Looking fantastic, Larry! Did you end up repainting? I'm torn with the paint color choice, but if the sickle mower is going to live on it most of the time, I think I'd leave it the way it is. I asked you about a 'walk-around' of the hitch/3-point yesterday, and you forwarded me a link to this video. Thank you for that. I should have been more clear though. I was hoping to see the back-side (walking around the hitch while shooting video) of the black hitch plate portion, to see if you had anything (factory piece) back there for reinforcement. From the angles I've seen, it looks like you don't. Maybe you've seen what I am talking about before? In later years (about 15?), when this turned into a Sears Craftsman product, and the bolt pattern changed slightly (as seen on your darker green Craftsman GT circa 1998). That sloped rear hitch alone could not carry a greatly increased amount of weight all by itself for the long term, without cracking. If for example an owner wanted to add a 3-Bag grass catcher, or a sleeve hitch, a large reinforcement plate was offered (Part number 145892). It is nearly as big as the hitch itself. So it would go in the back, the Tractor hitch would be in the middle, and then the sleeve hitch or 3-Bag grass catcher bracket on the outside. All three pieces were installed together with 4 bolts, forming a very strong 3-layer sandwich.
I think it looks great and it is in a restored and preserved show condition. Your call for sure, but I think it looks new, probably better than new. I missed the last two vids but I had some here, there, and yonder to catch up on. I will catch up on the other vids soon.
We have a similar moving problem when it comes to getting to the tractor at the back of the shed. The 3pt looks fantastic on the tractor.
You do some great work out there! Love it
Thanks! Keeps me busy.
I’ve never seen a lawn tractor with a sickle mower before. IM impressed
Not many around here. I'm sure it, and the 20T with the snow blower will be a hit at the tractor show this year.
I need a few more tractors like this and one of those sickle bars. You just need one with an FEL.
Looking fantastic, Larry!
Did you end up repainting? I'm torn with the paint color choice, but if the sickle mower is going to live on it most of the time, I think I'd leave it the way it is.
I asked you about a 'walk-around' of the hitch/3-point yesterday, and you forwarded me a link to this video. Thank you for that. I should have been more clear though. I was hoping to see the back-side (walking around the hitch while shooting video) of the black hitch plate portion, to see if you had anything (factory piece) back there for reinforcement. From the angles I've seen, it looks like you don't.
Maybe you've seen what I am talking about before? In later years (about 15?), when this turned into a Sears Craftsman product, and the bolt pattern changed slightly (as seen on your darker green Craftsman GT circa 1998). That sloped rear hitch alone could not carry a greatly increased amount of weight all by itself for the long term, without cracking.
If for example an owner wanted to add a 3-Bag grass catcher, or a sleeve hitch, a large reinforcement plate was offered (Part number 145892). It is nearly as big as the hitch itself. So it would go in the back, the Tractor hitch would be in the middle, and then the sleeve hitch or 3-Bag grass catcher bracket on the outside. All three pieces were installed together with 4 bolts, forming a very strong 3-layer sandwich.
Rear plate in a one piece, but very heavy. It's 0.20" or 5.1mm thick, and I haven't bent one yet.
I think it looks great and it is in a restored and preserved show condition. Your call for sure, but I think it looks new, probably better than new.
I missed the last two vids but I had some here, there, and yonder to catch up on. I will catch up on the other vids soon.
Enjoy John, Need to get together some time.
@@larrybl Sounds like winner!
Looks great, I wonder if a 12v actuator could be added for up n down
It is wired for an electric actuator. The Sears hitch is a manual lift. I would need a different rear plate.
Awesome!