Is your trusty John Deere lawn tractor sitting idle when the first snowflakes start to fall? Many homeowners love their green and yellow machines for summer mowing, but wonder if they can handle the winter chill and heavy snow. Turning a beloved lawn mower into a powerful snow-clearing machine sounds great, but the reality of choosing the right attachments and tractor size can feel overwhelming.
The pain point is real: you want reliable winter yard care without buying a whole new snow blower. You need to know which John Deere models work best with snow blowers, what accessories you absolutely must have, and how to keep your tractor running smoothly in freezing temperatures. Don’t let confusion keep you stuck shoveling snow by hand!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which John Deere lawn tractors are perfect for snow blowing, explain the must-have attachments, and give you simple tips for winterizing your machine. By the end of this post, you will confidently know how to transform your summer workhorse into a winter warrior.
Top John Deere Lawn Tractor For Snow Blowing Recommendations
- NOTICE: Compatible with S100/S240 lawn tractors built after 3/2/2014. This includes Tractor models: S100, S110, S120, S130, S140, S160, S170, S180, & S240
- NOTICE: For kit to be compatible it also requires 700AM 44-in. (112-CM) snow blower model year 2018-Current
- Electric Lift Kit for John Deere 100/S240 Series with 700AM Snow Blower (Replaces OEM LP68150)
- Controllable down pressure - the limited down pressure feature enhances the efficiency of snow removal, contributing to improved cleaning and scraping performance on hard-packed snow for an optimal snow blowing experience.
- Steel components with a powder-coated finish - ensuring years of durability by providing enhanced resistance to wear and corrosion.
- Direct replacement for John Deere LP70692: These dollies are a perfect replacement for John Deere LP70692, designed to fit 44-inch snow blowers from the 100 series, S240, X300, X500 series, and 47-inch & 54-inch models for X700 series and Compact Utility Tractors.
- Easy installation with adjustable setup: While you may need tools to adjust the dollies for the initial fit on 44", 47", and 54" snow blowers, once properly set up, you can quickly install and remove the dollies using the hand knobs. This allows for fast, tool-free attachment and detachment whenever needed.
- 360-degree rotating caster wheels: These dollies are equipped with fully rotating caster wheels, making it easy to move your snow blower in tight spaces and navigate around corners for efficient storage and transport.
- Heavy-duty & durable design: Built with a black powder-coated steel frame and high-quality plastic caster wheels, these dollies are engineered for long-lasting durability, able to withstand frequent use and harsh environments.
- Stable & secure storage: The dollies feature a square cradle that holds the snow blower in place while moving it, ensuring stability and preventing any tipping or shifting during transport, making it safe to maneuver your equipment.
- Replacement Part Number: M135188 M46530 M135188 GXH3045 AM31235, Snow Blower Skid Shoe for John D-eere 42" 44" 46" 47" snow throwers, lawn mower tractors and garden tractors.
- M135188 Set of two Composite Skid Shoes fit 42inch snow throwers 240, 245, 260, 265, 285, 320, 325, 335, 345, 355D, GX, LX lever and pedal lift units. Also for GX0420X 42inch snow thrower used on the S-abre and S-cotts tractors
- M135188 Set of two Composite Skid Shoe fit 44inch Snow blowers that fit on D100, D120, D125, D130, D140, D150, D160, D170, G110, L100, L105, L107, L108, L110, L111, L118, L120, L130, LA100, LA105, LA110, LA115, LA120, LA125, LA130, LA135, LA140, LA145, LA150, LA155, LA165, LA175, X300, X310, X320, X324, X340, AND X360 tractors
- M135188 Set of two Composite Skid Shoe fit 46inch Snow throwers with serial numbers starting with M01481X and M046STX that attach to the following units: 318, 322, 330, 332, 420, 430, 425, 445, and 455 tractors, 655, 755, and 2210 compact tractors, F710, F725, F735, F910, F911, F912, F915, F930, F932, and F935 front mount mowers, and 47 Snow blowers on X530, X540, and X590 tractors
- InstallingComposite Skid Shoes provides better protection for the snowplow bucket and the ground, reducing mechanical surface wear caused by bucket-ground friction and minimizing ground scratches. Mounting skid shoes to support the bucket effectively lessens direct contact between the bucket and the ground, thereby reducing damage to both the bucket and the surface.
- Replace: AM122263 AM122264
- Fitment: for John Deere G110, L100, L105, L107, L108, L110, L111, L118, L120, L130, S240, X950R, Lawn Tractors; 102, 105, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155C, 190C, LA100, LA110, LA120, LA130, LA140, LA150, X110, X120, X125, X135R, X140, X155R, X165, Tractors
- Fitment: for John Deere: D105, D110, D125, D130, D140, D155, D160, D170, E100, E110, E120, E130, E140, E150, E160, E170, E180, 100 Series Tractors; X710, X730, X734, X738, X739, X750, X754, X758, X940, X948, X949
- Fitment: for John Deere X300, X304, X305R, X310, X320, X324, X340, X360, Tractor Select Series; X500, X520, X530, X540, X590, Tractor Multi-Terrain Series
- Package Included: 2 X Slide Shoes (Left & Right Side)
- Widely Application -- List of compatible brands of riding lawnmowers: Compatible with John Deere, Ariens, Cub Cadet, Poulan Pro, Husky, Husqvarna, Craftsman riding mowers. Mower must have a full length back plate to mount the Hi Hitch to. (Tips: During the attaching process, it may take some minor modifications, cutting, bending and new holes to fit the different tractor models.)
- Easy to Install -- Connecting components with bolts is easy to install, and with the installation instructions provided, it can be easily installed in fifteen minutes. (Tips: Some drilling may be required.)
- More Convenient -- Use the Eapele lawnmower trailer hitch to pull around your log splitter or hook up your cart, get your trailer in and out of the back yard to clean your garage, or pull a small mini camper, even drive your boat around to the shed.
- Heavy Duty Iron Made -- Made of solid Iron, strong and durable enough to tow your boat around the yard. Outstanding powder black coating for rust resistant.
- Package Included -- 1pc hitch body, 2 pairs of mounting bars, all the mounting screws & nuts you need. Choose the shorter bars or the longer one according to the model of lawnmower, it may need a few minor modifications to fit perfectly. (NOTE!!!!!!! Trailer hitch ball not included.)
- Widely Application - Lawn Garden Tractor Hitch compatible with John Deere Cub Cadet Craftsman riding mowers and all conventional lawn mowers. The Ball Mount takes any standard 3/4" Shank Ball.
- Adjustable Design - 5 different freely adjustable heights allows you to level out your trailer or anything you hook to the hitch. Other non-adjustable style hitches are always cause the tongue on the trailer to be too high.
- Durable & Sturdy - The hitch adopts heavy duty thick steel foundation, which greatly improves the strength and weight-bearing. High quality powder coat for protection. It remains safe even in the harshest conditions.
- Package Include - 1*Adjustable Lawn Garden Tractor Hitch. Including all hardware. Installation Instructions are NOT included.
- Easy Installation - Bolt-on installation. It can work on most conventional Lawn & Garden Mowers/Tractors. Require a minimum of drilling, existing holes can be used when available.
- | Universal Fit Riding Mower Cover | - Measures 72" x 54" x 46" (L x W x H), Zettum lawn mower covers are designed to fit most brands' riding mowers with decks up to 54 inch, including: John Deere, Honda, Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, Toro, Ryobi, Greenworks, Sun Joe, EGO, PowerSmart, Craftsman, LawnMaster, Snapper and more. For special lawn tractor models, please check the size carefully.
- | 600D Heavy-Duty & Super Waterproof | - Made of Premium 600-Density oxford cloth with PU coating, Zettum riding mower covers are extremely heavy-duty and super waterproof. Compared with PVC type cover, our lawn mower covers are more breathable and softer, hard to be torn in outdoor. More important, PU type coating are more environmentally friendly!!
- | Easy to Put On with Great Protection | - Designed by our lawnmower experts team, Zettum lawn tractor covers for outside are very easy to put on and put off. With the cover on your weeding equipment, no more worry about the sunlight, rain, snow, wind, dust, resin, leaves, debris and bird droppings etc. Zettum will be the tough protector of your lawn mower machines!
- | Windproof Smart Buckles Design | - Upgrade Quick-Release buckles design with velcro make the cover secure to the riding lawn mower super tightly, No wind can blow away Zettum lawn mower covers! Coming with a portable storage bag for storage and a cloth for daily cleaning. You deserve Zettum lawnmower cover and you will get what you pay for!!
- | Fading-Resistant Cover for Years | - UV Test can reproduce the damage caused by sunlight, rain and dew through the equipment. The test shows that Zettum outside lawn mower cover can withstand at least 3 years of UV aging, which is much better than others. Thanks to its fading-resistant feature, Zettum outdoor lawn mower cover will keep your riding mower new for years!
- 【Perfect Fit】Compatible for the John Deere Garden Tractor.This kit is required for mounting your 46" front-attachment.Please confirm your model before ordering
- 【Direct Replacement】Heavy-duty snowplow front mount bracket kit is fit parts GXH24760/GXH24761
- 【Premium Material】Crafted from premium steel with a durable powder coat, it resists rust and corrosion resistance for ultimate all-weather protection
- 【Protective Coating】A durable coating shields the brackets while remaining weldable, with precision machining ensuring perfect fit
- 【Complete Kit】The package contains a matched set of left-hand and right-hand brackets.Directly compatible with and replaces the frame extension brackets on specified models
Choosing Your John Deere Lawn Tractor for Snow Blowing: A Buying Guide
A John Deere lawn tractor is a great tool. It cuts grass in the summer. It blows snow in the winter. Buying one for snow blowing needs a little thought. This guide helps you pick the right machine.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at John Deere models, certain features matter most for snow removal.
Engine Power and Size
Horsepower (HP)
- Bigger yards and heavy, wet snow need more power. Look for tractors with 20 HP or more for tough jobs.
- Smaller, flatter driveways can use models with 17-19 HP.
- A strong engine keeps the machine running well, even when it’s cold.
Transmission Type
Hydrostatic vs. Manual
- Hydrostatic transmission lets you change speed easily without stopping. This is best for driveways with lots of turns or obstacles. It feels easier to drive.
- Manual transmissions require you to use a clutch. They work fine but are slower to adjust speed.
Snow Blower Attachment Compatibility
Two-Stage Blowers
- John Deere tractors often use two-stage snow blowers. These are the best for serious snow.
- Make sure the tractor you buy is rated to handle the weight and power needs of the specific blower attachment you want.
Important Materials and Build Quality
John Deere tractors are known for being tough. The materials used affect how long your tractor lasts.
Frame and Deck Construction
- Look for a heavy-duty steel frame. This keeps the tractor steady when pushing heavy snow.
- The mower deck (even if you won’t use it for mowing in winter) is often made of thick steel. Thicker steel resists bending and damage better.
Axle Strength
- The front axle takes a lot of stress when pushing snow. Cast-iron axles are much stronger than plastic or lighter metal ones.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make using your tractor for snow much better. Others cause headaches.
Traction Improvements (Better Quality)
- Tires matter a lot in snow. Look for turf tires with deep treads or consider buying dedicated snow blower tires.
- Some models offer optional wheel weights. These add needed grip to keep the rear tires from slipping on ice.
Ease of Use (Better Quality)
- Power Steering is a huge plus. Turning a heavy tractor with a snow blower attached takes a lot of effort. Power steering makes steering easy, even at low speeds.
- A comfortable seat and easy-to-reach controls improve the user experience greatly.
Things That Reduce Quality (Watch Outs)
- Using a tractor designed only for flat lawns in a hilly, snowy area will cause problems. The engine might struggle, and you might lose traction.
- Using very old or underpowered models with large, heavy snow blowers will strain the belts and engine.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how often you will use your tractor for snow.
The Long Driveway User
If you have a long driveway or face heavy lake-effect snow, you need high horsepower (22+ HP) and a hydrostatic transmission. You will use the tractor for many hours. Comfort features like cruise control help reduce fatigue.
The Moderate Snow User
For average suburban sidewalks and driveways with 4 to 8 inches of snow, a mid-range tractor (18-20 HP) with a good two-stage blower works well. Power steering is still highly recommended.
Winter Maintenance
Remember that the tractor must be able to handle cold starts. Ensure you use the correct engine oil recommended for winter temperatures. Good maintenance keeps the tractor ready when you need it most.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About John Deere Lawn Tractors for Snow Blowing
Q: Can any John Deere lawn tractor use a snow blower?
A: No. You must check the tractor’s specifications. It needs the correct mounting system and enough engine power to run the attachment.
Q: What is the difference between a one-stage and two-stage blower?
A: A one-stage blower uses one set of blades to scoop and throw snow. A two-stage blower scoops the snow with a first auger and then throws it with a second impeller. Two-stage is much better for deep or heavy snow.
Q: Do I need special tires for snow blowing?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended. Standard turf tires often spin out. Heavy-tread tires or snow chains give you much better grip.
Q: How cold can I use my tractor in?
A: Most modern John Deere engines start fine in temperatures down to 0°F if you use the correct winter-grade oil and keep the battery charged.
Q: Is power steering worth the extra cost?
A: If you clear snow often or have many trees to navigate around, absolutely. It saves your arms and makes the job much faster.
Q: Can I leave the snow blower attached all winter?
A: Yes, you can leave the two-stage blower attached. Just make sure to cover the tractor if it will sit outside for long periods.
Q: What is the lifespan of a John Deere tractor used for snow?
A: With regular maintenance (changing oil, checking belts), a well-built John Deere can last 15 to 20 years, even with regular snow duty.
Q: Does the tractor use gas or diesel for snow blowing?
A: Most residential lawn tractors use gasoline engines. Diesel models are usually reserved for much larger, commercial tractors.
Q: How do I store my tractor after the snow season?
A: Clean off all salt and wet debris. Run the engine dry or add fuel stabilizer. Store it in a dry place.
Q: Are the snow blower attachments sold with the tractor?
A: Usually, no. The tractor (the power source) and the snow blower attachment are often sold separately. You need to buy the correct model that fits your tractor series.