adapting other brand snowblower to JD x540

Scooby074 · Nov 24, 2010

Has anyone adapted another brands blower to a X540?

If so, do you have a link?

Im hoping to find a OEM berco to adapt. Most of the blowers listed locally are Craftsmans. What model Cman is made by berco? Typical prices here for a used cman attachment are around $1500

I have a honda 928 thats been a great machine, but this year id like to add a wider unit to my tractor so i can speed up the process assuming that the price is right.

quote for a new JD 47" is $2200. That includes 2 weights and a set of chains. Got to wonder if trying to adapt is worth it?

beenthere · Nov 24, 2010

In the end, I would strongly suspect that trying to adapt a lesser quality unit is not worth it.
Having the JD 47" ready to fit up and blow snow would be super nice, but then you may enjoy the fun and rewards of adapting another brand and getting it to work.
Wish you well in your decision. It is a tough one, and a headache I wouldn't want (even tho I like to design and have custom things fabricated). Go figure! :confused3:

Scooby074 · Nov 24, 2010

only thing that even has me thinking about an "off" brand is that ive read several places that the Bercomac is a better blower then the JD.

Berco actually makes a model for the x540, but it seems their dealer presence is sketchy at best.

All this really is is a mental exercise at this point. While i would like one for my JD for the ease and speed (2x as fast minimum) (plus it would enable me to keep my JD running all year, batt charged, fluids moving), I still have my 928 honda that works like a top.

Thats why i was hoping to find a Craftsman (for example) made by Berco to adapt for cheap, but it doesnt look like its going to happen

beenthere · Nov 24, 2010

If you find a better blower than the JD, I'd say buy it.

I sold my JD blower last year, and didn't see anything cheap about its construction. It came with a 425 I bought, and I didn't need it.

Scooby074 · Nov 24, 2010

beenthere said:
If you find a better blower than the JD, I'd say buy it.

I sold my JD blower last year, and didn't see anything cheap about its construction. It came with a 425 I bought, and I didn't need it.

So no probs with it jamming? or plastic?

Thers a bit of discussion over at MTF. Some leaning towards the berco for its metal chute and impeller. Plus the berco is a 4 blade vs the deeres 3.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=93807

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=93344

No problems with the blower riding up? That was the issue we had with our old Cman. No downpressure . thats why we ended up with the honda