The old Craftsman chassis and running gear is tough. The Craftsman uses a true 5 speed trans-axle unlike the MTD rear axle which is basically a forward/neutral/reverse unit with the speed changed thru the belts and pulleys.

After the second time the trans-axle went out in 2 seasons of cutting I was pretty disgusted with it. But at least the axle is holding up well in the Grandkids car being run with the modified starter motor however.

The one thing the dirt out here grows good is rocks.....every winter a few manage to work their way to the top of the soil and I usually don't see them all. The MTD mower deck is tougher than the Craftsman deck was...... it's even still on its original pair of arbors.


Having parted out the MTD for the front and rear axles and tires/wheels for the Grandkids car, the mower deck and now the engine, wiring, tin and seat for the Craftsman at least I finally feel like I'm getting my money's worth out of the MTD.


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