Hobkirk

A new belt shouldn't cause any problems unless it is not the same size as the original belt - length and width. Or possibly you mis-aligned or damaged a tensioner or something. Does the belt have reasonable tension? Did you inadvertently disconnect or change the adjustment on the linkage to the drive belt?

What is involved in increasing the amperage? I would like to add a brighter light and possibly heated grips. The current light is an 1156 (3-4 watts?). I have not tried just adding a 55W fog light to see if it kills the ignition but it seemed like a good idea to ask first. THANKS!

I rebuilt my 1995 John Deere 828D about 5 years ago and then did some more work this year (drive shaft  was seized, pulleys slightly out of alignment). This time I was really compulsive about lubricating everything and making all the controls work precisely. I also modified the gate so I could have a much faster reverse and a faster top forward speed and I relocated the light. I felt it was well worth it. I understand how it works much better, the modifications made it better, and I smile to myself every time I use it.

Another advantage (I think) is that "they used to build them better." I really don't know if it's true, but my 828D weighs 305 # w/o electric start and the new 928E weighs 250 # with electric start. The JD shop people say the old engine is much more durable.

PS 1 - I made one major mistake: I repainted the augers - a tremendous amount of work (stripping the old paint, getting them sandblasted) with very little benefit. I should have just added more paint to the original.

PS 2 - I think the Toro power shift feature is really cool.

I have a 1995 John Deere 824D. It has one light located directly behind the chute, powered directly by the engine - i.e., no battery. Lighting technology has improved in the last 15 years - is there any practical way to replace the light with one (or, even better, two) brighter lights? I could work out using battery powered lights - my DeWalt 18V system has plenty of power to operate a couple of 9V bulbs (the 18V bulbs are VERY expensive), but it would be nicer to have the lighting  be an integral part of the machine.

Also, do heated grips help much? And if they do, is it practical to retrofit them to an older machine like mine?

Thanks. We're expecting 12" of snow tonight in the Boston area. My Deere is gassed and oiled and I just gave it a thorough service - he's raring to go!