TT, have you thought about fabin' one up out of flat steel stock, using lap joints to make the offsets? Just a thought.

I have thought about making one, but I will only spend that much time and effort on a RED tractor part. (or a Black one. )
As previously mentioned... The part that irritates me the most is that the pump has to be pulled to install the arm - which means that the entire transaxle has to come out. (and of course the new gasket that has to be bought for the pump.) If anyone has seen the design of these things, you'll know why I'm not thrilled about the job. (yeah -- I'll get some pictures. )
Whenever I decide to burn up a few hours of my valuable time to visit a machine shop, I'll see if someone else can't make something to replace the arm.

Just in case anyone wants to see the miracle of japanese tecnology, (extended middle finger smilie) I took a few pictures.
The green arrow in the first picture is pointing to the DC shaft on the hydro pump and the rest are just other views of the same location of stupidity.

wow what a bunch of idiots makeing it that hard of a pain to fix thats why i like the older machines so simple and so much stronger then todays stuff.

Very good Jim

TT,
Is that part made of steel? If so, I could T.I.G. weld it back together for you. I'm pretty sure it would hold, it would be worth a try anyway.
Jim

It's cast aluminum, Jim.... almost bordering on "potmetal". I have it stuck together for the picture too -- it's actually in three pieces! (the entire side of the mounting hole is broken out.)
The neighbor was heading for a local machine shop this morning to see how much it would cost to get one made. I REALLY hope he is sucessful in his quest.
I also found out that some Hydro Gear units used in various "tin can" tractors had the same identical control shaft on the pump. If I could find a junk tractor with a steel control arm, I could modify the rest of the arm to work on the JD.

I kind of figured it might be pot metal, a steel one wouldn't have broken in the first place. There's no hope of welding low quality cast aluminum, it just blows apart.
Oh well, I thought it was worth a try anyway.

I certainy do appreciate the offer, Jim!
I'll have to see how he made out at the machine shop.
Now's when I really wish I would have been able to buy that Smithy lathe/mill/drill machine.

is this near you ? might be worth buying a whole parts tractor.

http://cgi.ebay.com/John-Deere-165-Hydro-s...1QQcmdZViewItem

It's not too far away, Perry - but I guess the 165's use an Eaton hydro, which would mean the arm is totally different.
Thanks for digging that one up though.

TT, just put that sucker out for the trash man. Ain't but 10 cents worth of metal in it anyway!

I really wish he had the money to buy something better. (red? )
I'm about ready to clamp vise-grips to the control shaft and weld the rest of the linkage to them.

Sounds like the perfect fix!