42" Single Stage Blower Primary Shaft

[RMCIII 838]

Venting.... Man, I thought Deere was expensive when I owned 1 one....Toro/Wheel Horse must have captured that market for sure. Let's take a look at the costs:

 

• 2 self aligning bearings - new $49.95/each
• 1 primary shaft because old one is worn slightly so I don't want to keep doing the bearing thing - $300.00
• 1 technician $65/hr for 2 hrs. to help with the project. $130.00/hr < not that big a deal since he is a friend
• Total $530.00. WTH!!!! I could have bought a used one for half as much and had one to use for extra parts. Mine is almost new in condition so I really did not want to scrap it, but MAN!!!! This is ridiculus. Not to mention I just put a new PTO mower belt on. $79.95/ plus tax. $82.50...

Not complaining, well yes I am.... My Deere was actually cheaper the maintain than this one.

[can whlvr 993]

i have rebuilt 3 blowers and havnt spent that much on all 3,i used a local bearing shop and a local welding shop for the hardend steel shaft

[RMCIII 838]

You would think that since Cleveland, was once a steel city, that you could find some good metal fabrication shops around. It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Then when I did find one, they were curious as to the application for the shaft. Once I informed them the use of the shaft, they said, no we will not replicate that type of shaft for you. Found out that they could be liable if something went wrong with the snow blower. I guess the good old USA is tired of getting sued by anyone who thinks they have a claim. I kind of like the pioneers who were not afraid to take a chance. Wanna watch a good, no great Pioneer movie? The Worlds Fastest Indian. Man that guy was not afraid to take chances...... venting still.

[maxed500 10]

yes, great movie!  Its crazy that a fabrication shop wouldn't make something as simple as a shaft, why have a lathe and welding equipment.

[Jeff-C175 7,199]

Looking at the condition that blower appears to be in I'm really surprised that it needs ANY work at all, let alone new bearings and a shaft!

[Forest Road 594]

I usually get an estimate before I have any work done. I never would've paid for that.

[doc724 925]

I have a 42 inch blower (its a 98 model) on my 5xi.  It looks in about the same condition as yours.  I did replace the main bearings, not because they were bad, but more as preventive maintenance  (as this is my only method of snow removal).  I was also told by a WH dealer that the problem with most blowers is that people tighten the chains too much which results in chain wear and more importantly sprocket wear.  The sprocket is welded to the auger and replacing it I guess is not so easy.  P.S. make sure you put some good lube on the chain.  I have been using chain saw bar oil as it is thick and will not get thrown off (too much).  Seems to works OK, but maybe there is a better alternative

[RedWolf23 3]

Im sorry man  that is a lot    Just keep an eye on ebay  I scored probably the only 79360 snowblower attachment in the country still in the original box.  and the best part it was only 385.00 buy it now   and even better it was only 3hrs from me    Do you know the chances of that happening for all the things that end up on ebay? To be close to me the exact model I was looking for and so cheap!  I felt guilty paying the guy that much when he paid around 1400 for it in 2000.   He bought it 13years ago and never took it out of the original box, it sat in his garage for 13years till this past winter.    So keep your eye out on craigs list and ebay   there are always popping up 

[RMCIII 838]

Red- well, I am glad one of us got a deal. Looks truly amazing.

 

Doc- agree. It would seem that the sprocket could cause some unnecessary wear if the chain was over tightened. I guess that is the reason why some of the cost is so much for that shaft. It includes the sprocket.

 

Thanks everyone else also

Edited August 8, 2013 by RMCIII