Thanks guys....
Joe - That's the problem (shaft length) that I have encountered. I could get an extension made, but it would be one more thing to go wrong (and not real cheap, either!)

Redeye - That sounds like the go. I've got a 2-stroke for the real heavy stuff, but it's not a mulcher - catchers are a PITA!

Bob - I'm assuming the standard shaft length is 70mm - B&S do a special "short shaft" for the Victa chassis. The 45 series is a 7/8" crank. The bending was due to the operator (not me, honest!) running into a steel peg.

So, now I order a 5hp Quantum (or for just $30 more I can get a new 6hp one - decisions, decisions!!)

Thanks again for your input, guys.

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