Author Topic: What did you do to strengthen the frame?  (Read 7484 times)

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Offline DBSMowman

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What did you do to strengthen the frame?
« on: May 28, 2019, 11:07:33 pm »
I have an ‘86 sears craftsman and wondering best way to square up and stregthen the frame without getting in the way of the bild down the road. I feel like things need to be square before I start modifying it. What have you done in the past or seen? Any pictures? Thanks

Offline cycloneracer

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Re: What did you do to strengthen the frame?
« Reply #1 on: May 28, 2019, 11:32:46 pm »
I built all of my mowers on a huge 1/4” chunk of steel.  Bolt it square and weld it up. 

Check out the build section.   Lots of pics there. 
Paul Krueger

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Offline DBSMowman

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Re: What did you do to strengthen the frame?
« Reply #2 on: May 29, 2019, 10:24:39 am »
What about a B/P or IMOW machine where you use the original chassis? I took your advice and looked in the builds section. The problem with square tubing is you block all the mounting holes for your foot rests, clutch pedal and front axle. I bought hot rolled angle iron and was planning to square it up and run it down the inside of the chassis but that seemed foolish because I'd have to come back and put holes in it for mounting and then break it up through the axle section. I did see a bolt on cross member section. I love the way that looks. Maybe that's the best way to go. Square up the frame, drill the holes, tack some nuts and then build a square cross member section to run across the bottom. 

Offline cycloneracer

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Re: What did you do to strengthen the frame?
« Reply #3 on: May 29, 2019, 08:06:58 pm »
You want the bottom open to change belts. 
That angle iron looks awful wide.  Box iron is much stronger with smaller dimensions.


The bolts you need put thru the holes and weld them in before you put the bracing in. 

Tacking in nuts is a great idea.
Paul Krueger

****2017 USLMRA FXT points Champion****

#150 Worlds First "sidewinder" FX (now dismantled)

#150 FXT  Sponsored by Zach Kerber Machine. http://zkbrmachine.com/

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Offline DBSMowman

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Re: What did you do to strengthen the frame?
« Reply #4 on: May 30, 2019, 04:33:16 pm »
That blue metal is a t-square showing how out of square my frame is. Notice my frame has no lip. 3/4" square stock might be the best bet. I know I'm not only Craftsman owner here, I was hoping to avoid re-inventing the wheel. I do love the cross braces I've seen.

Offline birdman_express

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Re: What did you do to strengthen the frame?
« Reply #5 on: May 31, 2019, 07:35:16 pm »
There is a Craftsman build in there too.
Marc Baker

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