Merca here are some of the pics, I couldn't figure out how to post them in a pm.
The 3 main "frame" supports of the skid pan.
the front of the tractor is to the left on both pics. The 2nd pic shows the side protection of the fuel tank (cut up plastic bed liner) and a big step. Working away from the step is (the angle pc.) that protects the loader q/c's, then a tool box and saw carrier that is a part of the side banel protection from sticks entering around the delicate hydraulic components, filters, etc. The rear tire begins directly behind the step and box and so far, nothing has got past it from the side, the bottom is of course the steel pan.
Here you can see the back & mid "frame" (looking towards the rear)
The big holes (in pairs) is where I mount it to the tractor. The larger hole is big enough to allow a socket to tighten the now recessed bolt.
This is the front "frame" and is where I estimated would need to be the sturdiest as it cantilever's out well beyond the support's to catch the step/ tank protection and the tool box.
Those pairs of tabs receive a 2"x3/8" bar (I do this in several places) to help the pan where other support is not available. I used 1/4" pan feeling it was a happy medium between practical removal for cleaning & strength.
This shows those "bars", all 4.
and another from the left side.
These show how I carry the front (see the oil pan) pan. The back of the pan mounts (4 bolts) to the first "frame" and then basicaly supports working off the loader frame again using 2"x3/8 bar on edge.
the support in the center of the pic simply sit's against a heavy spacer that's also part of the loader frame. The front mounts (small channel's) I built. It's surprising how big the "notches" for tire clearance was required at full steering cut. I cut them at least 3 times, each time loosing some protection in this area.
That's most of it
other than a few details like I had to cut a small section out of the factory fuel tank reinforcing angle (what a joke), weld on a little washer to catch a spring, PTO lever iirc, and there are a few other reinforcements to some of the 3 actual pans, like this rear one, it also has a 90* bebd at the rear.
I have prolly as many rocks & stumps as anyone, and find them all while bush hogging mid summer
So far I have not had any trespassers on my tractors soft "belly". It has seen some action on the lower trans/rear elevation, the front oil pan area is about 3" higher than the back and basically doesn't have a scratch on it.
FWIW I also built a massive front grill guard/bumper, and you can see (again) my love of using plastic truck bed liner:laughing:
Not real attractive, but very effective. It fits tightly between the loader arms, and the 4"x6" "bumper is a good place for chains.
Phew, it was before 7am when I started this:laughing:
