Enduro XT1 OK to plow?
 

I know they sell a kit for it, and I know people do it, but how much wear and tear does it really put on the engine / trans? I have a new XT1 with about 10 hrs on it, and I’m debating on getting what I need to plow with the Cub or just buying a two stage snow blower. I have about 100 ft of driveway that is at 30 degrees and then maybe another 100 feet of loop, and then probably around another 40x40 section to clear. Thoughts? Sorry if this is a real amateur question but this is the first tractor I’ve ever owned and I want to take care of it.

:Welcome2:

They make a plow for it, might as well get one. It's not going to affect the life of that tractor anymore than it's going to give you anyway.

OK, I was worried about excessive wear and tear, but based on your post count and signature I’m going to assume you know your stuff! Thanks for the welcome!

You will need chains for the rear. I’ve watched people with lawn tractors try to push snow. They need more weight and traction.
I would just use the snowblower. Or find an old IH built cub cadet tractor for pushing snow.

Not that I don't agree with all of that statement (because I do..... except for the snowblower part.... brrrrrrrr) but the thing I want to point out that I agree with is in bold. You will want a set of chains and you will find that weights would also be a big help.

With chains and weights and the blade it looks I’ll be at around $500, a good deal cheaper than a 2 stage snow blower. If all that would work I’d like to go that route, assuming the chains and weights would give me the traction I need, because it’s more cost effective and obviously more fun. I don’t have room for another tractor really, so it’s probably either the above add ons or blower, which also takes up a good deal of space. Either way, I need a shed!

Glad I own old Cubs. I can get a blade, weights and chains for less than $500, lol. But then again.... I have a few blades, wheel chains and I have loaded tires and/or weights, so I'm good there. Plus a couple cabs. :biggrin2: Sorry, I just had to say that, lol. :BlahBlah:

Just as a suggestion, you might look on c-list for used. Maybe someone has what you need that they want rid of. Just a suggestion. :beerchug:

Good suggestion. I just sold my 2135 to a guy cause he found a blade for one.
Yeah I know, who starts out with a LT blade then looks for the tractor.:biggrin2:

Definitely this. I see MTD blowers and blades allllll the time on C-list. Most are barely used and at least half what a new one would set you back. The one real nice thing about MTD building cub cadets and everything else under the sun is that it really opens up the number of attachments that will fit between different brands.

I’m sure it would be fine to plow with. Like others have said, weight on the rear tires and chains are pretty necessary when pushing a blade. Maybe a little less so with a blower, if you’re not dealing with hills.

Those XT1s aren’t really built to last, though, so don’t feel too awful if you have issues with it in a few years. Best thing you can do is keep up on maintenance with it. Check your fluids and change them when you’re supposed to.

Congrats on your first lawn tractor!

No.... definitely necessary even with a blower. The heavier ones like the 450's are even worse. Get all that weight up front then you don't have traction on the rear. You can get by without one or the other, but not both. I've ran with loaded tires and wheel weights and no chains, and with chains but no weights..... but to do it without either is pretty tough.


Agreed.