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Q: We would like to install some auxiliary lighting on the 47" two-stage snowblower for better visibility when the snow blower is raised. Peterson Manufacturing has some nice lighting using 55W H3 halogens. Given the John Deere 425 has a 20 amp alternator, can it handle this additional load or are we looking for trouble? Is there a higher output alternator that works well with the 425? Should I connect in parallel with the existing headlight circuit or use a separate relay and circuit? The lighting fuse installed is 15 amps.
A: I have run this same load before with a 14 amp charging system and I had to run the engine wide open to just barely keep up. I think you will be doing fine with a 20 amp output. It is not necessary to run a relay, just get some quality switches.
Q: I have purchased a John Deere 425 with the hopes of purchasing a snow plow for it. I saw an auction where the seller is offering a plow for a John Deere 420 and John Deere 430 model. Will this fit the Deere 425?
A: The John Deere 420 and 430 Deere attachments will not interchange.
Q: Do you think my 1988 John Deere 216 can handle a front end loader? Or should I move up to a John Deere 318 that has hydraulics?
A: The 216 Deere will handle a loader fine. We have already installed them on the old John Deere 110 tractors.
Q:I have found a loader that was off a 420 John Deere. I have a 332 John Deere. Will the loader and brackets work with mine?
A:No, those loader brackets will not work on the John Deere 332 diesel. Another problem is that the pumps for each one of those tractors runs at two different RPMs. They also turn in opposite directions.
Q: I was wondering, would a 246 rotary broom fit a 318? How much snow can it remove?
A:The 246 is a front mount F900 type broom that will not fit on a John Deere 318. Most power brooms can handle 3 inches of snow.
Q: Does anyone make a snow blower attachment for zero-turn mowers. I have a Ferris IS2000Z zero-turn riding mower and would love to fine a workable snow blower attachment.
A: Yes, I can set you up with no problems. It would be a snowblower that will throw the snow so you will not have to play snow relay. I have the54 inch two stage Bercomac snowblower with a 23 hp Vanguard engine installed in it or a two stage Bercomac snowblower with an 18 hp Vanguard engine installed in it. The 1 7/8" ball will fit right into your rear hitch.
Q: I want to put a snowblower attachment on my 42 inch Cub Cadet zero turn mower with a 17 hp Kohler. The Cub is model number RZT4200. The rear tires are 40 inches from outside to outside.
A: We just came out with the Berco two stage snowblower with its own engine so you can quickly hook it up and unhook it with a 1 7/8" ball on the rear of your machine. The snowblower is mounted on the front of your Cub Cadet zero turn. This is a 48 inch wide cut with a nice sized Vanguard v-twin overhead valve 18 hp engine.
Q: I have a John Deere 212 and a friend has a 110 that has a snow thrower. Will the snow thrower work on my tractor?
A: Yes, if he has the new style 110.
Q: Did John Deere ever make a 3 point log splitter that would work with the 455?
A: As far as I know they made it for the John Deere 318 and for the John Deere 420 only.
Q: I've got a cab that was on my 1982 318. Could you please tell what other years and models that this cab will fit?
A:Your cab should also fit on the John Deere 316, John Deere 322, and the John Deere 332.
Q: I just bought a John Deere 300, could I run a log splitter with this tractor?
A: Yes, you can run a log splitter of of our tractor.
Q: I have a John Deere 455 with a 3 pt hitch, I want a collection system to avoid making two runs at our large lawn to collect the cut grass. My wife does most of the mowing so I have to be sensitive about the maneuverability of anything in back. My research has led me to the MC519 with a large capacity which may be to bulky or the three bag hookup which has less capacity but easy to maneuver. Both require the Power unit. What are your suggestions?
A:I would go for the MC519 cart as you may know that is hooked solid to the rear of the tractor and the cart actually does not get in the way. You can also dump the cart without ever getting off of the tractor.
Q: I just bought my first John Deere, a model 322 made in 1988. It has 890 hours on it which seems like a lot but it appears to be in excellent condition. Seems to run great except the throttle only works good at min or max throttle, no in between. The governor does not appear to move much. There is a small link within a small spring. Would the spring need replaced or ? Any other ideas? Any help would be appreciated. Would a snow blade off a model 235 fit the 322? I have a chance on a snow blade off a 420 garden tractor. Would it fit, hydraulics and all?
A:This model 322 was basically born with the tendency to do just what you are talking about. You could try adjusting the carburetor and also check if the linkage has a slight bend or drag to it. No, the John Deere 235 blade will not come close to fitting on the John Deere 322. The 235 is a cheaper built tractor and the blade would probably not hold up to the 322. No, a JD 420 blade will not fit a 322.
Q: I have a 54" blade from a John Deere 318 garden tractor that I have mounted to a John Deere X-475. The hoses are long enough to plug into the 475 outlets. Is the hydraulic pressure compatible? Will I harm the 475 hydraulic system in any way?
A: The 54" blade will work fine and there is no danger of hurting your X475.
Q: I have a John Deere 140 and am wondering if a John Deere 37A snowblower will work on this tractor?
A:No, the 37A is the incorrect snowblower for the John Deere 140.
Q: Have you ever seen someone use a post hole digger with a 1995 John Deere 425 garden tractor?
A: No, I haven't had anything to do with the post hole diggers but I know they need a 540 RPM PTO and that is the speed of my PTO kit for your tractor.
Q: Will a deck from a JD 316 fit on a John Deere 216?
A: No, the decks will not interchange.
Q: If I purchased a John Deere 425 garden tractor and buy the PTO kit for the roto-tiller would I have to take off the cutting deck, etc., or could I just leave all of that on the tractor? It sure would be a lot better if I could leave everything as it is.
A: Yes you leave the mower deck on with the roto-tiller and push a lever on the PTO to turn off the mower deck PTO and turn on the roto-tiller PTO.
Q: I know John Deere makes a single stage snowblower for the John Deere 400. Do they make a two stage for it as well? I push snow with a blade but thinking about buying a blower as well.
A: There was no 2 stage snowblower made for the John Deere 400.
Q: I have a John Deere 475 garden tractor with a blade, how do you determine the float position on the blade?
A: All you do is move your lever to the float position and then the blade will float up and down according to the ground level and angle.
Q: I have a chance to get a John Deere 318 garden tractor for next to nothing in a swap....what kind of PTO does it have in the rear and could it be used for a PTO driven manure spreader? The unit does not have a3 point hitch but I don't need one for the spreader.
A: You have to check and see if it has a PTO in the rear. No, this does not come standard on a John Deere 318. You also will have to watch and make sure to come up with the same RPM's. The rear end on the John Deere 318 is running at 2000 RPM's. I would think that manure spreader would be set up for 540 RPM's.
Q: My Cub Cadet 1045 manual tells me that the lowest possible cutting height is 1 1/2 inches. Is there anything I can do to lower the height to 7/8 or 1 inch?
A: Yes, you would have to cut another groove in wherever you lock mechanism is located to permit your mower deck to go lower.
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Q:I am looking for a front loader for my John Deere 425 garden tractor. I am familiar with the loader 40 made by John Deere, but are you aware of any other manufacturers of loaders that will fit my 425? I am looking for something that I can load dirt and gravel with. I don’t need to dig undisturbed dirt, but do have piles of dirt that have been sitting about a year that I would like to be able to move. I have heard varying opinions on if a John Deere 425 has enough weight and horsepower to perform this type of work.
A: These loaders are capable of digging hard dirt, moving piles is not a problem at all. I have a small John Deere 140 with a front end loader on it and a 14 horsepower engine and I don't come close to thinking of running out of power. I also can tear up hard ground with that tractor package. Once you get one of these front end loaders you will wonder how you ever got along without it. I use mine for many jobs.
Q: I have a X585 John Deere garden tractor with a 54" power angle front Blade. In heavy snow the Blade won't stay locked in the angle position while I'm pushing heavy snow. ( one foot or more) The hoses are connected correctly and there are no leaks. So there must be a problem in the control valve or pump?
A: It sounds to me like you need to buy a mower deck lock up valve and put it on your tractor.
Q: Could you please tell me if a John Deere snow blower that fit a model 317 will fit on a Deere model 332?
A: Yes, the same snowblower will fit both tractors.
Q: I own a John Deere 316 with dual tires front and back. Will this tractor be good for snow plowing? Should I buy a blade or a snowblower for it? How deep of snow will the blade handle?
A: If you have a lot of weight on the rear of the tractor that blade will handle a good amount of deep snow. But, with a blade you have to have room to put all that snow. With a snowblower you could almost say the snow just disappears.
Q: I noticed on your website you do not recommend putting a snow blade or thrower on the "little" Home Depot Deere's or Cub Cadets? Does that pertain to the ones they sell with 25 and 27 Horsepower?? I am thinking of buying one BUT ONLY if I can plow with it!
A: Yes, a 25 to 27 HP machine can handle a blade or snowblower.
Q: I currently have a John Deere 212 with a tiller attachment and need to get a mowing deck for it. Will the deck off the 110 fit the 212? Draft plate and hangers the same? Will I need a special belt?
A: Yes, the mower deck will exchange onto either of the 2 tractors. Yes, there's a good chance that the belt will not be the correct length.
Q: We are interested in a loader for our John Deere 400 tractor.
A: We have a new universal front end loader that is big enough to fit on your John Deere 400. All you would have to do is make some brackets to put it on your tractor.
Q: When you say brackets, do you mean what's required to attach the loader to the frame? Also does the loader have 3 or 4 hydraulic cylinders and are there quick connects to use the hydraulics on the tractor?
A: You would have to make a bracket to go from the loader to the tractor. The new loader has 3 cylinders with on big cylinder in the middle to tilt the bucket. Yes, it has 4 quick hydraulic couplers that plug into the front end of your tractor.
Q: I have a 425 John Deere and I've got a question about the hydraulic lift lever (the one below the deck lift lever) that controls a snow blade lift or whatever. I purchased the tractor used and to my knowledge, there was never any attachments used on it other than the mower deck. The spool or valve where the attachment hydraulic hoses would attach have plugs in them. I plan to install a quick coupling kit in place of the plugs, but I have 2 questions. One is after I install the couplings, which one's ( there are 4) do I install the lift cylinder of the blade. and two is the lever seems to be stuck and won't move. Is this because the plugs are still in the spool or should I be looking for something else that may be causing this?
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A:Yes, we have trouble with those spool valves locking up and not moving after not being used for a long time. You will have to to get under the tractor by those control valves, squirt it with penetrating oil, and pry the linkage back and forth until it is free. You need to hook your lift cylinder up to the 2 hydraulic couplers that are connected to the lever that has the float position in it.
Q: I have a John Deere 332 lawn tractor that I really like but I don't know how to adjust the deck height. On my X745 it has a depth knob. Ly LX176 has the same type knob. How, if possible, can you adjust the 332? Also the 332 steering seems to take twice the revolutions on the steering wheel to turn the wheels as the X748. Is there something that can be done to correct this problem or is there some type of adjustment?
A:No, that is a general fixed ratio that is on your JD 332 that can not be changed. Your height adjustment on your 332 is located on the left rear side of your tractor.
Q: We have a 1984 John Deere 214 tractor and would like to get a snow thrower for it. The tractor's shop manual includes info on a John Deere 37A Snow thrower attachment. We've seen a model 37 snowthrower for sale. Is there any difference between the model 37 and 37A? Would either work on the 214?
A:The 37A is made for your later style tractor like you have. The 37 has the snowblower running the other way, therefore the belt would have to be twisted.
Q: I have a Craftsman, how easy is it to change attachments with the Bercomac system? If I’m changing from blower to plow, is it just a matter of unhooking two pins, backing up, driving over to the plow and hooking two pin, or is it more complicated? If it’s more complicated, how long would you estimate an attachment change takes? If I changed over to a John Deer after I purchased Bercomac attachments, do I need to buy one set of hardware for all attachments or do I need a separate set for each attachment such as snow blower, plow, broom?
A: You would buy just one subframe for your Sears tractor now and then buy the snowblower,push blade, and broom. All this in on one quick disconnect and connect to your Sears. I would say the changing of attachments takes about 5 minutes, the snowblower involves a belt so maybe that could take a little longer. Then one day if you would buy a John Deere all you would have to buy is one subframe to fit the new tractor and your old snowblower, push blade, and broom would fit right on that tractor.
Q: I have a John Deere x585 4x4 tractor. Will the Bercomac PTO fit on it?
A:Yes, the Bercomac will go right on it, including driveshaft and all.
Q: I own a L108 John Deere lawn tractor/riding lawn mower, either '04 or '05. I live in southern New Jersey and we have had some significant snow falls the last few years - 12 inches or more in individual storms. I've got almost 400 ft of sidewalk and a 2 car driveway. I'm not too mechanically gifted so I need something easy to attach and easy enough to use so even my wife can do it. Do you recommend a blade or a snow thrower attachment? Which model?
A: Yes, we have the new Compac tBerco snowblower and subframe kit that will fit on your tractor. A 2 stage snowblower is much better than a push blade as you can always get rid of the snow with a snowblower. I would recommend you to buy therear suitcase weight bracket and 6 suitcase weights.
Q: Do you have any attachments that will fit a Husqvarna GTH220? It's 22HP, 53 inch cut, plenty big enough for some small attachments, but I don't know of any available.
A: Yes, we have front push blades, tractor powered heavy duty rototillers, and snowblowers for your tractor. Let me know what you are interested in.
Q: I just purchased a John Deere 425 garden tractor with 4 wheel steer and I'm tickled to death with it. I would like to get a tiller for it. What are my options for powering the tiller? It doesn't have a PTO, can I add a PTO kit? Can I run a tiller with the hydraulic system?
A: Yes, you would have to buy a PTO kit. The hydraulic rototiller is run off of it's own hydraulic pump.
Q: Please give me an idea what I can do to boost my snow throwing capability. I own a John Deere 112 garden tractor with electric lift.
A: One thing that will help a lot, is if you would buy the late long shiny snow spout, that will throw the snow a lot farther than your current spout you have on that snowblower model. Another thing, turn you engine RPM's up to 4000 RPM. The combination of these 2 subjects will make quite a difference.
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Q: Does the snow blower for a John Deere 420 garden tractor fit and work on a John Deere 425 or 430 garden tractor?
A: Yes, the John Deere 420 snowblower will fit on a JD 430. It will not fit the John Deere 425 garden tractors.
Q: Thought maybe you could give me some ideas to solve a problem I have with my John Deere 455 garden tractor and 54 Front blade. The hitch has 2 hydraulic cylinders for up & down and angle adjustment. The up and down using the lower hydraulic control lever works great. The problem is the side to side control. The blade will not keep its position ... if I push something with the right side of the blade it turns to the right and ditto to the left. I have to constantly keep adjusting the upper control lever. I noticed discussion that there should be clicks when moving the levers and I don't hear any clicks. Sounds like that is a problem with whatever valve the lever attaches to? I have seen a valve advertised on EBAY which indicated it is to close off the deck lift hydraulics when front attachments are used and I do not have this on my tractor. So sounds like what the control lever attaches to or possible a missing valve? Can you help with more specifics?
Second question ... I thinking about adding a 40 loader for light dirt, gravel, mulch, etc. moving? I haven't seen one anywhere I can try so I'm not quite sure what to expect as to the utility of this unit. I have used several loaders with 800-1000 pound lift capacity on 4 wheel drive tractors and know I wouldn't have that kind of capability. Would like to be able to scoop gravel up from a pile and get a scoop of dirt or mulch out of a pile of dirt that was dumped a year or so ago. I wouldn't expect to be able to do any scooping up of undisturbed dirt from a field where there is grass or roots. Any advice as to my expectations or the value of this loader? Will it work with the 60 inch mower deck in place?
A: Yes, you do need that valve and that will take care of the blade so it will stay where you set it for left and right. If you are interested I have one in stock. You are correct that the 455 diesel is much more than a mowing machine. A loader on a garden tractor is very valuable and useful package. I have a John Deere 140 with a loader on it and also a John Deere 318 with a loader on it too. The main thing to do is to get enough weight on the rear of the tractor so you have plenty of traction. Loaders are very expensive and hard to find. On that Model 40 loader you can mow while you have the loader frame on. The loader itself is a quick on quick off package. You can dig into harder ground if you have plenty of weight on the rear so it will rip up the ground with the loader bucket.
Q: I am having a really difficult time trying to locate a snow plow for my Scott's tractor. It is an L1742. I went to a John Deere equipment store (since Scott's are made by John Deere) and they said that the tractor is obsolete and they no longer carry the plows. I did see one on Ebay but was outbid at the last moment.. any ideas if you carry or able to locate one.
A: Better than the blade, I can fit you with a 2 stage Berco snowblower that will fit right on your tractor. We also have a new blade for your tractor. We have a power broom for your tractor too.
Q: Do you think a John Deere 455 will be able to handle a 350 pound box blade? I have found a category 1 hitch that was modified to fit a John Deere 455 but I'm afraid that my non-4WD 455 might not be able to handle a heavy box blade.
A: I would not worry about it. I had a category 1, three point rear blade on the back of a 455 John Deere and that blade was 7 feet wide. I did have suitcase weights on the front to hold it down. I think the front end holds 5. I bought that suitcase bracket that bolts to the front and then I think it holds 9 so I had 9 weights up front. Probably more than I needed.
Q: I am thinking of getting a new 2 stage for the 140. Does that fit up just like the 49" thrower with the hydro and belt etc. How heavy is it? From what I hear the 2 stage that
they use on the 318 will fit up but is too big and heavy. I would like to get a 2 stage that is durable, light, and will throw a lot better than the 9" thrower. Please let me know what your thoughts are. If a guy were to get aBerco how would I get parts bearings etc?
A: Yes, the two stage John Deere is a very heavy snowblower. The 2 stage Berco will out throw the 2 stage John Deere and is more of an average weight snowblower. The Berco parts are not problem as we stock most of them. Any 2 stage will throw the snow farther than a one stage. If you want to throw the snow a long way get a Berco and your troubles are over.
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Q: I recently purchased a front-mount snowblower for my John Deere 455. After connecting the hydraulic hoses on the front-hitch to the 'spool' I found that the front-hitch won't lift. I have never had anything attached to the spool in the 9 years we've had the 455. Would lack of use possibly cause it to freeze up over time?
The two lower hydraulic connections on the spool, used to angle the front hitch to the left and right, DO work. Would you happen to have any suggestions on how to trouble-shoot the problem with the front hitch not moving up and down? Do you think part of the 'spool' could be seized somehow?
A: We have trouble with those John Deere 400 series valves seizing up a lot. If that one lever does not move or go click-click when moving it, that is your problem. You would have to get underneath it, lubricate it, and pry it back and forth until you get it freed up.
Follow up: I just wanted to let you that I got under the 455 and lubricated and pried a few of the pivot points on the rods that connect to the hydraulic valve
and I was able to get the valve to work!
Before hearing from you I was starting to think the problem could be inside
the valve and that I might have to spend a significant amount on a new part.
I greatly appreciate your response to me. I didn't even know that the lever
was supposed to 'click' until you told me about it.
Q: I have a John Deere 216 garden tractor which I'm trying to put a front 43" blade on. I have the mounting bracket for the tractor and the blade fits fine, I just can not figure out the lift linkage (where it goes behind the tractor.
Can you help me?
A: There should be a linkage arm hanging down behind the front cross frame. It has a square hole in that front piece. There is a good chance that all that linkage is not on that tractor unless it already had a snowblower or a push blade on it.
Q: I have Cub Cadet LT1018 and wanted to know if you have any 2 stage snowblower attachments available? I've been told this model with the Briggs and Stratton 18.5 HP Intek engine might be too small to handle a snowblower attachment, what's your thoughts?
A: You will have plenty of power, there are some tractor manufacturers that send out eight horsepower engines with a snowblower on the front. Yes, I have quite the unit for you. TheBerco snowblowers are a 2 stage unit that will throw the snow out of your driveway and over into your neighbor's yard.
Q: I have a John Deere 112 serial no. in the 130000 range. It came with a sleeve hitch. What other models will this hitch work on?
A: That hitch should also work on the 200, 208, 210, 212, 214, and 216.
Q: I am interested in the John Deere 2 stage snowblower you have on your site for a John Deere 317. Can you provide the model number and more details please.
A: That is a model 47, 2 stage snowblower. One hydraulic lever on your 317 would be used to raise and lower the snowblower. The second lever is used to turn the hydraulic spout. The 2 stage has a better lifting system than the 1 stage as it will lift higher. The 2 stage snowblowers will throw snow a lot farther than a 2 stage blower. The 2 stage is also a lot more heavily built than the 1 stage.
Q: I am considering the purchase of a John Deere 430 tractor. It has approximately. 1400 hours on it. I currently have a John Deere 332, and have a 54" front blade and a 48" snow thrower for it. Are these units compatible with the 430, or what would be needed to make compatible? Also - are the rocker shafts/3 pt. hitch assemblies interchangeable? How about a rear PTO unit?
A: None of the front mount attachments will interchange without modifications. The 3 pt hitch and rear PTO will interchange fine.
Q: I have a John Deer model L130 lawn tractor. I would like to be able to push or lift small amounts of dirt for my yard landscaping. Does the blade that you have on your web-site fit that tractor? Do you have any other suggestions? This is asking a lot but are there any hydraulic front loader lifts for such a small tractor?
A: Sorry, but your tractor can't come close to taking this kind of punishment. You would have to get something like a JD 140, 300, 312, 314, 316, 317, 318, 322, or 332 to add that kind of attachment to. Other newer big garden tractors of course will take attachments also.
Q: I am thinking of getting a snowblower for my John Deere GX255lawn tractor. I was told that Bercomac out of Canada makes 2 stage blowers that will fit my GX255 and was told Deere only makes a single stage blower for the GX255, help me out. Which one should I get? I don't get a lot of snow. will the single stage be good enough. or can you adapt the other 2 stage blowers Deere makes to fit the GX255?
A: You are right, Deere only has a single stage which I think would be O.K. for you. We have sold both Deere and Bercomac snowblowers for quite a few different tractors. If you want to throw snow a long way the Bercomac is the only way to go. Another big advantage to the Bercomac is it has the Quick Hitch. If you ever wanted to put on a push blade it can be done in a couple of minutes. The same goes for their power broom, it snaps right on also. The Bercomac has good resale value. As an example, if you wanted to sell it, you could sell it to someone with a Cub Cadet and many other makes and models of tractors. All they would have to do is buy the Quick Hitch for their tractor. The price on the Bercomac is about the same price as the singe stage Deere and you would have a more deluxe unit.
Q: Does the Bercomac only fit larger tractors or could it go in a John Deere 317 Garden Tractor?
A: Yes, the Bercomac is made for the large tractor or the small tractors. We have them for the 317, 318, 425, 455 and more. On the 317 the bracket is actually for the 318 so needs a little modification.
Q: My neighbor is getting one of the 2 stage Berco snow throwers for her new John Deere GX335. Since I'm probably going to get "volunteered" to install and remove this thing every year, how easy is it to swap from the mower deck to the snow blower?
A: The mower deck comes off easily. You do not have to use any tools to do the job. There are instructions with the Bercomac equipment.
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