Fixing the HST Pedal Bracket

[Kubotasrking]

I started the project today, and spent the week thinking about whether or not to tear down the entire platform. I chose to install a "maintenance port".

I cut approx 4x4 in on the floorboard, and a 2x4 in port in the vertical portion. I have readied a small "frame" to reinstall the flooring made from 1/2 angle iron. The "port" will be removable in the future...but hopefully, that won't be required.

Tomorrow, I will remove the old welds and reweld the bracket, and close it back up. At that point, I have some rust to clean up from under the floor mat which will get taken care of Saturday. Hope to put the rubber back on after a few coats of primer and paint sometime next weekend.

I attached a couple of photos...one of which is the initial repair done from below some by the previous owner. It is a little blurry, but you'll see that they just welded a blob about 1"x1"x2".

Anyway, a bit more work ahead, and I will have a tractor that can move again.

 

[jinman]

Okay, since you are in full-blown test pilot mode I will tell you that the rubber mat is so thick you will not be able to tell there is a port cut in the platform below it. How do I know? I left my port on top off by mistake and it's much larger. I cannot tell it is missing.

 

[Kubotasrking]

Good to know. My wife might get mad if I don't do something with the $5.00 in steel I bought though...

Hopefully, the project will work out...

 

[jinman]

Good to know. My wife might get mad if I don't do something with the $5.00 in steel I bought though...

Hopefully, the project will work out...

Well, $5 piece of angle iron or not, a thin piece of sheet metal over the hole and screwed to the platform will work too. If you aren't careful, you could end up with a large lump or bump under the mat. It's your call of course.:thumbsup:

 

[Kubotasrking]

The project has moved pretty well today. I was able to remove the broken welds, and reweld the bracket, remove paint/rust from the floorboard, and build a little support for the new "maintenance port". I test drove the tractor, and am happy to report that it is in good working condition again.

I'm on the downhill side of the project now, and am glad to have my tractor back.

 

[jinman]

What? You're not going to show us the weld?

Just kiddin'. . . you've made short work of a tough job with your "port." Nice work! That kinda sets a standard for anyone else with the same problem.:thumbsup:

 

[Kubotasrking]

Went back out and took one...

On a scale of 1-10, the previous weld being a -20, this one is probably a 1 for beauty... . My little one probably could've made it look better.

 

[jinman]

Looks okay to me... The bracket is definitely welded, but the rod has so much metal (heatsink), you can only hope the weld penetrated enough to hold. It will probably work just fine, and after awhile, you'll forget it is even there.:thumbsup: Besides, if it breaks again, you have an access port.