John Deere 59" snowblower broke yesterday

[Garry 2r's]

Went over to daughter's house to help clean her out after thawing and everything re freezing.  Almost done with clean out and heard a loud clunk and pto kicked off. Got out checked to see what stopped it nothing really but hard ice and snow. After closer inspection auger and impeller where able to rotate by hand and found broken part on ground behind blower. Dam did not need this to happen drove it back home did some research on line for part $220 plus. OUCh!! After more digging seen some info on tractor site about poor design no shear bolt shaft is keyed and bolted and will break every time something makes it back to the impeller. Had tractor 4 years now and love it 955 John Deere (Yanmar) Need to see if can make changes to prevent this occurring again. Maybe omit key way and add shear bolt. part will be here Monday. Any ideas will be appreciated.  Part# 11    AM38891  



http://www.greenfarmparts.com/John-Deere-Snow-Blower-Parts-s/373.htm#/John_Deere/59-IN_2-Stage_Snow_Blower_%28855_%26_955_Compact_Utility_Tractor%29_%28670_%26_770_Compact_Utility_Tractor%29_-PC2108/FAN_%26_WORM_GEAR_DRIVE%3a_0_NON-SECTIONALIZED_CATALOG/21080002/2108D061C0100000006

[wiggydotcom]

I don't know much about your setup, but think you have a good idea with eliminating the key and possibly drilling through for a sheer bolt...maybe a grade 2 or similar.

Or possibly just have a key made from a softer metal? Maybe along with using softer metal, you could cut down on the length of the key. If it's an inch long, maybe go with 3/8ths to a half inch length.

You're right in thinking you need to make an inexpensive weak link alternative to expensive parts. Good luck.

[Jess Tolbirt]

put a shear key in it,, thats what the lawn mowers use in the flywheels

[sutterhome]

check out ebay for part.

[wiggydotcom]

put a shear key in it,, thats what the lawn mowers use in the flywheels

That's what I was implying, Jess. It just took me a hunnert more words to say it!   

[Robert]

It looks like a fairly weak piece being a drive shaft. How about welding it back together and then putting a collar around it to add strength. I would think that a driveshaft shop could put another ujoint in there that would be stronger.

[Challenger]

There is a J.D. DTAC case on drive line run-out on 59" blowers. I will look it it up for you when I get back to work Monday. We have many of these out and not much trouble with them. Two things to check though. Make sure the PTO tubes (the part that slides in and out) are well lubed. As the blower moves up and down the PTO shaft has to slide freely or it transmits undue force on the u-joints. Second check for any drive line run out that will cause vibration and fatigue. Have seen many where the splines wear in the shaft and begin to cause severe vibration.  I will let you know what I find.

[Garry 2r's]

Challenger

Sounds great will disassemble it today and do all the checks.  I believe it is all original I see the new u joint has a grease fitting on it.  My e-mail is hollydogdog@frontier.com or 231-894-6999

Thank you