Off road MTD

Figured I'd start a post about my MTD. Yes I know some will groan. But I'm building mine anyway. I got my MTD for free and after a little work and a rewire, it runs and drives.
My plans for its use is kinda like a mudder/ off road toy.
I have a free Chinese 50cc quad that will be donating its front suspension  and maybe the handle bars. Engine will be mostly stock. Better tires in the rear and solid shaft the fnr diff.

Welcome to the forum! If you need help posting up pictures, there is a howto link in my signature below.

Can't wait to see it!

Sounds like a neat project you got planned, looking forward to seeing some pictures!

Not everyone hates on MTD, at least you can upgrade stuff to make it better.

Here's my starting point, after a bath.

After a free bike donated a couple of things.


Ignore the zip ties,  they held it temporarily until I got the clamp on it.

And thanks mighty raze. Your link helped. I couldn't figure out how to add the pictures.

My in-laws have a green version of that tractor.  How is yours' turning radius?  Theirs seems out of whack.

Yup, MTD steering is trash.

Hey, don't worry 'bout those zip ties, mine is held together by zip ties and I wasn't planning on changing it 'til I saw the pics of yours. They help a lot.

I'm assuming it's got a Briggs Flat head on it?

I noticed you were posting 3 pics at a time. I did the same thing when I was new. After you insert the pics into your post, hit the "Remove all" button in that little window, and then you can repeat the process with whatever other pics you are posting. You should be able to put as many pics as you want in your post then.

Also, you said something about a solid shaft in the FNR. You know, that might help strengthen it some. They like to split in the spider gear area, and without spider gears, I don't see how the case can bust except if the bowl gear let go. I'll definitely be watching this one.

Here it is all cut up

Front components I'm gona try and use

With these wheels

Yes it has a 12.5hp flathead, and my turning radius is normal for a mower. I know it will change once I lock the rear.

Did some laying out today. My outside time is limited both from having a 4 year old and coming out during her naps, and the high humidity and often storming here in central Virginia.
Well I mocked up the front frame, took measurements and found i can essentially make a suspension that will slip on my frame and i can make the wheelbase whatever I want. And that it will only widen my track by 4" overall. I think l'll hardly notice that.

Front suspension frame tacked together.

Lookin' good!

Here it is with its brackets trimmed and threw on the arms so people know what they are looking at.

Made a little progress lately. It's been slow going due to the extreme heat and humidity.  I did manage to replace the rear tires with turf savers and I cut them into a more aggressive pattern

More progress. I changed the rear fenders for one that 2 inches wider,  and added taller seat springs. I'll switch to a fender shift later.  Tires are done in the rear. I added a bagger rack so I can play with mounting my winch.

Did you paint them fenders?

Yes. My parts mowers are red so I rattle canned it black.

I like the idea of the rear winch! Keep up the good work!

The turfs look good with the tread cut. I like the center left in for extra long life. Paint looking good too.

Looking good...also like the way you did your tires.

the wider fenders are definitely a good idea i need some flares on mine cause the tires stick out and i get covered in mud. and the rear winch is a good idea mine has saved me a time or two !

Here's the winch mounted and fully operational.  The winch and control box are mounted to the frame and fairlead mounted to the bagger bracket.  

@Sirironduke wrote:

Here's the winch mounted and fully operational.  The winch and control box are mounted to the frame and fairlead mounted to the bagger bracket.  

And you can still use a rear bagger