Agreed it can be done properly. But in my tiny world, that has a fairly high standard. Even a nice 1" hole cut with a hole saw would be border FOR ME. Drilling the spot welds would be the only route in my shop.
Just beating the horse here...
Let's say, hypothetically, I had the first IHCC 100 (which I seen pictures of on here I think) and it was all shiny and nice, but the rear pin goes out. How would you guys say "go ahead, cut it up" be reacting if I was going to cut the tunnel cover with my 4" cut off saw?
I'd Probably get death threats... For cutting up such an "original, special" tractor. That's how treat all my cubs, whether it came off the line first, last or somewhere in the middle. I work hard to make it right.
But let's not forget, I'm a puller. I've cut up plenty of sheet metal. BUT only tractors past the point of return... Or anything made by MTD/CCC.