Overhauling my JD359 snowblower

[Steuny]

Well, the snow is gone and I decided to tear apart my front blower and get it tuned up for next year. One of the most damaged areas was the blower cage. May not be the proper name but the area where the snow is picked up by the impeller and thrown out the top. Looks like those rocks have done a number on that part of the machine. It is badly dented and holed through in one spot. I see JD does sell the frame for it but it costs $1600. A new one is about $3500 but that is complete including a new gear box, etc. I also see it could be easily cut out and a new cage installed if they were to sell just that piece. I'm also thinking of watching online auctions for a replacement should it be cheap enough and in good shape. Any thoughts out there as to other solutions I may want to ponder. There are other issues with my current blower that gave me reason to pull it apart. The front gear shaft fits very loose on the inpeller hub and is almost wobbly. Both bearings on the auger ends are shot as well. Anyone have one for sale that is in good shape??

 

[bx24]

I don't have any spare parts to offer, but this does sound like a chance to do two things:

1 - purchase some new toys (I mean tools) to fix your blower. For the prices you are talking about, you can buy a plasma cutter and a welder and re-build things like a pro

2 - your other opportunity is to upgrade from OEM parts to something a little bit more beefy. Unless you really rebuild things, you are always going to have to settle for some OEM solutions, but by in large, using forums like this and elsewhere, you can find places to supply many of the more generic parts.

Good luck

 

[MrJimi]

Or ya could bring it to a bodyshop and ask them to do it, they weld on car fenders all the time or a good friend with some adult beverage AFTER the job is done
Jim