Wheelhorse 2 stage snowblower 79361 question

[R Scheer 503]

I was looking over the snowblower and noticed at low rpm a lot of side to side motion in the auger gearbox, as the rpm increased the motion disappeared.  There doesn't seem to be any side to side play in the auger when it's shutdown.

 

Thoughts, normal or gearbox needing rebuild?

 

 

[lynnmor 7,361]

I would be tearing that gearbox apart before it is wasted.  Who put the grease fitting on the front?

[JCM 9,523]

I have the same blower # 79361 serial # 7901085 makes it a 1997 built from 1990 - 2000. I rebuilt the front diff once and have never seen it do that. I have seen an aftermarket brace on RS  @WHX??  I think posted some time ago that took the sway out of that shaft that bolts to the center of the blower housing directly above it.  Maybe someone has the answer. Mine was a year old when I bought it.

[JCM 9,523]

That's the second one today with the grease fitting on it. Mine always had a plug.

[wallfish 17,105]

It appears to me that the fan is out of balance causing the shaft to that front gearbox to move or the shaft itself is bent slightly. The balance is more pronounced at slower speeds just like a clothes washer on spin cycle. Highly doubt it's that worm gearbox causing the side to side motion. You can shim the outer auger shafts at the ends near the bearings and it should hold steady. Some of us have also made stabilizer brackets to hold that front gearbox steady and support it better.

I've been running grease in mine for at least 4-5 years now and work it hard whenever it snows. Not a problem but I use a hand squeeze tube to fill it. Light grease like Lubriplate 105 engine assembly grease or cornhead grease. White lithium grease might work too . I wouldn't recommend using a heavy wheel bearing grease or that type.

[R Scheer 503]

It had a plug originally, when the gears let go about 10 years ago the Toro place put the grease fitting in.  I just take the fitting out and top off with Lucas 80w90.  I'll try shimming the auger shaft for now.

 

As always thanks for the help.

[Ed Kennell 39,036]

Here is a pic of the support on my Ber Vac.

 

 

[WHX?? 49,432]

18 hours ago, JCM said:

  @WHX??  I think posted some time ago that took the sway out of that shaft that bolts to the center of the blower housing directly above it. 

A mod I got from other guys here 

Yep looks like Ed's Ber Vac has one similar. 

Edited December 30, 2024 by WHX??

[R Scheer 503]

Very nice looking blower.  What is the thickness of the support, about 1/8"?