Bush Hog SQ480 Pan Weldment (stump jumper)

[looch]

I bought this cutter with my first tractor back in 2001. It has served me well, but the pan is starting to crumble away in spots which is upsetting the balance and indicative that it should be changed before something bad happens. Assuming that I will eventually be victorious in freeing both the blades and the main shaft nut, I am more than a little reluctant to plonk down the $500+ CDN that Bush Hog wants for the replacement pan. Does anyone have experience installing/using an aftermarket pan? Is this project a waste of time? I have already tried breaking the main nut free without success. Next attempt is going to involve the torch, hopefully just to heat things up but my patience has a limit.

 

[WranglerX]

As for the nut, in comments in threads past it may be torqued to something like 600 ft-lbs..... Think something like torque multiplier may help.....

As for repairs, probably a little fabrication and welding may be cheaper, or maybe not, if you can do the work its just materials, if you hire it out it will probably be as expensive a new pan...

In experiences past the more expensive solution may actually be cheaper when you consider parts and labor, if having to send it out or hire talent ...

Dale