Welding On The 654

Due to the tremendous power and earth moving torque of the famed 6hp Tecumseh H60 engine it was obviously too much for the 654 transmission mount.

Here's the damage


Clamp, grind, weld, grind, paint, should be good as new. At least good enough to last another 51 years. Now if I can just control all of that Techy power.....

She was definitely a worker at one time. Transmission is out and looks like all 4 mounting points are cracked. Too stinkin' hot to weld today, dripping sweat already, just plumb tropical out in the garage.

Are you going to add a steel plate, or is there not any room. My 854 had the same problem and there was a factory supplied steel plate that was welded in the damaged area. It sure made a solid repair. Just wondering.

welcome to the club my 654 was a sway back due to a totally broken plate


i welded in some 2 in angle iron with gussets
here it is under primer for test fit
before final weld and clean up
i have more detailed pics if needed

10-4 on the heat......

Nice repair John!!!!!

I am shocked! I would never have thought to see so many stress cracks! Man she must have been used a lot and hard!

If I were going to be working this tractor I definitely would have gone the route that John did with his "bullet proof" mount. Since cart duty and Grand kid rides are all she'll do from now on I opted to stitch weld the cracks from the transmission side of the mounting plate ( I hate vertical welding ) and add a 3/16 X 1 1/2 X 6 1/2 strap between the two bottom mount bolts to distribute the torque evenly across the lower mounts. 4 new grade 8 bolts and lock washers 3/4 X 3/8-16 for the top and 1 X 3/8-16 for the lower mounts due to the added thickness of the new brace. Turned out pretty good. Now to pressure wash it and apply a couple of coats of paint.



Think I'll add one of these 3/16" reinforcements to the 416-8 just to be safe.