I broke it

[MowerMechanic]

Was out cleaning up the debris that i pushed to the side while clearing the garden. Got about half way done and got my old 6500 stuck. Rocking back and forth didnt help. Lifting on the front end didnt help but did hurt my back. Decided to try out the pull power of my new cub cadet and well.. Pulled with great power. Riped my homade hitch right off the 6500. After a few attempts with the wench i jumped on to try and rock her loose again and probably would have gotten out except i had no steering. This is what i discovered. "pics below" not a big deal i would think but the nearest simplicity dealer is 2 hours away and i dont think he could even get the rod. There are almost no simplicitys in western washington so finding a parts tractor would be like winning the lotto. I can never seem to find 6500 parts on ebay so The only thing left to do is weld it. But i really hate to do that. Any input on what should be done would be great. Thanks guys

[Chris727]

I think I have one of those in the shed, I'll go check. Whenever your looking for parts, many of the broadmoor (1977-?) and regent tractors were built on the same chasis and have compatible parts with your 6500.

[MowerMechanic]

good to know, if you have one let me know. thanks

[SmilinSam]

I did that on my wheel horse 260 series. Before i quit selling parts I saved up a inventory of "spare" hardware, including a bunch of tie rods and ends. If I dont have one the right length I just cut and weld to get the length I need. I just taper the ends with a grinder and then clamp the pieces into the trough on a length angle iron end to end and then weld one side. Turn , clamp and wel and so on and so forth , building up the weld till its the same thickness as the rest of the rod. Then I smooth it up with the grinder.

[MowerMechanic]

Got it out of the bush. Looks to me like it was welded at one time in its life, maybe i will just do it again.

[Paul_B]

My dad had a 6212.5 (same as your's but gear tranny instead of hydro). He broke the steering rod a few times just mowing.