Auger shaft for front mount Blower LX2980

[Work4theLord]

We have broken the automatic clutch shaft parts 77700-04150 and 77700-04555. Those parts are currently backordered and from my research it seems like a common failure point, I was wondering if anybody has come up with a different shaft that we could use instead of this quick connect style. We use our blower a couple hundred hours a year so I'd like to upgrade the shaft if possible.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

2-3 seasons ago it was common to read post after post about them. Neighbour has one, though very few hours on it. I looked into using a real 'Lovejoy' coupling as Kubota's design has serious flaws.
back then the 2 parts were over $500 Cdn, Lovejoy 3 pieces are $250ish.

 

[Work4theLord]

2-3 seasons ago it was common to read post after post about them. Neighbour has one, though very few hours on it. I looked into using a real 'Lovejoy' coupling as Kubota's design has serious flaws.
back then the 2 parts were over $500 Cdn, Lovejoy 3 pieces are $250ish.

Thank You, I wound rigging up the old connect parts as a solid piece. and just running it like a classic pto shaft.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

It's supposed to be engaged ONCE at the start of the snow season, then disengaged after the last snowflake melts.
To spin the blower you use the tractor's PTO lever.