Hello, just wanted to tell you thanks for such a detailed how-to video! I have the 878D and it is very similar, so I was able to complete the job thanks to your video. Tips like marking the belt guides position and putting a stool behind it were excellent ideas, oh and pulling the starter to get the auger belt on was great too! Just wanted to say thanks very much! The only other thing i need to check into is why i am getting an occasional snap or pop when i am snow blowing, but it usually starts on the 1st or 2nd pull. Keep up the great work as your detailed step by step videos are the best!!!
Another great video! Love the step by step instructions you give. I’ve never even been around a snow thrower, but useful information to use on any belt replacement on any piece of equipment.
Hey Randall, a lot of snowblowers come apart the same general way. Hopefully a lot of people find this video helpful! Don’t get a lot of snow your way?
@@GarageGear Not much. We get more ice than snow, but not a lot of that compared to you. You wouldn’t find a snow thrower anywhere at a store down here. Have a great weekend!
Another great video JB! This is something most people can easily accomplish and save themselves a bunch of money from paying a mechanic to do it. This video about a snowblower reminds me winter is coming...
Winter is looming over our heads my friend lol! Just for giggles I called a local repair shop just to see what they would charge for a job like this and depending on the model they start between $150 and $250. CRAZY! Thanks for the positive feedback my friend and enjoy your weekend! 👍
Great video. Auger and drive belt done. Confident the machine will clear snow without a problem based on this maintenance fix and other recommendations from Garage Gear. Expense was about $40 and an hour of time versus $300 for small engine repair service or, $1,300 for a new machine.
Sure is! Got a bit more coming relatively soon here too! I actually enjoy working on them this time of the year because my hands aren’t frozen when I’m trying to work on them or when I’m filming this stuff lol! Enjoy your weekend bud!
Great Job, good idea to do it during summer time, and when snow is coming averything is working properly, to Have belt snap during a Middle of snow storm is the Last thing you want, by the way a solid old snowblower
I don’t mind working on snowblowers in the summer! Parts are usually more available. And there’s no rush to get it done! Great old snowblower! Guy said he got it off of his neighbor who was moving south years back for $125. What a steal! 👍
@@GarageGear , that is correct, some of the new snowblowers have plastic control panel and when a cable freeze up and you are trying to loosen up the plasteiv panel breaks
JB, I'll be doing belt replacement on my TRS26 blower when i get my belts. Like you said might as we replace both belts since you're gonna be there replacing 1 😂. Idk how times i seen people split their blowers apart (totally apart) and you know what 😂😂😂 that its a pain to put back together. I'm like all u gotta do is remove 2 or 4 bolts and shoot connections and it pevits in the middle like in your video. Guess what I'm the lucky guy to help them put their blowers back together while I'm you know what 🤣🤣🤣 underneath my breath 🤣🤣🤣.
What luck!! I searched how to replace the auger belt on a John Deere TRS26, and your video popped up. Had no idea they can 'split' apart like that for easier access. Excellent instructions. Will be replacing both this weekend. Youve got yourself another like and a new subscribe. THANKS!!!
Really great video JB. Hopefully we won’t need the snowblowers for awhile…haha. I remember the trick of using a screwdriver and placing it under the belt and sliding the screwdriver and it stretches it over the pulley. Nothing runs like a Deere! Have a great weekend neighbor!
Hey JAY! That trick still works! With these temps I think we got some time. My 1971 is getting new tires soon. We’ll be ready! Nothing sells like a Deere too! Have a good rest of the weekend bud!
I guess my TRS 27 is an older model, there is no apparent way to adjust the tension on the auger belt 🤔. I just replaced the auger bearing which went in perfectly, but now I'm noticing that the auger belt has a lot more play than it should, the auger is kind of sluggish getting going, and I'm thinking that it might not do to well when dealing with heavy snow. Any idea how I would snug that belt up?
Hahaha I stay up until 3 or 4 am! Lol! It’s actually not all that bad! Mostly nuts and bolts. Can be a little slow if you find a stubborn bolt but this one wasn’t bad. This machine is pretty well cared for!
Hey, I have a yard machine MTD 31A-3BAD729 compact snow blower. (22 inch 5.5 HP). I’m currently in the process of replacing the belt for the first time in 20 years 🫣. We had it serviced at one point for a wheel replacement and service. I’m assuming during the service, they adjusted the belt since the bolt is in the furthest position. This is where my problem is. The bolt won’t come out after removing the belt bushing wheel/nut, the bolt hits the auger housing. I tried taking the cable belt to “pull” it closer, but the bolt plate that the bolt is into has “bottomed” out and won’t come out any further. (Apologies for the improper name of certain parts). I’m wondering if you have a video or know what I’m struggling with. If you do not understand what I’m talking about, I’ll happily make a video and upload it to TH-cam for you to see. I’m replacing the belt due to it having cracks every 2 teeth (I do not know how it hasn’t broken yet), and I do not want to grab a brand new belt and have it break due to too much tension.
I think I understand what’s going on but if you could send me a brief video that help clarify my questions. You can email me. My email is in the description. Thanks for watching
@@GarageGear I sent a DM on your Instagram with pictures of my model and what the issue is. I’m having email issues where emails won’t send with a picture, I don’t know why.
Haha that Tecumseh actually started pretty good! We’ll let it live! Few more years tho and it’s predator all the way! This JD was really well cared for. Makes it easier to do maintenance on! Just got some new tires in for the 1971 ariens! That will be a fun project! Stay tuned for that my friend! Anything going on in your garage this week?
@@GarageGear Yeah, they start ok at 78 degrees. But when the cold hits fan, they like to stick their tongues out and say “I’m good here in the shed”. Lol
@@paulmysliborski4832 dude absolutely spot on! When you think about it those tecumseh engines are really old nowadays. They’ve all done their time. People rip on those predator engines but they WORK!
Honda makes the best but they are pricey Slange! Ariens is a close runner up for quality! Those are my usual picks. Toro / Husqvarna are also making some great blowers too! If you see one you’re looking at let me know and I can possibly shed some light on it! Thanks for watching!
@@GarageGear May the great force, bless your capable hands, talents and awesome personality to serve the society. I am also a humble small engine fixer want to be, and serve the neighborhood. Love from Canada 🇨🇦. 🤟😎🤟
Hey! I can't find anywhere what oil to use for this snowblower, I have 10W-30, but I believe I need to use 5W-30. I am in Ontario, Canada.. what do you suggest?! I cannot find an owner's manual anywhere..
Hey Shayna! You’re not far from me. I’m in Buffalo! Typically 5w30 oils have a slightly wider temperature range that they work best in. I put 5w30 full synthetic oil in just about every machine I own including snowblowers of this size. Thanks for watching!
@@GarageGear Thanks so much, I picked some up after watching your video and will be attempting to change it tomorrow, lol. Thanks for posting the video
Hey timber , you could try torching the wheel and then dumping ice cold water on it! The heat/freeze trick has broken some bonds for me in the past. Thanks for watching!
I have a question, I see you putting that Clevis pin through the bottom? When you took it off I thought that either someone else worked on it or the manufacturer screwed up. I ask because the vibration can cause the cotter pin to break and the Clevis pin to fall out. That would really suck if your doing a job and try to find that Clevis pin in the snow. Correct me if I am wrong. Thank you
@@SFCRambo60 ok got it! That’s how it was designed and that does have a possibility of happening. I just put things back as I find them so there’s no issues. I have seen a guy just shove a nail through the hole and bend the end when he lost his Clevis pin before. Worked well and he had it on there for years.
@@GarageGear I am always looking for safety problems and not having to do double work. Worked for Scabapilare ( Cat ) for 32 years as a safety man and Cost Reduction Rep. So it's a habit also being in the Military for over 20 years. You have to think safety and let's not create more work. I have done the nail may a time but when your out on a job throwing snow you don't need the hassle.
On alot of machines the belts can be changes just by removing the cover and feeding them down between the pulleys. My Toros are all that way. Never take them to a dealer to replace them. You can do it with your eyes closed.
Hey Shane, I called a local hardware shop to get a quote and they wanted $150-$250 to start. The belts cost less than $30. Crazy prices! Thanks for watching!
@@shanew7361 prices can get pretty wild with this procedure! It only took me a little over an hour to do! Usually depends if one stubborn bolt is holding me up!
SPOT ON !!! Thank you !! 20 min replacement, exactly as you demonstrated !!!
Awesome my friend! Glad you found this video helpful! Thanks for watching!
Thanks very much. You saved me hundreds at the repair shop and weeks if not months waiting for the repairs. Respect! from Alaska.
Awesome my friend! Glad this video helped you save some time and money! 👍
Hello, just wanted to tell you thanks for such a detailed how-to video! I have the 878D and it is very similar, so I was able to complete the job thanks to your video. Tips like marking the belt guides position and putting a stool behind it were excellent ideas, oh and pulling the starter to get the auger belt on was great too! Just wanted to say thanks very much! The only other thing i need to check into is why i am getting an occasional snap or pop when i am snow blowing, but it usually starts on the 1st or 2nd pull. Keep up the great work as your detailed step by step videos are the best!!!
ROCK ON John! Thanks for the positive feedback my friend!
Another great video! Love the step by step instructions you give. I’ve never even been around a snow thrower, but useful information to use on any belt replacement on any piece of equipment.
Hey Randall, a lot of snowblowers come apart the same general way. Hopefully a lot of people find this video helpful! Don’t get a lot of snow your way?
@@GarageGear Not much. We get more ice than snow, but not a lot of that compared to you. You wouldn’t find a snow thrower anywhere at a store down here. Have a great weekend!
@@randalmorris2076 remind me of what state you’re in again. Thank you
@@GarageGear Tennessee
@@randalmorris2076 Yeah you guys don’t see too much snow!
My lucky day. Same Blower and replacing both belts. I Watched you do my job on you tube. Now i know i did it rite thank you
Awesome my friend! Thanks for watching!
Perfect timing on the video. Winter is right around the corner. 👍 thank you.
It will be here before we know it! Hopefully this video can help some people out. Thanks for watching Felix!
You are def the go2 guy on snow throwers 👍👍 See you next week, my friend!
Just having fun with them Paul! Even in the summer! Enjoy your weekend! 👍
Another great video JB! This is something most people can easily accomplish and save themselves a bunch of money from paying a mechanic to do it. This video about a snowblower reminds me winter is coming...
Winter is looming over our heads my friend lol! Just for giggles I called a local repair shop just to see what they would charge for a job like this and depending on the model they start between $150 and $250. CRAZY! Thanks for the positive feedback my friend and enjoy your weekend! 👍
Great video. Auger and drive belt done. Confident the machine will clear snow without a problem based on this maintenance fix and other recommendations from Garage Gear. Expense was about $40 and an hour of time versus $300 for small engine repair service or, $1,300 for a new machine.
That’s awesome! Rock on! Thanks for watching!
Great video JB!! The step by step guide helps make this a task we can tackle
Hopefully this video can make some people’s evenings fixing a snowblower a little easier this winter! Thanks for watching Nick!
Snowblower content in the summer is like Christmas in July!
Sure is! Got a bit more coming relatively soon here too! I actually enjoy working on them this time of the year because my hands aren’t frozen when I’m trying to work on them or when I’m filming this stuff lol! Enjoy your weekend bud!
I've got a John Deere 1032d. Watching your awesome videos gives me the confidence to attempt many repairs myself. 👍👍 Thanks and Happy New Year!
You got it Paul! Thanks for watching and happy new year!
Great Job, good idea to do it during summer time, and when snow is coming averything is working properly, to Have belt snap during a Middle of snow storm is the Last thing you want, by the way a solid old snowblower
I don’t mind working on snowblowers in the summer! Parts are usually more available. And there’s no rush to get it done! Great old snowblower! Guy said he got it off of his neighbor who was moving south years back for $125. What a steal! 👍
@@GarageGear , that is correct, some of the new snowblowers have plastic control panel and when a cable freeze up and you are trying to loosen up the plasteiv panel breaks
JB,
I'll be doing belt replacement on my TRS26 blower when i get my belts. Like you said might as we replace both belts since you're gonna be there replacing 1 😂. Idk how times i seen people split their blowers apart (totally apart) and you know what 😂😂😂 that its a pain to put back together. I'm like all u gotta do is remove 2 or 4 bolts and shoot connections and it pevits in the middle like in your video. Guess what I'm the lucky guy to help them put their blowers back together while I'm you know what 🤣🤣🤣 underneath my breath 🤣🤣🤣.
Yep you might as well do both on these guys! Thanks for watching my friend!
What luck!! I searched how to replace the auger belt on a John Deere TRS26, and your video popped up. Had no idea they can 'split' apart like that for easier access. Excellent instructions. Will be replacing both this weekend. Youve got yourself another like and a new subscribe. THANKS!!!
ROCK ON Kevin! Welcome to the tribe my friend!
JB, Another Great Video!!
Thanks a lot John! Have a great weekend my friend! 👍👍
Really great video JB. Hopefully we won’t need the snowblowers for awhile…haha. I remember the trick of using a screwdriver and placing it under the belt and sliding the screwdriver and it stretches it over the pulley. Nothing runs like a Deere! Have a great weekend neighbor!
Hey JAY! That trick still works! With these temps I think we got some time. My 1971 is getting new tires soon. We’ll be ready! Nothing sells like a Deere too! Have a good rest of the weekend bud!
@@GarageGear you as well!
its like watching me work when i was at john deere lol [ariens]
Thanks for sharing xtr! 👍
Great Informative video JB!!! Yea Green and Yellow normally is pricey lol
Thanks bud! Some other brands aren’t far behind. Orange and black-ariens. Hope your week is off to a good start my friend!
Nice fix. You nailed it!!
Thank a lot Flint! Or did I “Bolt it”??? 🤔😉👍
@@GarageGear 😂😂
I guess my TRS 27 is an older model, there is no apparent way to adjust the tension on the auger belt 🤔. I just replaced the auger bearing which went in perfectly, but now I'm noticing that the auger belt has a lot more play than it should, the auger is kind of sluggish getting going, and I'm thinking that it might not do to well when dealing with heavy snow. Any idea how I would snug that belt up?
Hey Paul! If there is no tensioner to tighten you could purchase a slightly smaller belt. Maybe a half inch size smaller. Thanks for watching
@@GarageGear Sounds like a plan, I'll give that a try. Thanks for the help!
Omg this is sooooo much work, but you really laid it out good. Man, do you dream about these machines in your sleep? Lol you really know your stuff! 😎
Hahaha I stay up until 3 or 4 am! Lol! It’s actually not all that bad! Mostly nuts and bolts. Can be a little slow if you find a stubborn bolt but this one wasn’t bad. This machine is pretty well cared for!
Hey, I have a yard machine MTD 31A-3BAD729 compact snow blower. (22 inch 5.5 HP). I’m currently in the process of replacing the belt for the first time in 20 years 🫣. We had it serviced at one point for a wheel replacement and service. I’m assuming during the service, they adjusted the belt since the bolt is in the furthest position. This is where my problem is. The bolt won’t come out after removing the belt bushing wheel/nut, the bolt hits the auger housing. I tried taking the cable belt to “pull” it closer, but the bolt plate that the bolt is into has “bottomed” out and won’t come out any further. (Apologies for the improper name of certain parts). I’m wondering if you have a video or know what I’m struggling with. If you do not understand what I’m talking about, I’ll happily make a video and upload it to TH-cam for you to see.
I’m replacing the belt due to it having cracks every 2 teeth (I do not know how it hasn’t broken yet), and I do not want to grab a brand new belt and have it break due to too much tension.
I think I understand what’s going on but if you could send me a brief video that help clarify my questions. You can email me. My email is in the description. Thanks for watching
@@GarageGear alrighty, will do. I’ll do it tomorrow if I remember/ have time.
@@GarageGear I sent a DM on your Instagram with pictures of my model and what the issue is. I’m having email issues where emails won’t send with a picture, I don’t know why.
@@Ca31_Buff ok I will check them out!
Ok. The JD has new belts. Now what are we going to do about that finicky Tecumseh?? 😂
Saved another one, JB. Keep on rocking, my brother!
Haha that Tecumseh actually started pretty good! We’ll let it live! Few more years tho and it’s predator all the way! This JD was really well cared for. Makes it easier to do maintenance on! Just got some new tires in for the 1971 ariens! That will be a fun project! Stay tuned for that my friend! Anything going on in your garage this week?
@@GarageGear Yeah, they start ok at 78 degrees. But when the cold hits fan, they like to stick their tongues out and say “I’m good here in the shed”. Lol
@@paulmysliborski4832 dude absolutely spot on! When you think about it those tecumseh engines are really old nowadays. They’ve all done their time. People rip on those predator engines but they WORK!
@@GarageGear Jackasses with that old mentality rip on them.
Realists in the know do not.
Keep kicking arse JB!
Looking for a new snow blower. In your opinion what’s the best brand to look for
Honda makes the best but they are pricey Slange! Ariens is a close runner up for quality! Those are my usual picks. Toro / Husqvarna are also making some great blowers too! If you see one you’re looking at let me know and I can possibly shed some light on it! Thanks for watching!
@@GarageGear thank you. I’ve been looking at Ariens so maybe I’ll stick with that.
@@slange can’t go wrong with an ariens! 👍
You are the best.
🌹❤️🌹
No… you are Mehrzad! Thanks for being an awesome fan of the channel! 👍
@@GarageGear
May the great force, bless your capable hands, talents and awesome personality to serve the society.
I am also a humble small engine fixer want to be, and serve the neighborhood.
Love from Canada 🇨🇦.
🤟😎🤟
@@mehrzadrashidkhani3250 ROCK ON Mehrzad! 👍👍
Hey! I can't find anywhere what oil to use for this snowblower, I have 10W-30, but I believe I need to use 5W-30. I am in Ontario, Canada.. what do you suggest?! I cannot find an owner's manual anywhere..
Hey Shayna! You’re not far from me. I’m in Buffalo! Typically 5w30 oils have a slightly wider temperature range that they work best in. I put 5w30 full synthetic oil in just about every machine I own including snowblowers of this size. Thanks for watching!
@@GarageGear Thanks so much, I picked some up after watching your video and will be attempting to change it tomorrow, lol. Thanks for posting the video
@@shaynalinkie ROCK ON SHAYNA!!! You got this! 👍
What’s the best way to remove a wheel that’s rusted to the axle?
Hey timber , you could try torching the wheel and then dumping ice cold water on it! The heat/freeze trick has broken some bonds for me in the past. Thanks for watching!
I have a question, I see you putting that Clevis pin through the bottom? When you took it off I thought that either someone else worked on it or the manufacturer screwed up.
I ask because the vibration can cause the cotter pin to break and the Clevis pin to fall out. That would really suck if your doing a job and try to find that Clevis pin in the snow.
Correct me if I am wrong.
Thank you
Hey RAMBO! You’re speaking of the one on the chute correct?
@@GarageGear yes
@@SFCRambo60 ok got it! That’s how it was designed and that does have a possibility of happening. I just put things back as I find them so there’s no issues. I have seen a guy just shove a nail through the hole and bend the end when he lost his Clevis pin before. Worked well and he had it on there for years.
@@GarageGear I am always looking for safety problems and not having to do double work. Worked for Scabapilare ( Cat ) for 32 years as a safety man and Cost Reduction Rep. So it's a habit also being in the Military for over 20 years. You have to think safety and let's not create more work.
I have done the nail may a time but when your out on a job throwing snow you don't need the hassle.
Boss!
Learned from the best! 👍👍
On alot of machines the belts can be changes just by removing the cover and feeding them down between the pulleys. My Toros are all that way. Never take them to a dealer to replace them. You can do it with your eyes closed.
Yeah some are easier to get belts on and off. This guy had a few things in the way. Thanks for sharing David!
WRONG SEASON, I need to know how to change my auger belt for my lawnmower as it's summer and my grass is starting to crest my roof.
Haha I work on all kinds of stuff throughout the year ! What kind of mower do you have Loudbass?
Hey JB! I stripped the belly pan boltson my new Craftsman 24”😅 any idea on how to fix it? Please help😫
Hey Fern! Did you strip the bolts or the bolt holes?
@@GarageGear the bolt holes. I must have put the screws in at and angle and they no longer tighten.
No thanks I'll pay someone to fix it.
Hey Shane, I called a local hardware shop to get a quote and they wanted $150-$250 to start. The belts cost less than $30. Crazy prices! Thanks for watching!
@@GarageGear Damn! What's your time worth I suppose!
@@shanew7361 prices can get pretty wild with this procedure! It only took me a little over an hour to do! Usually depends if one stubborn bolt is holding me up!