new tractor....

oky guys i have a murray and its on its last leg for parts and im interested in getting something without a pan fram because mine is bent. I have an engine, mainly looking for a body. whats some good mowers that have a good suspension and steering from stock manufacturer. i understand things will break and ill need to fab them stronger but i want something that is close to indestructible from stock. any ideas? and also are poulans built well? must have good clutch and pulley system...

your best bet is to get rid of the pan frame and get something with a c channel frame, they are pretty strong, or a ayp frame(craftsman, husqvarna, weedeater),your best bet on something "indestructable" from factory would be pre 1985, as just about everything before then is of a higher quality

richie thomas wrote:

your best bet is to get rid of the pan frame and get something with a c channel frame, they are pretty strong, or a ayp frame(craftsman, husqvarna, weedeater),your best bet on something "indestructable" from factory would be pre 1985, as just about everything before then is of a higher quality

i just built a 90 something craftsman II and its pretty damn indestructible and cheap

rule of thumb is "the older it is the stronger/ higher quality it will be". my Bolens G-10 is made of 2 cast iron pipes. around 2-1/2 to 3 inch diameter, running that run the length of the tractor. the front end bolts up to the pipes, the motor mounts bolt through the pipes, and they go all the way back to the transmission. i have flexxed the snot out of this thing and i cant feel any movement whatsoever. the entire frame is cast iron. heavier than hell, but sturdy

i came across and lt1000 6 speed, no pan frame, has a 16hp but its demolished, i have a 15hp sabre for it, are the 1000s good steering and suspension wise and what type of transaxles typically come in these tractors? and the front wheel spindles, will they hold up better than murrays? if anybody knows in pros and cons for this particular mower it would be greatly appreciated before i make a final decision. Thanks

richie thomas wrote:

your best bet is to get rid of the pan frame and get something with a c channel frame, they are pretty strong, or a ayp frame(craftsman, husqvarna, weedeater),your best bet on something "indestructable" from factory would be pre 1985, as just about everything before then is of a higher quality

Well my AriensYt11 is a 84 and the frame is stamped but is strong but not strong enough. I'm gonna reinforce it with some 1" square tubing soon.

I have an ayp frame and so far it has held up but it has barely been off road