So in the end, there is the "Jones Gusset repair method" that's been well discussed on this forum or alternatively send the bare chassis to Shane in WA to completely replace the rails with 3mm thick copies that will last the life of the machine and thus still look perfectly original. Shane does a superb job in this field and never seems to be short of incoming work.
The reason why these new generation Briggs engines are so popular is that they are so much kinder on the original twin railers or ones that have only been zapped up with a mig without any reinforcement done underneath and that speaks volumes here in end costing of a machine being rebuilt in this current Model 45 climate.
Just a word on "Thumpers"..................the reason why bowling clubs etc. used electric mowers opposed to petrol powered units is for the same reason that these rails are failing and that's from the thumping effect that these mowers would have on the greens surface and is the same effect that the rails are being subjected to.
A bowling surface needs to be like a Snooker table and not like a corrugated country dirt road which is what a single piston petrol engine mower would inflict upon the surface, as such electric motors don't create this issue and are the preferred method.
Regardless of all of the above the current Briggs Slopers are being sold at a very affordable price, are much smoother running and seem to be very reliable as well, thus they have become the new benchmark for our much loved 45's.
Cheers, BB.
Below is a good example of the "Jones Gusset repair" method employed.
Last edited by Bonnar_Bloke; 03/05/2009:39 PM. Reason: Added example image
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
