Snowblower replacing drive chain and sprockets

bellygunner · Dec 13, 2010

I'm new to this forum but I've been using one tractor or another for many years. Three years ago I sold my Kubota and bought a new John Deere 2320 with a 2 stage front mounted snow blower. Today while blowing snow, the chain came off the sprockets. I pulled the tractor into the barn and took the four lock nuts off so the drive sprocket assembly could be moved towards the large sprocket and I have the chain wedged between the small sprocket and a bolt behind the chain (the blower side). I can't get the chain out of there. I've pulled the 3 bolts on the sprocket shaft housing but I've hit a wall. I can't pull the chain shield assembly out but I can twist it but I just can't get the chain unstuck. I pulled the nut off the bolt hoping that would give enough clearance but it didn't and the bolt has a flat head and I can't get it out either.

Anyone know how to remove this. The manual is very helpful. It says simply replace the chain and sprockets if necessary. Nothing else. Nice.

leonz · Dec 14, 2010

If you have some heavy solid wire you can loop it in several pitches of the roller chain and using a bar or wrapping the wire to something that is solid and backing up the tractor it will pop out-It takes a lot to screw up a roller chain so bad the little snot will not come out but as the chain broke it is simply wedges in there. your going to want to change the entire loop anyway for your sanity anyway.

YOU mean to tell me you cannot remove the chain guard in order to access the entire chain loop from the side of the blower?????^&*(&^%&*(

bellygunner · Dec 14, 2010

Oh, I'm going to get the assembly out if I have to use dynamite.

leonz · Dec 14, 2010

If you have kerosene fired salamander on wheels you can try that first as it may be ice bound as well.

My figuring the chain is shot anyway- if you have a chain breaker you can break the chain and put it out in short lengths if possible but try the heater first if you own one.

bellygunner · Dec 14, 2010

Don't have one. I've do have a coleman heater. I'll stick that by it and see what happens.

leonz · Dec 15, 2010

Just checking in with you about your chain; be sure take the entire length with you so the chain supplir can count the number of pitches to properly size it if it is short or over ten feet in length.

Please be sure to buy the roller chain that is assembled with cotter keyed links for the full length as it will make your life much easier next year if repairs are needed.

bellygunner · Dec 15, 2010

I went to the John Deere dealer that I bought the tractor from and got the chain there. Didn't have any trouble putting it back together and I blew snow for about 2 hours last night and it works great.