Removing 59" Front Snowblower For 1st Time

[Vic_N]

Firstly, let me say that my 3520 and the new snowblower performed absolutely perfectly during its 1st winter in upstate NY. I cannot believe how that thing ripped through the snow. It wasn't cheap but I'll never be without one.

I need to remove the snowblower and I haven't done this before so could use a bit of advice. It looks pretty straightforward to drop the snowblower from the 3PH. But what I need to know is how much of the 3PH I need to remove in order to attach my 300CX loader.

I would appreciate any advice you experienced guys can give me. Thanks.

Vic

 

[DrainPondDesign]

Next week I'll be removing our JD 59" blower from a 3320 to put on the loader.

I'll be taking the A-frame mount off including the arms attached by pins leaving only the mounting plates bolted onto the frame.

I will also remove the PTO bearing bolted under the frame, this hangs down too far & I think that it may get damaged in the field.

The entire blower will be cleaned, examined & lubricated before storing it.

Then it will snow about 18 inches! ;-)

 

[Vic_N]

Thank you for your reply. However, what I want to know is what do I "need" to remove in order to install the loader. I'm guessing it's the a-frame and the lift arms but nothing more. I don't want to remove any more of the hitch than is necessary. I'm also guessing removal of the front PTO support isn't absolutely needed. Is that correct?

 

[DrainPondDesign]

Vic,

The A-frame mount is a new design that was discussed at TBN without ever reaching a consensus on how much of the blower mount must remain on the tractor.

I will not be removing the blower to install the loader until next week when I’ll let you know how it goes.

Bill

 

[Vic_N]

In the spirit of Git-R-Done I took the snow blower off yesterday. I disconnected the blower and hoses, removed the a-frame completely and also dropped the lift arms. It took about 15 minutes total. I attached the loader without any problems so all is well. Thanks for your comments.

Vic

 

[DrainPondDesign]

Vic,

Thanks for your comments.

I leave tomorrow to return home & try to figure out my first time removing the blower.

Bill

 

[aigeezer]

I realize this is a very old thread but I'm wondering if anyone has any fresh advice on the topic. I bought a new 59" front blower for my 3520 a few weeks ago and the dealer installed it. There has been no snow since then (of course) and the forecasts suggest that winter may be over here in the Great White North (or not). Anyway, I'll have to swap the blower out for the loader sooner or later and I'm getting too old for a lot of trial and error, so - details welcomed - thanks!

 

[sunnyside360]

In the spirit of Git-R-Done I took the snow blower off yesterday. I disconnected the blower and hoses, removed the a-frame completely and also dropped the lift arms. It took about 15 minutes total. I attached the loader without any problems so all is well. Thanks for your comments.

Vic

Exactly the way I've done it on my 3720 since 2008. Sorry, I would've answered sooner had I seen your question.
Also, I do not remove the shaft carrier bearing.

 

[aigeezer]

Thanks, sunnyside360. You guys made it sound so easy that I took another look at the implement and the manual (if all else fails, read the instructions) and, yes, I see what you mean. The implement itself should be a breeze, I now think. I'm still a bit puzzled about the a-frame and driveshaft but with the heavy bits off I won't mind playing with it. I'll try to remember to take some pics when the time comes. Meanwhile, it's still springlike here, setting up March to go out like a lion so I'll leave the blower on for a while yet. February has been more like April here but things tend to even out.

 

[sunnyside360]

I'm still a bit puzzled about the a-frame and driveshaft but with the heavy bits off I won't mind playing with it.

Unless connecting the front 60 Rotating Brush, I remove the long drive shaft under the tractor which connects to the transmission. Fits snug in the front carrier bearing and usually have to yank rearward pretty good to move. Don't want to chance accidentally bending the shaft if left in place. I use the 60 Rotating Brush to clear snow on a long paved driveway if less than 3-4 inches. For more snow, I use the 59 Blower.

If switching to a different front implement which uses the A-frame, all you need to do is spin the top wing nut on A-frame counter clockwise a few turns and remove the lock pin underneath which allows the A-frame tractor hitch to drop a few inches and disconnect........ pretty slick.