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 | Chuck
Join Date: Posts: 1 
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1999-11-14 10079
I have a JD 4400 with front mount snowblower. I discovered that the skids are not adjustable nor is the scraper bar. When I lowered it to the float position on gravel is simply dug into the gravel. There are two skids on each side. When the gravel freezes it will probably be okay but before that it is useless as is. Has anyone come up with a solution to this problem. I thought if I could get the right steel perhaps a welder could build up the skids and raise the scraper bar off the gravel.
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| turfman
Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 97 midwest
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1999-11-14 10094
Take a look at the skids on a rototiller. This is a method I used on my blower. Use an one leaf of and old leaf spring and weld it in a similar manner to make an adjustable or a fixed skid. the adjustable part is nice for the very reason that you mention, gravel! The deeper the gravel the higher the skid can be set. just my 2 cents. ....
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| Don
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-11-14 10099
I have just gone through this with the purchase of my front blower for my jd855.
The blower has plates that you can stack up to increase the surface area this is not efficient for working off of gravel. you will need skid pads with a 4" x 12" surface area to support the wieght of the blower. I found with past blowers that a good hight for the scrapper blade is 2" from the ground until things realy freeze up. Good luck and happy blowing!! ....
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| tom
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-11-15 10114
Somebody mentioned in on the SR Board that the put a set of small wheels on their loader blade to act as skids. They commented that regular skids wear groves in gravel even after freeze up. I suppose the idea could be applied to blowers too.
Myself, I use a rear mount blower and keep the loader in service all winter.
Tom ....
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| Chuck
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-11-15 10123
Thanks everyone. Great suggestions. Tom I would never have thought of wheels! Now I can check around and see if skids (spring leafs or whatever) or wheels will best suit my needs. ....
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| Bob Herman
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 16
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1999-11-24 10354
I just received my new JD 59 front mount snowblower - mounted on JD 4400. I have the same concerns about proper skids. Frankly I am very disappointed in John Deere on this design flaw. For the amount of money involved, and Deere's engineering reputation, I expect a design that would allow user adjustment and to provide protection. Further the Operator's manual says to run with the SCV in the "Float" position. If you follow these instructions, you are sure to remove all gravel from the driveway and possible do some serious damage. I am anxious to hear what others have done to correct this design deficiency. Has anyone contacted John Deere ?? Thanks, Bob in PA snow belt ! ....
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| Jack in IL
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-11-24 10355
A new set of adjustable skid shoes was just announced by JD. Dealers can find a bulletin on them. ....
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| Bob Herman
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 16
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1999-12-01 10555
Jack, thanks for the info. I will see if my JD dealer can get more on the skids. Bob Herman ....
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| Chuck
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-12-02 10560
Jack - Can you provide me with any more info on the adjustable skids. A phone call to my dealer and an Email to John Deere have both produced a blank. Some way to connect my dealer with the bulletin or product number would be VERY much appreciated. Thanks ....
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