Looking at MF 2615 tomorrow, could use some advice

[daugen]

The muffler went on relatively easily, thankfully the wheeled dollies I have allowed me to roll the muffler under the tractor and I got within half an inch.
Pb Blaster worked well, bolts came off easily. Although not sure anything was tightened down adequately to begin with; I'm no mechanic but that looks like a leak out one side of the header gasket. New one worked just fine, and I firmed them up well without overtightening I hope. The whole assembly is very stable, though what puzzled me was why they designed the muffler to have the flared end face upwards. I turned it around but it was clear it was designed to go the other way. The heat shield luckily had enough holes I could adapt it though I'd rather use it as a muffler guard than a people guard.
Good news it's tucked under the frame nicely and unlikely to get hit. I'm going to spin that muffler clamp around so the smooth side faces down.

 

[George2615]

Hard to tell how close those two hydraulic hoses are to the exhaust pipe in the pics. Make sure they aren't too close. Exhaust heat will deteriorate hoses rather quickly.

 

[daugen]

Hard to tell how close those two hydraulic hoses are to the exhaust pipe in the pics. Make sure they aren't too close. Exhaust heat will deteriorate hoses rather quickly.

Good eyes. They are two inches away and I worried at first. Felt the hoses when I came back from mowing and they were not unusually warm, which frankly I expected.
I might be able to pull them away another inch or so.