B_Skurka said:
You can post the questions in this forum. There are at least a couple of us on here that have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and I for one, would be curious about the modifications you have made/are making.
Sure thing Bob,
First I have to say that the original design and engineering for this model was a pleasant surprise and easy to work with...so I opted to keep from altering the mono-tube style frame. And the mower, although pretty old, cuts better than anything I have purchased in the past 10 years. The one BIG problem was to alter it enough for my brother, 6'1" and 290# (not the big couch potato-more barrel chested big arms and legs type) with arthritis in his hands, legs and one shoulder.
The original 8 HP B&S was gone, I replaced it with an 11.5 electric start vertical.
Repositioned throttle linkage to a solid mount bracket
Keyed ignition switch and toggle kill switch
Ball valve fuel shut-off and rigid mount
Repositioned fuel tank and mount to the rear along with a full size battery, cables and tray. This (and cutting spring seat mount) was done to move the seat back a full 6"
1/2" X 3" universal link to steering shaft to drop steering a few degrees back
Added a 10" (?) steering wheel and got rid of the tricycle style handlebars
Added a 3" X 16" torpedo style exhaust muffler (donor from diesel tractor parts), and will add a 1 1/2" halogen headlamp.
He drove it for the first time since all the changes have been made. A big improvement to his hands and shoulder, but I can see that his legs are still a bit cramped. I'm thinking I need to splice to the main tube (it telescopes) to move the complete front end another 4". Extend the brake/clutch and aux.brake cables and it should be perfect for him. It may seem like allot of work, but it will probably last him a lifetime and it will be comfortable as well.
I have some pictures (less the exhaust and headlamp) but the changes seem insignificant unless your very familiar with the model (so I'm told).
(the little white thing sitting on the air cleaner is the headlamp)
Mark