David S - "another some guys should not own tools" moment? Ha!!! Some guys should not own tractors. Talk about abusive. There is absolutely no reason for what you're showing. It's terrible. I think about the only way to crack that C-channel like that is bouncing the front of the tractor up and down - just abuse.
Hey, I see Lew got home final from church. Are you all set with the studs you need?
Brian - appreciate your come back. I gave you alot of things to check on the 1250. No secrets except maybe the starter requiring maintenance which doesn't come up often. It could just be your weather too. Good luck with it and let us know if you discover something just not quite right.