John Deere x590 Conversion from snow blower to mower

This video starts with the John Deere x590 setup for winter snow removal and ends with it ready to mow. Step-by-step of removing and installing all parts.

[@dirkpitt3244]

Excellent video. My X590 is being shipped today. I will use your video for all my deck and snow blower adjustments. Also please keep us posted on any mechanical problems you may encounter in the future. Thanks.

[@DavinDesborough]

+Rick Gelhart Congrats on the purchase! So far, everything has been rock solid. Thanks for the comment!

[@j.r.x3609]

Thanks Davin! Now I know how to level my deck and take the cab off a different way on my John Deere x360. With the cab, I usually take off the canvas first, then remove the steel framing. Your way looks like a lot faster and easier! Great job Davin, keep these videos rolling!

[@DavinDesborough]

+J.R.X360 Thanks for the comment. I have room to store the cab assembled, so I figured I would just take it off in one piece. I'll see how it goes back on in a couple months. :-)

[@denniszink5428]

great video and nice instructions on mounting the deck.

[@DavinDesborough]

Thank you!

[@gda882002]

great video ,thank you cant wait to get mine

[@DavinDesborough]

Thanks! It is a very nice machine. You'll enjoy it!

[@BobBerardjr772]

Good morning, about how tall is the cab when it’s attached to the machine? When you get around to it I know it’s not ready to b put on. Thank you so much

[@boots7859]

Davin, thanks for the instructional video. Just picked up an x530 54" with 2-stage blower this winter from local JD for $3500 with 320 hours. This was just what I needed to prep it for Spring. Any chance you'll do a lube/grease video?

[@DavinDesborough]

I'm due for it this spring, so it could happen! Just need some time. I haven't even had a chance to take the blower off yet. Thanks for watching and the compliment!

[@garyruhs9466]

Just purchased mine today and didn't know if I would need chains for snow blowing or not. It has the large nubby type tires and I thought they might work without chains... what say you about chains? Good video, thanks.

[@DavinDesborough]

Congratulations! The tire lugs will only provide grip if they can dig into something. If you are on ice, chains are the only thing that will help. Even deep wet snow will prove tricky without chains due to the amount of weight you are pushing through. I'd say you should absolutely get them if you are up north. If you never get more than a couple inches at a time where you are, you might be OK without them.

[@garyjill1]

Nice video. I bought an x590 with 47" blower and 54" deck right before this last winter. I'll be swapping blower for mower this week. Do you ever just leave the front mount on? Also, have you come across a front mounted dethatcher that can use the blower mount?

[@DavinDesborough]

No, I've never left the mount on. It only takes a couple minutes to remove or install it. I have not seen a thatch rake mount, but I've not looked for one either. Good luck on the change over and thanks for watching!

[@jzarcher]

how does it do up steep hills and down? I'm looking at the 590 and would love a video of it doing steep inclines

[@DavinDesborough]

+Jarret Zendt It does quite will in my opinion. I only have a small, though somewhat steep hill. It was able to pull a tow-behind plug aerator loaded down with a 100 pounds or so of weight up the hill. It labored a little on that, but it didn't falter. In just a mowing situation, it powers up the hill no issue. It has good brakes and going down hill is not an issue either. Just letting up on the gas will keep in under control on a descent. Unfortunately, I can't really do a video now as I just seeded the lawn. I'll try to do another video once the grass it up to show it's mowing capability on a hill (a couple weeks away I'd guess).

[@starratlarry]

is there a video showing how to install a JD snow thrower onto the JD 318?

[@DavinDesborough]

+Larry Baran I have not seen one, but I would guess it is about the same. Thanks for watching!

[@thomashenderson603]

Davin, does the wrinkles come out of the windows, do you have to use a heat gun or a special trick to get some of the wrinkles out?

[@DavinDesborough]

I didn't do anything to it. I have room to store it assembled and it smoothed out over time. it will never be 100% perfect given it's plastic, but it does smooth out.

[@WallyHunter1875]

Can you give me an up to date review on the snowblower? Considering this for my 590 vs a new walk behind. Thank you

[@DavinDesborough]

I love it. It is solidly built and I have had 0 issues with it. The only time it does not throw well is when a heavy rain hits and what I need to clear is basically 50/50 water to slush. Even then, go slow and it tends to do OK in situations that would always choke my old Troy-Bilt walk behind. I have no hesitation recommending it. My driveway is 300' long, so it gets a workout each year.

[@WallyHunter1875]

@@DavinDesborough thank you. My only concern is having to need tire chains and them damaging my asphalt drive. Are the chains necessary? Or will I be getting stuck without them all the time?

[@DavinDesborough]

@@WallyHunter1875 While I did once go a whole winter without them, I would say you are better off with them. If you manage to actually get it stuck, it takes some work to get it free. If you are trying to push into something substantial, like the plowed snow at the end of your driveway, the chains make that easier. The chains will mark your driveway if you spin them, but it is like scratching a rock. You can see a mark, but is not like it gouges the asphalt. This isn't a 2 ton truck or anything. Also, if you are like me and keep the blade low, you'll have 42" of steel plus the shoes scraping up and down your driveway as well. For me, this is some very minor cosmetic damage, no physical damage to the driveway. Worth the trade for not worrying about ice or heavy snow.

[@Robey1Kenobi]

How long is the whole thing with the blower on, 10 feet?

[@DavinDesborough]

Sorry for the delay. You are quite close. It is right at 9.5' from the augers to the back of the cab (give or take an couple inches)

[@HELPTHEMPLEASE]

Thank you so much

[@WallyHunter1875]

How do you store your cab? I took mine off today but can’t seem to get the poles disconnect since it’s so tight. Do you leave it together?

[@DavinDesborough]

Yes, I have enough room to store it as is. I just take it off and set it aside.

[@WallyHunter1875]

@@DavinDesborough I will do the same. I was thinking maybe a hoist system since I have tall ceilings

[@DavinDesborough]

@@WallyHunter1875 That's a good idea. I don't have the vertical space for that, so it is just tucked in a corner. Good luck!

[@Daddyoftam]

I have inherited a John Deere X534. My dad also had this snow blower on it. I would assume it will uninstall in similar fashion. I cannot find anyone on KZbin that has the exact same series tracker that I have. I'm pretty new at the John Deere game

[@DavinDesborough]

While I can't speak from experience with that tractor, but I would assume that it is more-or-less the same, yes. Two pins to connect the blower to the bracket, the belt, and the chute controls should be all there is. The bracket might attach differently to the mower, but again, it is likely the same as they are both x500 series. I do recommend having a dolly to put it on. It will make moving it around much easier. Good luck!

[@bobsanborn766]

Nice videos, both snow to mow and mow to snow! I'll be referencing them when it comes time. I see it's about 2 years since you recorded, have you changed the belt yet? I bought my 580 about 5 weeks ago, only a handful of small storms since, but lost the belt yesterday in 3"s of mildly wet snow, got it back on, only to have it break 2nd time.

[@DavinDesborough]

You mean the belt on the blower? If so, then yes. I broke it last year. I was in a rush, so I didn't record the process. It seems like the belt is the weak link in the system. I keep a spare on hand now, but I have only had one belt issue so far. Good luck to you and thanks for the compliment!

[@markjacobson1285]

Great video, but there sure is a lot of stuff to deal with.

[@DavinDesborough]

Let me tell you, the time is saves me when clearing snow makes it 100% worth it. Thanks for watching!

[@zachster435]

At 16:22 I hate that bar i can not count how many times that thing swung at me its my fault by dam it hurts

[@DavinDesborough]

zachary lampman Yes, at 17:14 it slipped out of my hand and smacked me pretty good. Lesson learned! Thanks for watching!

[@zachster435]

Davin Desborough Lol i thought i was the only one bruised my leg pretty bad

[@garyruhs9466]

I just flunked out of my first blower to mower changeover with new 590. First step according to manual is to remove drive belt from drive under mower... :-( No way in hell will one ordinary man take belt off the one I have. There is no way for one person to relieve tension while turning the drive wheel manually and peeling the belt off of it. What a crappy system. Now I wait for service call and a $200 bill. Incidentally they have changed things under the the 590 for the snowblower lift mechanism... doesn't look as easy and straight forward as yours. The snow blower however does have magical powers... we had hardly any snow all winter.

[@DavinDesborough]

The machine absolutely has magic powers. I had the same lack of snow my first year with it. :-) The belt will get easier to remove and install once it gets some hours on it. That said, I have wondered why they didn't use a system to tension or release the belt like they do on the mower deck. It would be tricky to fit something like that in there, but it would be a big win. I think there is a little less tension on the belt when the blower is raised, so try that in the future. Good luck!

[@tonysharp9067]

Why is it you guys who obviously don't get your hands dirty for a living insist on posting videos trying to show people how to do mechanical work? Those pins you've never seen before are called Rue Ring Cotter Pins and they've been around for years. They're used where there is a possibility of a hair pin clip getting rubbed off. They fit over the rod so they can't be easily removed. I'd love to see you take the mower deck off and put the snow blower back on without looking at the manual again. But I'm not going to hold my breath! When you have to take it to a dealer to have the mower deck swapped for the snow blower why don't you video the professionals so you and your mechanically handicapped friends on KZbin can see how it's really done.

[@DavinDesborough]

Wow! It's finally happened... my channel is big enough to attract a troll! I've made it! Had you bothered to look at all my videos, you wold have seen that I have already posted videos showing all you say I can't do and more. Since you obviously have a superior mechanical mind, I guess I should hop over to your channel and learn from your videos. Oops, sorry, you don't have any. In any event, I never claimed to be a certified mechanic. I'm simply someone who has learned much from KZbin and looks to give back by creating content where I see there is a need. If that bothers you, I suggest you hit stop and move along. If you can make a better video, do it. Had your comment to me simply contained your nice explanation of Rue Ring Cotter Pins, I would have thanked you, and you could have had a positive impact on the discussion. My motive for making these videos is to help people; what are your motives for making such comments?

[@garymartin_drums]

+Davin Desborough there's always someone that has to show how much of an ass they are on social media. I commend you on your professional reply without the need to belittle the guy as he tried with you. great video by the way. I have been a state certified mechanic for 10 plus years and I still see new things every day. this guy must be a super mechanic and has seen it all lol. Anyway keep the videos coming. I will be ordering an x580 from our local dealer Friday (same tractor without the fuel injection) and will try to get some videos up before snow flies.

[@DavinDesborough]

Gary Martin thanks for the compliment!