[Stonecold316]

Hi fellow enthusiasts, for almost 30 years I have been using a 1978 Sears GT11 with a Sears blower attachment, model # 842.260072, it has a 40" auger. I've had trouble for years getting parts for this, and the tractor, and I've always been able to rig up something that would work, until now.
The bigger sprocket on the auger attachment (it's directly bolted on the auger) is on its last legs, and the part has been discontinued for some time. The part number is #8287. I'd like to get this fixed up over this coming summer, so next winter I won't have to pay my plow guy $70 a pop to clean up my 150 yard driveway. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[crazzywolfie]

best to post picture of the part needed and of the snowblower attachment. likely wont get much help otherwise. another suggestion would be to try finding another snowblower attachment and make it work with your machine.

 

[vangasman]

Should be somewhat easy especially since it bolts on. Need to know the shaft diameter, chain pitch, and number of teeth.

 

[Stonecold316]

I'll be able to take pics one day it quits snowing up here (northern WI) and am able to wheel it out of the shed to remove the auger. Hopefully the next couple days.

 

[Cabincat]

That is pretty cool you are still using that tractor.

My father still uses his '72 SS-15... handed down from my grandfather who purchased new. Attachment-wise only leveraged the mower and towing trailer. It was built in another era that would put most things today to shame. The steel gauge alone always impressed me.

 

[ToyFamily]

McMaster Carr.com 🙌

 

[guzzijohn]

Surfed part number and found large discussion about it on Tractor Forum. Lots of info over several years up to ‘18.

 

[Stonecold316]

Finally got some decent weather for a day and got the GT11 out. I hope the pics get posted. Here is the larger auger sprocket. The center hole measures 2", top to bottom on the teeth tops measure 5-1/2", but I'm sure a LOT is worn down, and the chain shows "40" which I assume is the pitch? I can't tell if that thing stamped says 1ABAN or if that second thing is an upside down V. Never mind the color of the seat-its comfortable!

 

[Stonecold316]

No idea why the pics didn't go. I'm old!

 

[Stonecold316]

 

[Stonecold316]

A couple more things-the sprocket has 35 teeth, and is 1/4" thick.

 

[ToyFamily]

A couple more things-the sprocket has 35 teeth, and is 1/4" thick.

with your info of 40 and the 35 teeth I was able to find a sprocket on McMaster Carr. You could also try a farm supply store. Overlay your current sprocket to match drill the mounting holes. Bolt them together and use the old to guide the alignment to open it up with a holesaw.
If you haven’t been exposed to McMaster, you can build most anything with the parts/hardware you can find. It usually ships within 2-3 days to you. I used to have the book in my office (4” thick phone book!!), now I just use the app on my phone.

 

[ToyFamily]

Did a quick search for A type sprockets 40 type 35 tooth and found something close on tractor supply. A 36 tooth, but it has a 2” bore and be less work, just match drill mounting holes and mess with chain length.

Another 35 tooth cheaper option but the bore would have to be opened up as well as match drill.

dr

 

[vangasman]

I'd go for that 36 t one, probably time to replace the chain anyway. That would be the easiest.

 

[Stonecold316]

I'd go for that 36 t one, probably time to replace the chain anyway. That would be the easiest.

Yes, I think I'll order that one. I don't know how I would drill a 2"" hole with what I have to work with. I'm wondering with one more tooth, how much larger the sprocket will be, diameter-wise. I'm also thinking and guessing 1 to 2 more links. The chain is only 3 years old.

 

[guzzijohn]

Do you need it be a precise to fit a 2” od piece? Cutting torch, hole saw, or saber saw would make your hole if roughing it in is ok.

 

[ToyFamily]

here’s the difference in size between 35 tooth and 36 tooth.

.159” difference

Sprocket Diameter Chart - Diameters By ANSI Sizes & Tooth Count

www.nitrochain.com

 

[Stonecold316]

Do you need it be a precise to fit a 2” od piece? Cutting torch, hole saw, or saber saw would make your hole if roughing it in is ok.

I have none of the above. The 2" hole does not need to be precise. Just the 6 that use bolts to hold it on the auger.

 

[guzzijohn]

You could do a circle of 1/8” holes close together and then go up a drill size. Easy with a drill press Could be done by hand even hand cranked if no other way.

 

[4getgto]

I have none of the above. The 2" hole does not need to be precise. Just the 6 that use bolts to hold it on the auger.

If you have a machine shop near by they can help you make any of the sprockets the guys mentioned above work for you. Should be an easy job for them.
On a side note you're lucky you can still find something even half close to the part you need. Some parts just can't be had anymore.