Drive System Maintenance

Avoid injury! Do not operate snow removal attachment without chain shield.

If your snowblower has an exposed drive chain as shown in Photo A, proceed to Adjusting and Lubricating Drive Chain located in this section of the manual.

If your snowblower has an enclosed chain as shown in Photo B, proceed to Checking Oil in Enclosed Chain Housing located in this section of the manual.


Adjusting and Lubricating Drive Chain

  1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

  2. Disconnect drive shaft from machine.

  3. MXT013826
    MXT013826-UN-24MAR15

    Photo A

    Move chain shield (A) left to provide tension on the chain. Deflection should be 4.7—10 mm (3/16—3/8 in).


  4. Adjust chain, if necessary:

    • Loosen four locknuts (B) on chain shield.
    • Slide chain shield right or left until the proper deflection measurement is obtained.
    • Hold chain shield in place and tighten nut.

  5. Rotate the auger several turns and make sure that chain has at least 4.7 mm (3/16 in) deflection at all times.

  6. Lubricate chain with John Deere TY 6240 Chain Lube Spray or equivalent.

  7. Start engine. Run snowblower briefly to distribute oil.

  8. Stop engine. Wipe off excess oil.

  9. Check condition of chain and sprockets. Replace if necessary.


Checking Oil in Enclosed Chain Housing

  1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

  2. Disconnect drive shaft from machine and remove snowblower from quick-hitch.

  3. Set snowblower on level ground.

  4. MXT023169
    MXT023169-UN-03MAY18

    Photo B

    Remove filler plug (A).Oil level should be even with bottom of hole.


  5. If oil level is low, add 80W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil.

  6. Install plug.

  7. No further maintenance is required.

SB31882,00001E5-19-20180517