Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere TRS24 Auger Lubrication, propane torch, wheel hubs

Question
Greetings!
I have a John Deere TRS24 snowblower that I just rescued and I didn't receive any documentation with it. I was curious if you know what to use to lubricate the auger casing and how to find if it is full. I see one fill plug on the front of the casing that's about half-way up that looks like you fill with a liquid type of lubricant, though most casings I see like this use a grease of some sort. Also, do you know if this blower has a plastic insert on the wheel hubs? I have a wheel that keeps going flat that I suspect needs to have the tire removed and the rim cleaned up, but the rim is rust-welded to the driveshaft. I thought I'd take a propane torch and heat it up, but I'm nervous about melting an insert if there is one. Thank you for any help you can offer. Keep up the great work! Your column is full of great information!

Answer
Hello Jonathon:

>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers TRS24 and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. *You can Drag the View Windows for Better Viewing.*
>>There is No Plastic Bushing Used with this Rim. You can Use Heat on it After you Remove the Rubber Wheel from the Rim.
>>Most of the Cast Gearboxes Use 80W90 Gear Lube and the Gearbox is Filled/Full when the Gear Lube is Just Running Out of the Fill Plug (the center plug you described).
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John