This is what I'm thinking. By the time I pay someone to drive out here and weld it,looking at close to the price of a new frame.if the welder isnt charging you anything then try welding it, but if you have to pay a welder you may as well just skip it and buy the new frame instead of paying a welder then have the welds break on you later and you still have to buy the new frame. fix it right the first time so you dont have to refix it later
Actually it is not that hard if you know what your are doing. It is a wire welder type and not stick weld. And as said a re-enforcement plates may be needed along with some drilling and tapping if necessary. But of course I learned how to gas weld first with coat hangers then wire welding for sheet metals.Not an easy weld on that thin metal. I wouldn't do it.
Had this same problem with my mower in Aug 23. Frame broke in half at the same location as CJBEN. Found a second rip in the frame about 6" behind the break. After a bunch of research, I decided it would be better to replace the frame than try to weld it. Since I was already at the end of the mowing season, I figured I had all winter to replace the frame and was in no hurry. I ordered a new from from Partselect.com. It cost me $275 (including $85 shipping). Took about two weeks for delivery but in the mean time I began stripping components from the old frame. Stripped it down to the two axles and engine by the time the new frame was delivered. Made sure to take pictures of each step of the disassembly to aid with re-assembly later. After the new frame was delivered, it was very easy to swap remaining components (engine and axles) from the old frame to the new side-by-side. Then followed up with re-assembly of other components that were removed prior to receiving the new frame. The two most difficult parts of the project was removal and reinstallation of the steering gear/pedal assembly and the wiring harnesses, I had to refer to my disassembly pictures several times to make sure these components were re-attached the same way they were before disassembly. I completed re-assembly by the end of the day on 31 Dec, with the exception that I did not re-attach the mower deck to conserve room for storage for the remainder of winter. All-in-all, I found the job very easy which could easily have been completed in one 8 hour day.Mower is 4 years old. Frame is broke on both sides in the same place. Best to just buy a new frame for approximately $200 or strip it down and pay someone to weld it?