44" snowblower attachment for x320 tractor

[Wildtimes]

1st post - hope this is in correct place and format. I bought a very nice condition 44" JD snowblower at an auction. I suspect I didn't receive all the parts when I picked it up. It did not include a manual (but I looked it up online). The snow blower is fully assembled and the issue I'm having is attaching it to the 2006 JD X320. I can generally see how the snowblower attaches to the front tractor assembly. I am totally flummoxed as to the lifting mechanism. The unit came with an approximatey 24" rod threaded at both ends with identical pinion U attachments at each end (presumably to attach to some kind of hole in a bar). There is a hole on an arm of snowblower unit to which I'm pretty sure one end of the rod attaches. I assume the other end attaches to something that is activated by the deck lift pedal - I just don't see what/where that attachment point would be. I really can't make much sense out of the online manual description. Can anybody shed some light on this problem for me? Thanks.

 

[Wrenchin]

did it come with the bearings ,brakets and a rod with a tab welded on one end ? also plastic bushing and cotter pins you need this to make it work with deck lift.thats were the turnbukel rod connects to the lift link is on left side near frame if you move pedal you can see lift point .there should be a bracket for the shoot also?

 

[Wildtimes]

Thanks for the response Wrenchin. I don't think it came with any of the things you described. I also found online that my X320 needs an upgraded lift assist spring for the 44" snowblower ($82.50). I have mounted the snowblower onto the front of my tractor using an appropriately sized steel rod. It seems to work fine with respect to attachment. Again, I don't see any workings under the tractor that correspond to the lift pedal (I have the lift pedal locked in the upper position - if I unlock it it the tension forces it down all the way). In my going off half-cocked mode I've mounted a winch onto the footrest area (after doing some reinforcing of foot rest area) and am hoping I can modify the lift lever attachment point on blower to get an acceptable leverage angle to lift the blower via the winch. It might work??!!

 

[js5020]

Yes it does not sound like you have the lift linkages for the tractor,, they are kinda spendy from JD, I hear close to 3 hundy. I have seen a few folks use a winch, cant remember anyone putting it on the floorboard though, but hey if you can get it to work go for it. JD did offer an electric lift unit for those also. The assist spring I would think is necessary for the manual lift?

 

[Wrenchin]

I work for a JD dealer as a tech I will get you some part numbers for this kit maybe able to get one .I have seen winches mounted up front but take some fabrication to make them right and dependable ,I have made a few .you maybe able to go online to JD front mount snow blowers and get the kit?let me know how you make out I will help best I can.

 

[Wildtimes]

Appreciate all the help folks! Well my winch contraption isn't pretty but it seems to work. I didn't realize how much the snowblower throws the balance forward on the tractor. I can lift the back end with one hand. I guess this explains why even with chains I can't even plow a foot on my hockey rink without getting stuck. I hope adding a bunch of weight in back will give me some mobility on the ice. Thanks again!

 

[Wrenchin]

can you get me numbers off snowblower tag I think you have the wrong blower for your machine ,x360 don't need a lift assist spring, I can get you kit numbers but need tag info.

 

[js5020]

An X360 wouldnt need an assist spring as they have hydraulic lift. The OP has an X320 and that would have the foot pedal lift, the assist spring isnt a required item, but you better have a strong left leg. An electric lift kit was also available for the X3 and X5 series but pricey.

 

[P901]

Good afternoon,

Saw your post and had just seen a youtube video by a gent named stladrill showing the front mounted winch.
Looked good, should be easy to find.
Had the same problem with traction last year with the X300 and ended up doing the RJR conversion to the K72 transmission with 24" Turfmasters and chains. Even with that I had to add two more weights for a total of four before the thing would push dependably through the heavier snow. (195# operator)
Also moved the governor spring out to the second hole on the arm, only two holes available, (farthest out) gained a good bit more rpm and now the thing throws a beautiful plume.
The problem now is when I`m going through 2ft snow at a slow rate the snowblower drive belt likes to turn itself on its side as it goes around the engine pulley. All the other pulleys run the belt through fine. So far it doesn`t seem to be a problem but maybe I need a belt with a deeper section.
By the way, to save some research time since the JD site will only provide the JD part number, the belt is a 21/32" x 78" or B75 or 5L780 or 5/8" x 78". These belts are an 11/32" depth but I just ran across a 5L780"K" that has a 7/16" deep cross section.
Maybe this is what is required to keep the belt from turning on its side as it goes through the engine pulley.
Hope this helps. andrew

 

[Wrenchin]

the 7/16'' will work much better ,I have seen and made belt guides out of 3/16 or 5/16'' round stock to help belt stay in place it can be attached in front mounting bracket ,motor mount bolts or on inner frame will send pic SAP.