get the 54", and if I wanted the 47" it was about $400 cheaper. He was confident that the gas engine would be more than enough to drive the 54" blower, but I wanted to ask you all what you think.

I have a fairly large driveway (about 300' long with about a 100' diameter island, and about 20'-40' wide in various sections) (all paved, with a hill). I have a v-plow, but it is hard to get in some areas, and it would also be nice to do the sidewalks and get closer to our garage where the snow slides off the metal roof.

Anyway, I still plan to use the plow part of the time, but would like to use this for part of the driveway and also most of it if snowfall is light. I would prefer the 54" as it would cover more area quicker, but if the engine is not really powerful enough, I would opt for the 47". Also, is this price list, and if so what are people paying for this sort of thing?

Thanks for your advice!!

 

[rcio7684]

I have a X500 with a 44" blower and a pretty steeply sloped 250' paved driveway. It has handled everything from light snow, to heavy wet snow without a problem, so your X739 should easily handle it, whatever size blower you get.

Also, when I was purchasing the X500 I negotiated some money off of it, as well as the snow blower, but I guess it depends on your dealer.

Good luck!

 

[UpNorth13]

Thank you for your response. I was wondering if you think that I need to order rear wheel chains or not. Since I have the 4WD and AWS version, I need to order wheel spacers if I order chains. I suppose I could always add them later but it would be easier to do it all at once since the dealer will put it all on for me.

 

[rcio7684]

My driveway is pretty steeply pitched & I haven't had any problems going up, or down hill with traction using rear wheel drive only. I would imagine with 4WD, you would not need chains & could try it out without them. If it didn't work out, you could always order them later.

Good luck!

 

[ME83]

Thank you for your response. I was wondering if you think that I need to order rear wheel chains or not. Since I have the 4WD and AWS version, I need to order wheel spacers if I order chains. I suppose I could always add them later but it would be easier to do it all at once since the dealer will put it all on for me.

You may want to look into it more, but I believe with the past generation AWS you simply flip a bracket in the rear steering linkage when you put chains on. It reduces the amount the rear tires can turn so the chains won't hit.