47" Snowblower issues for John Deere 425 GT

[BCWoodtick]

So I just got home and had another look at the 47" JD snowblower and the right shaft still turns when pto is turned on, except when is off I can turn that side by hand?? Does this mean the gears on that side are just starting to fail?
It appears I may be able to use it on light snow but when snow is wet will probably stop engaging again?
Next step is to take off machine and start to tear it apart but I have never worked on gear box or shafts like this, any suggestions are appreciated.
Other option is to use till total failure??

 

[BCWoodtick]

3 & 6 are definitely good. I will check the 2 set screws in the morning.
It appears to be turning the full shaft and that is why I'm confused about it still turning with pto on??
Best case scenario is maybe the set screws?? Could this create the same symptoms?
Anyways its -15 out there right now so I will wait till sun comes up to confirm.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[BCWoodtick]

So the shear bolt is good. The two set screws are good.
The shaft inside the auger turn with the auger when I do it by hand?
I have abused this blower over the last 14 years so I am seeing the bracket for the gear box is bent. Could bad assignment into gear box cause it to slip?
It is not way off but definitely isn't truly aligned.

 

[Dutch445]

you could remove the bolts on that bracket and see if the auger moves a lot, but
as has been mentioned there is a single shaft for both L and R side augers
have you heard any grinding noise at all? i would think that if the gearset in the gearcase
is bad you would have heard something.
and where you looked at the drive hub (no 5 in K7LN diagram) there should also be a key,
in addition to the 2 set screws. possibly the key is broken, and your set screws are
tight enough to power the auger until it hits an increased load..

 

[BCWoodtick]

There has been no grinding noise but it is in some need of TLC. It sure looks like the shaft is turning with the auger but I'd it is a single shaft that should be impossible?
I will have a look and try and see if the key is there as well.
So if I take both brackets off on the sides and the drive bracket will it slide out of the blower?
There is the shaft that connects to the drive through the 2nd stage, will this just pull out? I haven't ever messed with gears and shafts before.

 

[Dutch445]

to remove the assembly, you will need to remove the drive sprocket from the back of the auger input shaft first, and possibly
a bearing locking collar, (but i'm not sure about that part) then yes, the entire auger assy wiggles out, fan and all.
reassembly is a bit trickier as you end up having to aim that shaft thru the rear bearing without seeing it

 

[BCWoodtick]

Well if all goes well I will be able to straighten out the fan blades a bit as well. I'm sure I will be asking some additional questions sooner than later.
Probably won't get too far today but at least get it off the 425 and ready for disassembly.

 

[BCWoodtick]

So I pulled the quick hitch and pto assembly off, set screws on the rear drive and tried heating up to pull off shaft with no movement?? Will I need some kind of puller to get the drive off? Also there is a plate behind the drive does this stay on or does it need to come off as well? If it does need to come off I assume it would be after I get the drive off?
Also I just realized that if there is just one shaft for both left and right sides then obviously i have broken the shaft.
The front looks fairly simple to disassemble and just wondering if the shaft will just pull out of the gear box or is there a sequence that needs to be followed?

 

[KWentling]

Are you absolutely sure your shear bolt is good? I sheared one on my Kubota and both the head and nut end stayed in the auger tube. Had me scratching my head until i put a wrench on it. I've never had a snowblower gearbox apart, or even looked at a parts breakdown so can't help you there. As far as the chain sprocket goes, clean the rust off the end of the shaft that is exposed so when you get it coming, you aren't fighting that. I would spray penetrating oil in the set screw holes with them facing up and let them soak. reapply as needed. A puller is probably going to be needed and probably heat too.

 

[Dutch445]

the plate you are seeing may be the bearing flange.. once you get the sprocket off
it will make sense.
maybe need more heat on that sprocket, it's been on a long time,
sometimes a pry bar behind the sprocket and a tap on the shaft will
break it loose, but do that carefully as that shaft is locked to the bearing
with a lock collar.