You need the spring assist for use of the snow blade or snow blower. X300 series tractors with a 38 or 42inch decks do not come with the spring assist. The X324 and above come standard because of the weight of the deck meaning 48 and 54inch are a heck of alot heavier than the 38 or 42inch decks

Basically the spring assist makes it easier to push the pedal to raise the deck. On my X304, its no great shakes to lift the deck. As Sergeant mentioned above, if you're not throwing or pushing snow you probably don't need it.

Thanks for the advice.

I will not be pushing any snow so sounds like the assist thingy will not be on my 'must have' list. Beyond mowing grass, I expect the only other thing I'll do with the riding mower will be pulling a small trailer around the yard.

My CC GT 2554 has spring assist but they shortened the lift lever so i can't tell any difference in the lifting effort required.