John Deere 1330SE Dual Stage Snow Thrower – How Does It Work

SCOPE

I came with an idea to write this article while replacing the auger driving belt for my John Deere 1330SE.

Hopefully this simplified overview of how the engine, pulleys and belts work together will help you in maintaining your John Deere snow thrower, rather than spending hundreds of dollars at your dealer.

HOW DOES IT WORK

Please note that this is not a comprehensive guide. It is a super brief article describing how belts and pulleys work together on a John Deere snow thrower.

Obviously, there are lot more parts than what is shown in Fig.1 but in my opinion, these are the critical components to translate engine power into snow throwing power:

Fig. 1

• Engine – provides power to wheels and snow throwing assembly;
• Engine Pulley – dual track pulley to split power between wheels (traction) and snow throwing (auger) assembly;
• Friction Pulley – distributes power to the traction control assembly for movement;
• Engine Belt – transfers power from engine to friction pulley;
• Auger Driving Belt – transfers power from engine to auger pulley;
• Auger Pulley – distributes power to auger assembly;
• Idler Pulley – engages / disengages power to to the auger assembly

Fig. 2

When you first start the engine, the engine pulley turns clockwise at a set turn-rate (Fig.2 – highlighted red box indicates parts that are moving).

The smaller pulley (nearest to the engine) turns the engine belt, which turns the friction pulley. Once you hold down the traction control lever, a turning plate engages the friction pulley and drives the wheels.

The larger diameter auger pulley is also turning when the engine starts. However, the auger belt stays loose so rest of the auger assembly is not moving at this point.

Fig. 3

Once you hold down the auger control lever, the idler pulley presses tightly against the auger belt making it turn. This auger belt then turns the auger pulley, driving rest of the auger assembly to get the snow throwing action started.

 
Hope this little bit of info will help you to maintain your John Deere snow thrower.

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