huey 7 #1 Posted February 29, 2020 Just wondering if anybody has ever made a support bracket for the front auger gear box to the blower housing just to give it more support like i have seen on other snowblowers? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,763 #2 Posted February 29, 2020 (edited) Yes...several of us here have. It does help. @WVHillbilly520H @Kurt-NEPA Edited March 1, 2020 by WHX24 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,983 #3 Posted March 1, 2020 So far so good on mine once all the bearings and bushings were changed. Haven't had the need to do any supporting of that gearbox and the auger still runs true and straight. It certainly couldn't hurt to do it. If your gearbox has movement while spinning, maybe the auger bushings are worn or the bearing behind the paddle or both. Hopefully not a bent shaft. Changing those ridiculously expensive auger bushings with actual flange bearings is a good upgrade to do along with the support bracket. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huey 7 #4 Posted March 1, 2020 Is it hard to change the auger bushings with actual flange bearings? What part numbers do i need? everything seems to work fine but i have noticed the auger can be pushed from side to side when its not operating about 1/2" each way! 2 hours ago, wallfish said: So far so good on mine once all the bearings and bushings were changed. Haven't had the need to do any supporting of that gearbox and the auger still runs true and straight. It certainly couldn't hurt to do it. If your gearbox has movement while spinning, maybe the auger bushings are worn or the bearing behind the paddle or both. Hopefully not a bent shaft. Changing those ridiculously expensive auger bushings with actual flange bearings is a good upgrade to do along with the support bracket. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,983 #5 Posted March 1, 2020 You will need to drill holes in the side plates of the blower for the mounting holes of the flange bearings. If you're going that far, might as well check the rear bearing behind the big sprocket too. You can use either 2 hole or 4 hole mount bearings. Don't use the type with a locking collar because room is tight there but use the type with set screws and they'll fit. I can't remember if that shaft is 7/8 or 1 inch but you can find bearings here. Just verify the size of the shaft. https://www.surpluscenter.com/Bearings/Cast-Iron-4-Bolt-Flange-Mount-Bearings/?page_no=1&fq=ATR_Lock_Collar:Set\+Screws Some side to side movement of the auger is normal with the original bushings. It will lock in place with new set screw bearings. Easiest way is to remove the side plates to install the new bearings 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
