Just my opinion...........
Not to doubt any of you guys, and your procedures. If you want to spend all that extra money and time go right ahead, but ya'll are making it too complicated.
Sandblast each part down to the bare metal (where applicable), wipe it clean with a tack cloth while using latex gloves to keep your greasy hands from leaving any oil deposits on the parts, and then spray some good primer on it.
Sand it smooth, wipe with tack cloth again using gloves, and then paint.
I have painted five tractors, and two turning plows. The paint on every one is holding up great.
As Charlie once told me, "for crying out loud it's only a garden tractor!!!!"
Kevin Hill,
Can you elaborate on why Rustoleum is not compatible with other paints?
I have been using Rustoleum grey auto primer for several years, and have had no issues.
Not sure about using it with other paints. I see no need to stray from the original.