Grasshopper snowblower
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Sawyer Rob
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I don't see why not, I have a blower for my 725 and my blower would have gone on my 721 too, but I never tried it on it.
SR
SR
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sixdogs
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OK, I had to do my own heavy lifting. Sawyer Rob is right in that they fit.
Let me add with a couple needed parts. First is that snowblowers have a square PTO inner shaft on most of the snowblowers. BUT, the newer mowers all have a splined pto shaft. So, buying a odd 512 or 412 mower will likely include buying a half piece of the PTO shaft for compatibility. It's no big deal if you have $235 for the half shaft and access to AMAZON or EBAY.
That's the biggie. There is also a possible need for a longer piece of chain to support the mower but I haven't figured that out yet. More when I do.
Let me add with a couple needed parts. First is that snowblowers have a square PTO inner shaft on most of the snowblowers. BUT, the newer mowers all have a splined pto shaft. So, buying a odd 512 or 412 mower will likely include buying a half piece of the PTO shaft for compatibility. It's no big deal if you have $235 for the half shaft and access to AMAZON or EBAY.
That's the biggie. There is also a possible need for a longer piece of chain to support the mower but I haven't figured that out yet. More when I do.
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sixdogs
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Post #1
Here are some reference pieces that help explain things. The first is a link to all things Grasshopper. Under Front Mount Attachments on the left you can drop down to Snowthrowers and I picked my model 512 for the exploded parts list.
All things Grasshopper
Exploded parts list for model 512
Basically, all GH snowblowers fit all Grasshopper mowers as long as they have the standard attachment hooks up front. Here a pic of those hooks and if your mower has these hooks, the snowblower will fit most anything modern.
Grasshopper only seems to have made two versions of the snowblower and the biggest issue is the way it hooks up as shown above. Mine is actually a late 1990's version but connects just fine to my 2022, 725D.
Here are some reference pieces that help explain things. The first is a link to all things Grasshopper. Under Front Mount Attachments on the left you can drop down to Snowthrowers and I picked my model 512 for the exploded parts list.
Grasshopper Maintenance Quick Reference
Maintenance is key to the longevity of your Grasshopper mower. The Mower Shop carries a wide selection of maintenance parts for your Grasshopper mower. Select your model below to view maintenance parts for your Grasshopper mower.
www.the-mower-shop-inc.com
512 Snowthrower Assembly with Quick-Disconnect Mount - 2008 and Older
512 Snowthrower Assembly with Quick-Disconnect Mount - 2008 and Older Click On a Part Number Below for Details NOTE: If the part number you select is not linked to the shopping cart,call toll-free 866-698-4070 for availability. Item # Part Number - Description Price 1 693295 - Snowthrower Auger...
www.the-mower-shop-inc.com
Basically, all GH snowblowers fit all Grasshopper mowers as long as they have the standard attachment hooks up front. Here a pic of those hooks and if your mower has these hooks, the snowblower will fit most anything modern.
Grasshopper only seems to have made two versions of the snowblower and the biggest issue is the way it hooks up as shown above. Mine is actually a late 1990's version but connects just fine to my 2022, 725D.
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sixdogs
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Post #2
The basic snowblower is pretty simple and certainly ruggedly built. It's great design and they were good enough to leave it alone. Grasshopper is real quality.
The only part that needs care and could be an issue is the gearbox that hooks to the PTO shaft and drives the rotor. On older ones like mine, they were made by Peerless Co in Indiana and are built strong. They were used until the China thing started and I was told all are now imported and $450. Point is, you want to take care of your gearbox so change the oil.
Here are some pics of mine after the draining of oil and putting the right parts back in the right holes. To drain the oil you have to remove the gearbox but it's just 4 bolts underneath and is easy. Getting the old shear bolt out was not easy because prior owner had the wrong size and left it loose.
Here's a pic of the installed gearbox after draining. You have to drain the oil from the top vent plug you can see in the first photo. I could not remove the bottom plug so took the one on the side out for a vent. You can see it in the second photo. They put some sort of sealant on it that I do not have so I got a longer (1") set screw, put it in the distance the old plug went in, put a gasket on it and double-nutted it. If it leaks I'll buy some sealant. It will leak without sealant and teflon tape wont help. I tried. The fill on mine was 16 oz of 80W90 gear oil and the old stuff was pretty dirty.
The shear bolt on mine was 1/4" x 2 1/4" and I had 1/4" x 2 1/2" so that works fine. Some newer ones are 5/16". You can see the longer shear bolt sticking out. The other plugs are 3/8" NC socket head screws. Make sure to remove burrs on the stub ends of the gearbox so if the bolt shears you don't damage the brass liner of the stub shafts. I grease my stubs before install and drop oil in the set screw holes near the shear bolt. I think that's why they're there.
The basic snowblower is pretty simple and certainly ruggedly built. It's great design and they were good enough to leave it alone. Grasshopper is real quality.
The only part that needs care and could be an issue is the gearbox that hooks to the PTO shaft and drives the rotor. On older ones like mine, they were made by Peerless Co in Indiana and are built strong. They were used until the China thing started and I was told all are now imported and $450. Point is, you want to take care of your gearbox so change the oil.
Here are some pics of mine after the draining of oil and putting the right parts back in the right holes. To drain the oil you have to remove the gearbox but it's just 4 bolts underneath and is easy. Getting the old shear bolt out was not easy because prior owner had the wrong size and left it loose.
Here's a pic of the installed gearbox after draining. You have to drain the oil from the top vent plug you can see in the first photo. I could not remove the bottom plug so took the one on the side out for a vent. You can see it in the second photo. They put some sort of sealant on it that I do not have so I got a longer (1") set screw, put it in the distance the old plug went in, put a gasket on it and double-nutted it. If it leaks I'll buy some sealant. It will leak without sealant and teflon tape wont help. I tried. The fill on mine was 16 oz of 80W90 gear oil and the old stuff was pretty dirty.
The shear bolt on mine was 1/4" x 2 1/4" and I had 1/4" x 2 1/2" so that works fine. Some newer ones are 5/16". You can see the longer shear bolt sticking out. The other plugs are 3/8" NC socket head screws. Make sure to remove burrs on the stub ends of the gearbox so if the bolt shears you don't damage the brass liner of the stub shafts. I grease my stubs before install and drop oil in the set screw holes near the shear bolt. I think that's why they're there.
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sixdogs
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Post #3 of 3
The bigger issue was connecting the PTO of the 725D to the snowblower. There were changes along the way to a rectangular driveshaft and splined end on mowers and tractor units. Bottom line is you will need a splined PTO half shaft to connect from the blower half shaft to the tractor.
They are on EBAY and Amazon and all are the same and $235 (ish). I didn't know some things then that I do now so I ordered from my dealer and to my surprise it was cheaper at $218. So I lucked out. Ask if you want a pic of PTO stub.
Hooking up is easy but note that one aspect of older blowers is not used on newer setups. It is the hook and chain shown in the photo below. They were used on earlier tractor versions but the company said not to hook them up. They won't hook up anyway because you need longer chains, etc.
To raise and lower the blower is a little hard but shoveling snow is harder. The new blowers have an electric assist thing but it likely would be expensive and a hassle to fit.
You put on and remove just like the mower deck. Of note is to not miss the drive shaft grease fittings under the shield . In the next pic you can see the drive shaft. With the unit on the ground I flipped it up and could reach underneath with the grease gun.
Fittings on U joint and shaft tucked up and under.
EDIT--Also, I got an owner's manual sent as a free PDF from Grasshopper. Go to their site and figure out how to get it. You'll need your model number and serial number and they email it promptly. It's only a few pages but is helpful.
The bigger issue was connecting the PTO of the 725D to the snowblower. There were changes along the way to a rectangular driveshaft and splined end on mowers and tractor units. Bottom line is you will need a splined PTO half shaft to connect from the blower half shaft to the tractor.
They are on EBAY and Amazon and all are the same and $235 (ish). I didn't know some things then that I do now so I ordered from my dealer and to my surprise it was cheaper at $218. So I lucked out. Ask if you want a pic of PTO stub.
Hooking up is easy but note that one aspect of older blowers is not used on newer setups. It is the hook and chain shown in the photo below. They were used on earlier tractor versions but the company said not to hook them up. They won't hook up anyway because you need longer chains, etc.
To raise and lower the blower is a little hard but shoveling snow is harder. The new blowers have an electric assist thing but it likely would be expensive and a hassle to fit.
You put on and remove just like the mower deck. Of note is to not miss the drive shaft grease fittings under the shield . In the next pic you can see the drive shaft. With the unit on the ground I flipped it up and could reach underneath with the grease gun.
Fittings on U joint and shaft tucked up and under.
EDIT--Also, I got an owner's manual sent as a free PDF from Grasshopper. Go to their site and figure out how to get it. You'll need your model number and serial number and they email it promptly. It's only a few pages but is helpful.
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Figured I would jump on this thread before starting a new one.
Have a 930D 2011 Grasshopper. Spline shaft
Just added a 512 2012--present electric lift Snowblower. Square shaft
We were able to take the spline shaft off the mower deck and shorten it a little and use the same one for mower and snowblower. Seems to work just as it should if that helps anyone.
I do have an issue and hope someone can help me. Our snow blower in the full down position holds about 1" above grade.
Before we modify:
1. Should not be this way and should sit on the grade with some play in the "strap" right? I do not think it is the adjustment we made on the PTO shaft. The slotted "straps" are at the end of stroke.
2. Anyone know of any adjustments that are to be made? Only thing I can think of is raise the "Deck Mount Bushing"
3. Any chance 2011 tractor and 2012 are not compatible for height without modifications?
Have a 930D 2011 Grasshopper. Spline shaft
Just added a 512 2012--present electric lift Snowblower. Square shaft
We were able to take the spline shaft off the mower deck and shorten it a little and use the same one for mower and snowblower. Seems to work just as it should if that helps anyone.
I do have an issue and hope someone can help me. Our snow blower in the full down position holds about 1" above grade.
Before we modify:
Electric Lift & Electric Spout Assembly
Electric Lift & Electric Spout Assembly Click On a Part Number Below for Details NOTE: If the part number you select is not linked to the shopping cart,call toll-free 866-698-4070 for availability. Item # Part Number - Description Price 1 645555 - Mount Add To Cart - 645555 - 600 Electric Lift...
www.the-mower-shop-inc.com
1. Should not be this way and should sit on the grade with some play in the "strap" right? I do not think it is the adjustment we made on the PTO shaft. The slotted "straps" are at the end of stroke.
2. Anyone know of any adjustments that are to be made? Only thing I can think of is raise the "Deck Mount Bushing"
3. Any chance 2011 tractor and 2012 are not compatible for height without modifications?
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sixdogs
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Don't modify the bushing. Almost every single one of these is interchangeable. You problem is likely the chain that hooks to the eye bolts and they need to be adjusted.
Before any of that, call the tech people at Grasshopper. They are all excellent and will telll you exactly what you need to do and how to do it. Call the tech guys. Then report back so others know how it was fixed. Yours should be an exact and easy fit.
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sixdogs
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Also, you can email Grasshopper customer service and they will email you an owner's and parts manual no problem. You'll just need the serial and model number off the snowblower so they send the right one. You might also need the s/n off the mower itself but not sure. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
I had my snowblower on for a few months now in eager anticipation of the snow I hate so much but so far, nada. Just a few flurries. I don't want much snow, only enough for the satisfaction of watching the chute fill up a couple times. Then I'm good...
Sawyer Rob
Super Member
My 725 blows snow very good,
I've blown foot deep snow too, and it handled it just fine.
SR
I've blown foot deep snow too, and it handled it just fine.
SR
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sixdogs
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Very impressive. I've never seen one blow snow. How is it in wetter snow? Are you covered with snow too or not too bad? Any more advice for a newbie?My 725 blows snow very good,
I've blown foot deep snow too, and it handled it just fine.
SR
leonz
Super Member
Use Fluid Film on the entire snow thrower rotor and the paddles in several coats.
The single stages do well with all types of snow.
With heavy wet snow you generally clear it while is it snowing or just make a slow
first pass and then take a half or one third cut to prevent it from plugging the chute.
With the grasshopper using a reduction gear box instead of V belts on the snow blower
it makes transmitting the available torque to the gear drive for the rotor much easier.
I wish I had the Original 1968 IHC Cub Cadet with its single stage snow blower that we had
when I was 13 years old for my place as it went through everything just like the 1972 simplicity
we had.
The single stages do well with all types of snow.
With heavy wet snow you generally clear it while is it snowing or just make a slow
first pass and then take a half or one third cut to prevent it from plugging the chute.
With the grasshopper using a reduction gear box instead of V belts on the snow blower
it makes transmitting the available torque to the gear drive for the rotor much easier.
I wish I had the Original 1968 IHC Cub Cadet with its single stage snow blower that we had
when I was 13 years old for my place as it went through everything just like the 1972 simplicity
we had.
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Sawyer Rob
Super Member
Mine works fine in wetter snow, as long as you keep the RPM's up.
Sure you get snow on you, if you try to blow snow into the wind!
SR
