Yes my tractor came new with this loop which puts my hoses right in front of exhaust.
Yes my tractor came new with this loop which puts my hoses right in front of exhaust.

Here is my setup. Since taking the photos I've added a coupe of tie wraps to tiddy things up a bit. Hoses have been good thus far, staying above the exhaust. I know what I have is for the blade, and a retro-blade fit at that, and you have a blower. Might be a bit different, but there should be plenty of places to dress the hoses to prevent exhaust damage.<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/john-deere-lawn-garden/402816-exhaust-extension-img_0066a-jpg"/>
I don't know, I swear I can see through it. I'm voting it's a serious crack. I would think the rod would fit closely in the cutout. As it sits, there's 1/4" of clearance on either side of it, with a 1/2" crack traveling down.That's water or oil running down the side. Sure does look like a big crack at first glance!
I don't know, I swear I can see through it. I'm voting it's a serious crack.
If you can expand on the pic, it looks more like water than a crack. If it is a crack, he's got issues....