[Complete] Maine Mud Mower "Mud Wizard" [2018 Build-Off Entry]

About time somebody did a proper write up on that. I've been told about it so much, never actually seen it happen.

Jamcco did the opposite with his LT2000, his had the flat gear setup and he swapped in the vertical sector gear and pitman arm setup.

Remind me, I was planning basically the same thing I think. The steering on the left of the picture works allot better IMO that the dirty design on the right?

I don't think the swap would be too hard, that one design always has so much play in it, and skips teeth.

RichieRichOverdrive wrote:

About time somebody did a proper write up on that. I've been told about it so much, never actually seen it happen.

Yup seems today I had a young man get a hold of me to say he had a video. He sent me a link on the video but politely stated it is very Blare witch.


Had a talk with Sam who runs C&S - MUD MOWERS FROM HELL !! on Youtube. He is in this build off and says he has done it and sent a few pics.

These next to pics are of a 2nd gen steering frame then a 2nd gen steering frame. Hopefully this helps clear up a few questions. Next video up on youtube will most likely be a camera review (4K Camcorder, Besteker https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076H32718) then after that the frame welding video.  I need to get homesteader stuff done soon so more of that video will be up soon.

That's nice and clean! Where did you get the rod ends?

x2 on the heim joints

She cleaned up nice. Those are some hefty heims!

Great idea, now you cannot take the hitch plate off to put the belt back on.

You do it the easier way, through the battery slot.

Trust me, when Nellybelle was a mower, the belt fell off 5 times a day. The hitch plate is the only way to get it back on. Your hands cannot fit under it, either. It has to come off.

Hmm.... I've always came in through the battery hole no problem (toro and craftsman; murray I can just reach under the tractor taking nothing off). But we are diverting MMM's topic.

Double W Cross Ranch wrote:

Great idea, now you cannot take the hitch plate off to put the belt back on.

LOL Ran MMM with a welded on plate for 5 years and 6 belts over time. They must have just jumped in under the tractor by magic.

I've never had a problem with putting belts on Mutt. I even did the pulley swap without taking the rear plate off. It is still bolt on though, and it is the GT style rear frame, so it has a heavier hitch plate I think.

Yknow, you can just set up a decent belt system that doesn't throw a belt, and it wouldn't be a problem...just saying haha

RichieRichOverdrive wrote:

Yknow, you can just set up a decent belt system that doesn't throw a belt, and it wouldn't be a problem...just saying haha

Yeah I know, that's something I'm still working on.

RichieRichOverdrive wrote:

Yknow, you can just set up a decent belt system that doesn't throw a belt, and it wouldn't be a problem...just saying haha

That is definitely a good option! Haha.

For those wondering why I want to go twin I beam front suspension check out 8m42s in on this video.  

Easy enough to do, pivot point of the side of the frame, one control arm and a coil spring or coil over and steering would be hard to set up. and you'll have more ground clearence. Thats a great idea

It`s looking like a pretty good Mud Mower that lasts a long time, and makes Fun to ride. Is the Transaxle on the Picture a Spicer/Foote or a Peerless? It do`nt looks like a Peerless MST.

SebastianAlbrecht wrote:

It`s looking like a pretty good Mud Mower that lasts a long time, and makes Fun to ride. Is the Transaxle on the Picture a Spicer/Foote or a Peerless? It do`nt looks like a Peerless MST.

The one out of this machine is a spicer. I plan to zinc locker it and run it for a bit.

Had the part on hand to rebuild the old steering box so made a how to before moving on to the swap to 2nd gen.

Good video ! Just got a mower with this gen of steering , and it is shot! It will get replaced when I order a part.

Would love to work in the garage but i got to get to it first.

Looks fun.

Progress!!!


A full break down and how to on the swap and install of a 2nd Gen steering box into a older craftsman frame. Along with a template how to you can make at home to help.

Tacklife PCD02B 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill
https://www.amazon.com/Tacklife-PCD02B-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Position/dp/B0741XDV1Q

Sears Craftsman AYP EHP Part 175146 Steering Sector Gear
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003IFGU9Y

Craftsman 407600 Lawn Tractor Steering Shaft
https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Steering-Original-Equipment-Manufacturer/dp/B0028BFD74

Full diagram of steering parts
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/model-number/917271550/0247/1509200.html

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After all the car and truck break downs it was time to get some progress in.