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I’m 14 years old and have a 1998 John Deere Sabre. I plan on cutting grass during summer and plowing in winter. What plow will fit my model? I think it’s a 1338 gear. Also any other mods or tips I should know. I have cut grass with a push mower and used a shovel but never a ridding mower.

I also am wondering why my front right wheel has really bad camber and how to fix it.

First let's start with the model number from the serial number tag.

The guy from the northern states with be of more help on the snow plowing info.

But going from push mower cutting to riding will be a great relief or at least it was when I when from 2 acres with a 22" push mower to a 38" rider. The only problem I had initial was getting use to the riding mower. One the first things I did when I first got the new rider was run smack dab into a tree. I was used to walking and not riding.

How can I add pictures? When I try to it says the image is too large for the servers to process

StarTech said:

First let's start with the model number from the serial number tag.

The guy from the northern states with be of more help on the snow plowing info.

But going from push mower cutting to riding will be a great relief or at least it was when I when from 2 acres with a 22" push mower to a 38" rider. The only problem I had initial was getting use to the riding mower. One the first things I did when I first got the new rider was run smack dab into a tree. I was used to walking and not riding.

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In the top left it says 1338 gear then in the middle it says s/n-*GXSABRA010245* under the barcode says 1995 (I am assuming that’s the year I must have been wrong) 3300 m(then there is a scratch in the sticker)n-1 then 176 kg then 9.7 k something there is the same scratch

also this is manual is that better or worse for plowing? Somewhere I heard if you gently push in the break/clutch pedal you can shift on the go, Is that true?

Okay per the serial number it would be a 1338G Model. Here is the parts IPL set from JD.

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/navigation/pin/GXSABRA010245/equipment/83334

StarTech said:

Okay per the serial number it would be a 1338G Model. Here is the parts IPL set from JD.

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/navigation/pin/GXSABRA010245/equipment/83334

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how Do I find the part number for the whole plow assembly? When I find the number I can check Craigslist and marketplace since I don’t need to buy it brand new.

I don't a blower for the 1996 but a later model may fit.

But your best option is to talk the local JD dealer parts department but being 27 yrs old there may not be a new blade available.

StarTech said:

I don't a blower for the 1996 but a later model may fit.

But your best option is to talk the local JD dealer parts department but being 27 yrs old there may not be a new blade available.

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What’s the pros and cons of a blower instead of a plow? Wouldn’t the plow be more reliable And cheaper?

Thats not a bad tractor at all for cutting grass. Im up in New England and i have seen guys have trouble with the transmission in those and it seems its only the ones that plow with them. They seem to hold up better with the snowblower because your not puching the weight rather moving it out of the way.

MowerNick said:

Thats not a bad tractor at all for cutting grass. Im up in New England and i have seen guys have trouble with the transmission in those and it seems it’s only the ones that plow with them. They seem to hold up better with the snowblower because you’re not puching the weight rather moving it out of the way.

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is The snowblower attachment belt driven just like the mower deck? What model number is the attachment? I can’t seem to find any that would fit my mower

I commend you on wanting to go to work, but I hate to be a Scrooge. I wouldn’t recommend using this tractor to start a small enterprise with. The startup costs you will need to get going will probably exceed what you get out, unless you are extremely lucky. I’ve worked on many of those units and those used for blowing only lasted about two years, when everything was new, not 25 years old. Plowing even less. I live in Wisconsin and they aren’t built well enough for our winters. If you do start doing work, but your equipment fails you don’t look go. I recommend you would stick the $$$$$ you were going to put into two good used snowblowers instead. One good two stage unit for the big blows and a single stage unit for the lighter jobs. Being 14 I assume you will be doing this in your neighborhood and can walk it from one job to the next. Good Luck.
P.S. Might want to read this forum?? https://www.greentractortalk.com/threads/new-user-snowblower-for-jd-sabre.221111/

Rivets said:

I commend you on wanting to go to work, but I hate to be a Scrooge. I wouldn’t recommend using this tractor to start a small enterprise with. The startup costs you will need to get going will probably exceed what you get out, unless you are extremely lucky. I’ve worked on many of those units and those used for blowing only lasted about two years, when everything was new, not 25 years old. Plowing even less. I live in Wisconsin and they aren’t built well enough for our winters. If you do start doing work, but your equipment fails you don’t look go. I recommend you would stick the $$$$$ you were going to put into two good used snowblowers instead. One good two stage unit for the big blows and a single stage unit for the lighter jobs. Being 14 I assume you will be doing this in your neighborhood and can walk it from one job to the next. Good Luck.
P.S. Might want to read this forum?? https://www.greentractortalk.com/threads/new-user-snowblower-for-jd-sabre.221111/

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I also live in Wisconsin. And I would be doing this around my neighborhood. I also posted in another forum and I think I might just use snowblowers or a cheap atv.

I got this lawnmower from school because the teacher brought it in and I asked to buy it but he said no because the motor blew up. he let me rebuild the motor pretty much on my own and when it was finished we sharpened the blades and he said I can take it home. It’s actually in pretty good shape but for some reason I cant send pictures.

you might not be able to answer this but I thought I heard if you gently push the brake/clutch pedal it will active only the clutch and you can shift on the go, is that true?

Can be done, but I don’t recommend it. Will shorten the life of the gears even faster on an old tranny.

I would not try to shift on the go. Not a good idea.

@Rivets where are you located? Would you be interested in buying my lawnmower?

Located south of Lake Superior, East of the Mississippi, West of Lake Michigan and North of Illinois. Sorry I’ve got enough equipment laying around and my better half says enough already.

Rivets said:

Located south of Lake Superior, East of the Mississippi, West of Lake Michigan and North of Illinois. Sorry I’ve got enough equipment laying around and my better half says enough already.

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Ok Thats fine

I had both the blade and the blower. The blower is the way to go, if you can find an affordable one. The blade can beat the hell out of the machine if you're not experienced and somewhat gentle. I have stood the machine up on the front wheels many times when the blade grabs. The same can be with the blower. Don't bite off more than the machine can chew. Go over area twice rather than trying to clear deep, heavy snow all at once. The upkeep on the blower is typical. Keep it clean and lubricated. Either way, practice when there is no snow, push an object like a plastic garbage can around the driveway.

If you're in the northern states, you'll need, at least chains, on the rear wheels. Probable wheel weights also. I did in lower Michigan. The weight of the blade\blower pulls the weight off the rear of the machine. You are going to be shifting For\Rev very often. Make sure drive belts are in good shape. I was able to blow a 200 foot driveway without stopping with the blower. Not true with the blade. Blower gets rid of the snow, blade has to push it just off to the side. Mounting either was about the same, once you figure it out. I also filled my rear tires with RV antifreeze for added weight and traction. Also give an nicer ride all year long.

If you can, I would suggest getting a blower, wheel weights and a set of chains. Have fun, make some money and be very safe.

12348910 said:

I’m 14 years old and have a 1998 John Deere Sabre. I plan on cutting grass during summer and plowing in winter. What plow will fit my model? I think it’s a 1338 gear. Also any other mods or tips I should know. I have cut grass with a push mower and used a shovel but never a ridding mower.

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Your Sabre is too light and underpowered (16 HP?) to plow much snow. Fix up an older Snowblower 28" or more wide.

If you don't get a lot of snow a mower would be fine. But if you get say 8" then give it up. A blower is better than a plow because a mower doesn't have the power to plow through deep snow. But given the cost of a blower or a plow, you would be better off putting that money into a snow blower either new or used. If you ever have a need for a real plow then get a 4 wheeler especially if you plan on doing city driveways with little room of the sides.

12348910 said:

What’s the pros and cons of a blower instead of a plow? Wouldn’t the plow be more reliable And cheaper?

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Have used both. Con with plow is finding room to push snow to with multiple snows.
With a blower you’re throwing the snow out away from drive/walkway. Found blower much faster, also. Pro with plow is with small accumulation you can clear it off, sometimes blower won’t pick it up. Also wet sloppy snow doesn’t work well with blower, but plow works fine. Blower can get into corners or ends of drive easily. Plow needs room for tractor to get turn or back into. Sometimes backblading doesn’t work if snow has a frozen crust on it. Blower can work its way into it all the way to, let’s say a garage door. Belts and maintenance on blower is a consideration also. But can be offset with wear and tear on tractor. Blower can handle larger snowfalls easier also.
I’d go with blower. Switched over 17 yrs ago after fighting with plow issues for 5 yrs. Have never considered going back to a plow here in Michigan.

12348910 said:

What’s the pros and cons of a blower instead of a plow? Wouldn’t the plow be more reliable And cheaper?

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The pro's of using a blower/thrower is you are moving about and you also have a smaller "footprint" not needing so much room to turn, etc. One of the con's of using a blade and it's a big one, you will get cold! Another con is snow will build up and get very hard to push. The blower will throw it way out of your path. I had a plow blade for my Snapper RER and used it one time and sold it.

12348910 said:

What’s the pros and cons of a blower instead of a plow? Wouldn’t the plow be more reliable And cheaper?

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Where are you located?

very important is to have a back up ( or 2 ) because the first time some one calls you to clear their drive & you can not because your machine is down for repair will be the last time they call you.
life is tough & mean
yard work is very competative
So get some old gear, learn how to fix them before you start to offer a service that you can not fulfil
forget about the logo till you have a strong customer base
You might think about something funny like a ride on throwing snow from the deck & a blower cutting grass

bertsmobile1 said:

very important is to have a back up ( or 2 ) because the first time some one calls you to clear their drive & you can not because your machine is down for repair will be the last time they call you.
life is tough & mean
yard work is very competative
So get some old gear, learn how to fix them before you start to offer a service that you can not fulfil
forget about the logo till you have a strong customer base
You might think about something funny like a ride on throwing snow from the deck & a blower cutting grass

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I already know how to work on stuff. I made over $500 this summer fixing up free push mowers and weed whackers. That logo idea is probably a good idea.

you need to know YOUR machines so you can avoid breakdown or do quick on site repairs.
you need a full set of consumables at home ( blades & belts ) if not 2 sets .
several of my customers start each day with a freshly sharpened blade set, it does make a difference .
As mentioned in your previous thread, worrying about a business name & logo now is putting the cart before the horse.
And every one has green stripy bits with their name on it
So go for something that is different & will stick in peoples minds
So for instance with the silly idea above a name like "Whats Up ?" or "facebook hero"

12348910 said:

I already know how to work on stuff. I made over $500 this summer fixing up free push mowers and weed whackers. That logo idea is probably a good idea.

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Before or after expenses? I gross just $30,000 but netted only $8,000. And that before re-investments and what measly pay I end up after end of the year taxes. At least my home is paid for except the $800 in taxes every year. Not counting other expenses. And you can't live off your parents forever.

Before, but almost all of them ran or just needed a carb clean which is technically free to me besides the $5 can and my time. I also needed to buy like 2 spark plugs which was $3 a piece. I had to sharpen 2 blades which I had to pay $10 since the guy at ace was super nice and asked why I wanted to get them sharpened and I told him I fix up lawn mowers and he said instead of $12 a piece he would charge $5 a piece and when I went there the next week to pick them up with my dad he said that I am a very smart young man trying to make money and he said my dad taught me well and I should keep it up. Now every time I go there he always ask how its going and if I needed anything from his department.

so that price was from before expencice but it was pretty close to my profit since everything was free.

I even sold a weed whacker within 2 hours of picking it up. The lady messaged me earlier that week but the one she asked about wasn’t big enough then when I got the other one I messaged her and she came and bought it

my family said I had the secret touch because a few people threw out there “non working“ stuff and I would go to start it and it would start but some would run a little rough so they would need work.

My first lawn mower ran good but the bolt to take off the blade was stripped out so I kinda regret it but I painted the blade and used a wire brush to scratch the edges to make it look sharp. When the guy came he didn’t know how to start a lawnmower and I showed him then he asked about the self propelled so I showed him and he ran into a tree. Then he shoved it into the back seat of a small Toyota Carola. And I was asking $120 but he gave me $140 and I didn’t realize until 1hour later

You found that a blade bolt was stripped so you wire brushed the blade to make it look sharp, then painted it and sold it? Has anyone told you about honesty and liability? If that blade would come off and hurt someone, you would be in a world of hurt. If that is what you call “professional “, I’m seeing someone who doesn’t know the meaning of the word!!!

Rivets said:

You found that a blade bolt was stripped so you wire brushed the blade to make it look sharp, then painted it and sold it? Has anyone told you about honesty and liability? If that blade would come off and hurt someone, you would be in a world of hurt. If that is what you call “professional “, I’m seeing someone who doesn’t know the meaning of the word!!!

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I know. I regret it. I felt bad but that was at the beginning of summer and I learned from that and had my parents check my stuff before I sell it. The also said what goes around comes around and I’m sure some day I will end up buying something like that and have a problem with it. if I had that experience again I would not do what I did. But that guy was kind of an as*hole and when he came he said he didn’t have any money so he left to find an atm and he was gone for 1 hour and 45 minutes which messed up our plans

That type repairs will come back and bite you in the a** sooner or later. That is what I call a fly by night operator. And those gives the rest of us a bad name. It also will give you a bad rep as a crook too.

You been very lucky then as most here requires more work and parts than what buyers here want to pay as they want me to sell them at yard sales prices with a 90 day warranty. No way I selling a push mower for ten dollars after I put in forty dollars of parts and my time. I finally just stop repairing them for resale and just part them out. I make on the parts any way.

And I just repaired an Echo HCS-4020 for $350 because his employee didn't know didn't know the difference between straight and mix fuel.

And in business things never goes your way always. I got customer that try to come as they say but run into problems. But they know my business hours and don't outside them except for a couple drunks which I quickly put back on the road until they sober up somewhat. Not dangerously drunk but when you come to my place at 2 AM you are going be put back on road.

StarTech said:

That type repairs will come back and bite you in the a** sooner or later. That is I call a fly by night operator. And those gives the rest of us a bad name. It also will give you a bad rep as a crook too.

You been very lucky then as most here requires more work and parts than what buyers here want to pay as they want me to sell them at yard sales prices with a 90 day warranty. No way I selling a push mower for ten dollars after I put in forty dollars of parts and my time. I finally just stop repairing them for resale and just part them out. I make on the parts any way.

And I just repaired an Echo HCS-4020 for $350 because his employee didn't know did know the difference straight and mix fuel.

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How do you sell them for parts? Do they have to buy the whole thing from you or can they come and take whatever parts they want? I have a few weedwhackers that aren’t worth fixing and a lawnmower too. I don’t know what to do with them

Part them out, marking the parts with part numbers, put those in inventory, and then used those parts as reclaimed parts on the repaired equipment with my customers approval. Some prefer all new parts so that what they get. It just like some customers accept aftermarket parts and others don't. And those reclaimed parts may take several years to sell too.

The problem is you get a lot of scrape on hand as a lot things just don't get reused. Those goes to the recycler. Right now I got whole load short iron to go the recycler as the PU is back on the road. Had to rebuild the 4L60E transmission. Taking longer to get back in than I expected due to heart problems.

Ok maybe I will try that. Sorry about your health problems hopefully you can finish rebuilding that transmission

Done got it back in but had to get the wiring reworked for the neutral safety system. Now getting it and the cross over pipe done it the hold up due freezing temps but I want to double check my wiring first. Which feel worst this year after losing 40lbs and being put on blood thinners. Then I can start putting in the 3 gallons of trans fluid and test before it back down on all fours.

I only went thru 3 HF 800 lb transmission jacks getting this project done. Boy Pittsburgh not making equipment like they use to do. First failed out the box, second one would not hold up a 30 lb concrete block, third failed after the pump rusted up sitting in the shop, and hopefully the fourth will make it later but at least finally got the trans bolt back in place with it.

StarTech said:

Done got it back in but had to get the wiring reworked for the neutral safety system. Now getting it and the cross over pipe done it the hold up due freezing temps but I want to double check my wiring first. Which feel worst this year after losing 40lbs and being put on blood thinners. Then I can start putting in the 3 gallons of trans fluid and test before it back down on all fours.

I only went thru 3 HF 800 lb transmission jacks getting this project done. Boy Pittsburgh not making equipment like they use to do. First failed out the box, second one would not hold up a 30 lb concrete block, third failed after the pump rusted up sitting in the shop, and hopefully the fourth will make it later but at least finally got the trans bolt back in place with it.

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That’s because it’s from harbor freight.

Im just saying they have some cheap stuff but I’m not being mean. I shop their too and my dad has got the membership

I think it more to do with the factory downgrading themselves as the Pittsburgh use to be very good line of tools. But of course nothing is the same since Covid hit.