Clockit
New member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2011
- Messages
- 9
- Location
- Upstate New York
- Tractor
- 2021 JD1025R, 2010 JD X500, 1994 JD LX172, 2000 JD JS63
I am considering a blower for my 2010 JD X500 and I'm interested in hearing about your experiences, opinions and knowledge related to the JD 44" snow blower attachment or other brands you think I should consider.
Currently I am using a 2002 Ariens 1024Pro walk behind unit. This unit has been bulletproof and handles our Northern NY winters like a champ. However, the unit is a little narrow and I'd like to upgrade to something bigger and move away from the walk behind.
As far as I can tell there are only two choices for the JD X500: either the JD 44 Model 23045 or the Bercomac.
I've never seen a Berco and haven't seen the JD model mounted. So I don't know even basic details such as:
My local JD dealer did not have this blower in stock last summer or this fall and the only one's I've seen to date are the blowers for the 100 series in Lowes. It's hard to tell for sure but these units look somewhat cheap and not nearly as heavy duty as the Ariens it would replace. Accordingly, I'm concerned about quality and I have the usual questions about functionality, suitability, and durability.
Actually, my biggest concern is suitability to our local conditions, which can vary significantly. We definitely get a lot of snow (200-300") but we also seem to get it all: light fluffy snow, wet heavy snow, a few inches at time, many feet of snow at a time, and even fairly big chunks of hardpack/ ice - which are sometimes left at the end of my driveway by the city plow.
Regarding the periodic ice issues, I'm worried the non-serrated blades won't break up the chunks, will jam up and I'll be replacing pins like crazy, or even worse - blow out the auger gear case which looks relatively light duty compared to the Ariens Pro, which has a HD cast iron gear case that houses a steel helical gear and bronze worm gear (for less heat generation and longevity).
Actually on the JD website I didn't see any high end features advertised such as HD gear case, bearings instead of bushings, quick turn chute controls, heavy duty skids, or anything that elicits a strong sense of quality or functionality. Accordingly, I am wondering just what to expect from the unit
Also, if I go with (or can even find) the Bercomac, will I have any issues (such as controls in the way, mounting issues) if I decide to add a JD blade, cab, or other accessories later on?
Whichever way I go this is going to be an expensive proposition considering that I will need to (or want to) add chains, weights, cab, HD skid shoes, electric lift, etc. So, I'm trying to learn as much as possible before pulling the trigger.
This post went a bit long so, thanks for taking the time to read this and I appreciate your replies.
Pete
Currently I am using a 2002 Ariens 1024Pro walk behind unit. This unit has been bulletproof and handles our Northern NY winters like a champ. However, the unit is a little narrow and I'd like to upgrade to something bigger and move away from the walk behind.
As far as I can tell there are only two choices for the JD X500: either the JD 44 Model 23045 or the Bercomac.
I've never seen a Berco and haven't seen the JD model mounted. So I don't know even basic details such as:
- How hard is it to lift with the foot lever?
- How much clearance does it have?
- How many turns does it take to fully turn the chute?
- How sturdy are the mounts? Etc.
My local JD dealer did not have this blower in stock last summer or this fall and the only one's I've seen to date are the blowers for the 100 series in Lowes. It's hard to tell for sure but these units look somewhat cheap and not nearly as heavy duty as the Ariens it would replace. Accordingly, I'm concerned about quality and I have the usual questions about functionality, suitability, and durability.
Actually, my biggest concern is suitability to our local conditions, which can vary significantly. We definitely get a lot of snow (200-300") but we also seem to get it all: light fluffy snow, wet heavy snow, a few inches at time, many feet of snow at a time, and even fairly big chunks of hardpack/ ice - which are sometimes left at the end of my driveway by the city plow.
Regarding the periodic ice issues, I'm worried the non-serrated blades won't break up the chunks, will jam up and I'll be replacing pins like crazy, or even worse - blow out the auger gear case which looks relatively light duty compared to the Ariens Pro, which has a HD cast iron gear case that houses a steel helical gear and bronze worm gear (for less heat generation and longevity).
Actually on the JD website I didn't see any high end features advertised such as HD gear case, bearings instead of bushings, quick turn chute controls, heavy duty skids, or anything that elicits a strong sense of quality or functionality. Accordingly, I am wondering just what to expect from the unit
Also, if I go with (or can even find) the Bercomac, will I have any issues (such as controls in the way, mounting issues) if I decide to add a JD blade, cab, or other accessories later on?
Whichever way I go this is going to be an expensive proposition considering that I will need to (or want to) add chains, weights, cab, HD skid shoes, electric lift, etc. So, I'm trying to learn as much as possible before pulling the trigger.
This post went a bit long so, thanks for taking the time to read this and I appreciate your replies.
Pete