Compatability question: 44 Snowblower and an X530

[snakemed]

Howdy all!

I have read that I can mount my 44 blower (from my current X300) onto an X500 or X520. A local dealer is telling me that he doesn't think it will mount correctly onto the X530 due to the "X530 hydraulics making it different underneath".

Can I mount it on an X530 or X540? Does anyone here have this set-up already?

I have found an X530 that I'm interested in, (I like the locking differential and power steering, etc.) but I want to confirm that I can attach my 44 blower to it before I pull the trigger. Learning before the purchase is cheaper, so I'd rather know now than learn later!

[snakemed]

Sorry guys...

I should have known the answer was already here in the forum - with pictures no less!

Thanks to PEIDeerefan for his post #2 with the answer that I needed!

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=226622

Originally Posted by snakemed

Howdy all!

I have read that I can mount my 44 blower (from my current X300) onto an X500 or X520. A local dealer is telling me that he doesn't think it will mount correctly onto the X530 due to the "X530 hydraulics making it different underneath".

Can I mount it on an X530 or X540? Does anyone here have this set-up already?

I have found an X530 that I'm interested in, (I like the locking differential and power steering, etc.) but I want to confirm that I can attach my 44 blower to it before I pull the trigger. Learning before the purchase is cheaper, so I'd rather know now than learn later!

[PEIDeerefan]

Glad you found the answer. Had a x320 with the 44 blower, sold the x320 only and bought the x530. Wanted the 44 blower because of real tight space where I park in the heated garage. It sits where my old 40 inch Berco blower was so 44 was tighter where I pull the car in the door.

[snakemed]

Thanks for the confirmation, PEIDeerefan! My thinking is very similar to yours. Garage space is a concern, so the 44 versus the 47 is an advantage. Also, the 44 is slightly less weight and snow volume to push up my sloping driveway on each pass in the winter. I think that will be another advantage.

Were you able to use the same mounting hardware, or did you need to get something from Deere to effect the move to the X530? I know that I will need new chains, mine will be too small, and I plan to double the number of suitcase weights to four.

Thanks again, PEIDeerfan, it is great to have a reference point with someone that did the same tractor/attachment changes!

Looking forward to the upgrade!

Originally Posted by PEIDeerefan

Glad you found the answer. Had a x320 with the 44 blower, sold the x320 only and bought the x530. Wanted the 44 blower because of real tight space where I park in the heated garage. It sits where my old 40 inch Berco blower was so 44 was tighter where I pull the car in the door.

[PEIDeerefan]

No extra hardware required. The only thing to remember is to remove all the linkages from your x300 to install on the x530. For reference, just look over your blower manual for the parts that need to be removed. Chains and 4 suitcase weights will give you lots of traction for blowing snow. I loved blowing snow with my new setup this winter.

[snakemed]

Excellent! Thanks for confirming the fit and for the added details! You're the best...

Originally Posted by PEIDeerefan

No extra hardware required. The only thing to remember is to remove all the linkages from your x300 to install on the x530. For reference, just look over your blower manual for the parts that need to be removed. Chains and 4 suitcase weights will give you lots of traction for blowing snow. I loved blowing snow with my new setup this winter.

[Haulin' Daze]

Although we didn't get much snow this past winter, the 44" on my X530 moved what we did get with ease. Same thing with me; wanted to save space and a little $$.

I had mine delivered with the blower on so I couldn't tell you about the installation, but it was pretty staightforward and easy taking it off.

[bmurph44]

Originally Posted by snakemed

Howdy all!

I have read that I can mount my 44 blower (from my current X300) onto an X500 or X520. A local dealer is telling me that he doesn't think it will mount correctly onto the X530 due to the "X530 hydraulics making it different underneath".

Can I mount it on an X530 or X540? Does anyone here have this set-up already?

I have found an X530 that I'm interested in, (I like the locking differential and power steering, etc.) but I want to confirm that I can attach my 44 blower to it before I pull the trigger. Learning before the purchase is cheaper, so I'd rather know now than learn later!

I mounted my 44 blower on my X540, the only issue would be lift limitations because of the front weight bracket on the 540. Hydraulics work perfectly, like was said earlier just make sure you remove all of the lifting hardware off your 300 before you sell it.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=226622

[snakemed]

Thanks for the added confirmation and info, Haulin' Daze!

Originally Posted by Haulin' Daze

Although we didn't get much snow this past winter, the 44" on my X530 moved what we did get with ease. Same thing with me; wanted to save space and a little $$.

I had mine delivered with the blower on so I couldn't tell you about the installation, but it was pretty staightforward and easy taking it off.

Thanks for chiming in, bmurph44! And thanks for adding input specific to the X540 fit situation. Although I have targeted an X530, the dealers I am working with referenced the hydraulics as the challenge (commenting on the X530 and X540), so it is interesting to learn that it is the weight bracket on the front of the X540 that was your obstacle to overcome.

Originally Posted by bmurph44

I mounted my 44 blower on my X540, the only issue would be lift limitations because of the front weight bracket on the 540. Hydraulics work perfectly, like was said earlier just make sure you remove all of the lifting hardware off your 300 before you sell it.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=226622

[snakemed]

All the blower hardware for the tractor frame is installed and ready for the conversion from mowing to blowing. Now, it will only involve the normal deck removal and blower connection process. I have the chains and two suitcase weights stored with the blower, so I think I am ready.

Still considering cast-iron wheel weights, if I can find a used set at a reasonable price. Otherwise, I will simply buy two more suitcase weights.

Hey, I don't want to rush winter - I am enjoying summer just fine in my shorts! (No, there won't be pictures of that).

Originally Posted by PEIDeerefan

No extra hardware required. The only thing to remember is to remove all the linkages from your x300 to install on the x530. For reference, just look over your blower manual for the parts that need to be removed. Chains and 4 suitcase weights will give you lots of traction for blowing snow. I loved blowing snow with my new setup this winter.

[PEIDeerefan]

Glad you got the mounting kit pre-installed and ready to go for this winter. Yes, it will be a simple change over for you. For me, what I have now is the easiest change over from summer to winter I have ever owned and it is a great setup. How are you enjoying your x530?

[snakemed]

I really like the X530. It is exceeding my expectations. In particular, the power steering and the differential lock have made my mowing chores easier/better, specifically on one significantly sloped section. I am confident that it will do as well for the winter snow removal chores and that is what drove my decision to upgrade.

Originally Posted by PEIDeerefan

Glad you got the mounting kit pre-installed and ready to go for this winter. Yes, it will be a simple change over for you. For me, what I have now is the easiest change over from summer to winter I have ever owned and it is a great setup. How are you enjoying your x530?

[jim335]

Glad to hear it's working out for ya. That's a real nice machine.

I vote for just getting 2 more suit case weights. They're so easy to put on and take off.

I also would get the winter grill cover. That keeps your carb from icing up.

Enjoy!

[snakemed]

Good call on the grill cover, Jim. I have one already. I originally bought it for use with my previous X300 set-up. I may well end up using more suitcase weights, but I have time yet to find the cast-iron wheel weights, too.

Originally Posted by jim335

Glad to hear it's working out for ya. That's a real nice machine.

I vote for just getting 2 more suit case weights. They're so easy to put on and take off.

I also would get the winter grill cover. That keeps your carb from icing up.

Enjoy!

[jim335]

Originally Posted by snakemed

Good call on the grill cover, Jim. I have one already. I originally bought it for use with my previous X300 set-up. I may well end up using more suitcase weights, but I have time yet to find the cast-iron wheel weights, too.