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Ozz0830

Joined: Dec 20, 2008
Points: 5

John Deere 928E issues
Original Message Dec 20, 2008 3:15 pm

Hi all,

First snowblower, and first post to go with it!

I just purchased a John Deere 928E at the local John Deere dealership. I figured that spending the extra cash on a JD would get me a top notch machine with top notch performance.

I have used it twice. The first time out the motor began jerking a few different times, but would then start behaving again.

The second time out (this morning), it jerked a couple times, but then the chute started having trouble turning. When turning it to the right, it would only go about 3/4 max and then get stuck, where I couldn't turn it either way. I would grab and turn it enough for the gear to start working again and it would turn the OTHER way, but still get stuck when going to the right.

After finishing up, I decided to take a look at it a few hours later, and now it has ceased to work altogether. We are supposed to be getting another large snowfall Sunday /Monday.

Anyone else have this problem? Anyone have any suggestions? Anyone else feel as though they got taken for a ride when they bought a John Deere?

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

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borat

Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: John Deere 928E issues
Reply #1 Dec 20, 2008 4:15 pm

Need a bit more information than what you've provided.

If the engine is stumbling, there's probably an issue with the fuel. Possibly water in it. As far as the chute control, is it cable or electrically actuated? Maybe post a picture of the machine. The late model John Deere machines are supposed to be made by Simplicity/Snapper which generally, are well built and pretty reliable. There have been reports however of the electric chute controls icing up and causing problems. That's the reason I avoid electrically actuated controls. A snow thrower is not the place for that kind of technology.

Ozz0830

Joined: Dec 20, 2008
Points: 5

Re: John Deere 928E issues
Reply #2 Dec 20, 2008 4:37 pm

Hi Borat

Sorry for the lack of info...I'm not all that mechanically inclined...but...

As far as the "jerking"...I would be moving along and the whole machine would start...well...jerking forward and back....and then it would stop (the jerking would stop, not the machine)....at first I thought maybe I was stuck on something...but the driveway was actually clear a couple times when it did it.

As far as the chute....it operates by a crank on the "control panel". At first I thought maybe it was frozen, but that wasn't the issue. I just know that at this point, when I turn the crank, I see the little gear box turning, but the teeth don't seem to be responding. At first is was just when it got to a point when turning the crank to the right (clockwise), then when I checked on it a few hours later, it just didn't want to move at all, anymore.

Very discouraging considering what I paid for it. I plan on paying the dealer a visit on Monday (weather permitting), but as we are supposed to be getting hit pretty hard starting late tonight and up to Monday afternoon/evening, I may actually NEED the unit! :)

I'm just wondering if anyone else has had any difficulties with JD (or any other brand) that is similar.

Thanks again for responding....and any suggestions would still be appreciated!

MacLorry27

Joined: Dec 23, 2008
Points: 54

Re: John Deere 928E issues
Reply #3 Dec 23, 2008 9:43 am

The 928e has a replaceable steel scraper blade on the bottom of the auger housing designed to remove snow down to the pavement. On pavement with packed snow the blade will dig in cause the machine to jerk as you described. The 928e also has "Height Adjust skid" plates on either side of the auger housing that can be adjusted to raise the scraper blade if you don't like the jerking and don't mind leaving a bit of snow on the pavement. An easy way to adjust the skid pads is to place a piece of cardboard under the scraper blade to raise it about 1/8 inch off the ground and then adjust the skid plates to touch the ground. If you have rough pavement you'll want even more clearance.

borat

Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: John Deere 928E issues
Reply #4 Dec 23, 2008 2:56 pm

Sounds like the jerking motion is from the machine's scraper blade catching on uneven surfaces. That's pretty much normal. You might have to adjust the skids to raise the scraper. As far as the chute control, sounds like there might be a lock pin missing that secures the gear to the rod. Check to see if something has fallen out and to confirm if the gear locks to the rod that turns it. Sometimes it's just a cotter pin that's fallen out to cause the problem. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty if you can't afford to take the machine in. Maybe post some pics of the control mechanisms if you can. It will help us understand how it works.

MacLorry27

Joined: Dec 23, 2008
Points: 54

Re: John Deere 928E issues
Reply #5 Dec 23, 2008 5:26 pm

The snow chute is attached to a flange with a clips held by two screws each. The chute rotates by sliding on this flange, but may get sticky and need some oil. The chute is rotated by a worm gear on the other side. A bolt allows this gear to be adjusted. Check that the worm gear engages the ring gear on the snow chute, but not too tightly or it will be hard to turn.

This message was modified Dec 23, 2008 by MacLorry27

Ozz0830

Joined: Dec 20, 2008
Points: 5

Re: John Deere 928E issues
Reply #6 Dec 24, 2008 1:25 pm

A big thanks Borat and MacLorry27!

The scraper blade makes sense, as the whole machine would start to jerk....I was concerned because it seemed like there wasn't any bumps or anything in the way. But, I've had it out a couple more times and it only seems to do it once in a while...so I will attribute the cause to that scraper blade. I may try to raise the skids if it becomes problematic.

And, the other day, after finishing the driveway (while having to physically grab and move the chute every time I needed to change it's trajectory, I decided to take a look and you hit it right on the head MacLorry....the little worm gear was not making contact with the "teeth" properly. Maybe it got jostled in transit, or whatever....so I loosened the bolt and moved the gear slightly inward, and it seems to be just fine now! I haven't had to use it yet, but I think that was it.

So again, a big thanks to both of you, Happy Holidays and "Happy Snowblowing"!

borat

Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: John Deere 928E issues
Reply #7 Dec 24, 2008 1:47 pm

Even the best of machines won't work properly if not correctly assembled or adjusted. A lot if depends on the quality of the personnel doing the work at the manufacturing facility then at the sales/service dealership. It's best to go over the machine thoroughly while it's still at the dealership. Most people go in, look at the machine then ask for delivery or load it up themselves. They take it home, put some gas in it a go right to work with it. More often than not, they will have a good experience. Particularly if it was purchased from a reputable dealership. Many good quality machines nowadays are being sold in box stores where pre-delivery assembly is questionable at best and service thereafter nonexistent.

That John Deere is probably a Simplicity/Snapper in JD colours. If properly set up and maintained, it should serve you well.

danen_inc

Joined: Dec 29, 2008
Points: 1

Re: John Deere 928E issues
Reply #8 Dec 29, 2008 9:52 am

I just picked up up a John Deere 928E from a local Lowes up here in Canada, just happened to be in the store and they had 9 in stock. This year snowblowers are few and scarce here you get what you can and not what you want. I know they're supposed to be good machines, however when I took it home in the crate and started to assemble it I realized I was missing some parts. First of all the crank on the dash to turn the chute was missing and the chute itself looked like it been hit by something probably a forklift, it was bent and and there was a tear in it. Furthermore it was even missing the black guide clips for the chute so that it can be attached to the blower itself. Now I'm wondering how good is this machine if right out of the box its missing this many pieces. My question to myself is what else is it missing that I can't see. Catch 22, I want a snowblower but can't get it replaced with anything else because the store doesn't have anymore. Called them up and spoke to a manager and a John Deere rep is supposed to come over and take a look at the machine. Anyone else have a missing parts problem?

pvrp

Joined: Nov 14, 2008
Points: 151

Re: John Deere 928E issues
Reply #9 Dec 29, 2008 11:36 am

danen_inc wrote:

If I were you I'd take the machine back immediately for a full refund, then worry about finding another one.
You don't need the hassles of having various companies attempt to fix your problems. You shouldn't
be having problems.

Paul

MacLorry27

Joined: Dec 23, 2008
Points: 54

Re: John Deere 928E issues
Reply #10 Dec 29, 2008 1:25 pm

danen_inc

Check your receipt, but in the U.S. Lowe’s has a 30 day return policy for power equipment. Just pack everything up and take it back to the store. You don’t even need a reason for returning it, but the fact that it’s missing parts and damaged is full justification in anyone’s book. Have them give you another 928 and have them set it up.

The John Deere is made by Simplicity, which has about as good a reputation as any brand of snow thrower. Likely the crate for yours was damaged in shipping and some parts dropped out somewhere. That’s why I would have Lowe’s set it up. You can double check the setup when you get the 928 home. However, if you want to set it up yourself, inspect the next create for any damage before you take it home.

Mac

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