That could easily be converted into a walk behind self propelled slasher.
Just a thought.
Hardest thing would be nutting out a way to build in a bearing support for the other side of the diff. No doubt had it had one to start with it would still be perfectly fine.
With less weight and no lardy arse sitting on top it would last longer.
Does make me wonder what they expect the life time of the machine to be when they design and build it. Probably till warranty runs out.
