I would say there are probably a lot of opposing forces acting upon the case and case gasket on a LT setup. If I had to guess, probably moreso than when mounted to a hinged floating handle on a surface drive. I think about what's going to give first at a stump impact rolling 25-30 mph....the tiller or my shoulder/arm/wrist/hand? Just my $0.02.



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Every Longtail I've had has a block bolted to the frame, in a spot where the block hasn't proven to break. Along with that the frame isnt reliant on the engine for lifting, turning, etc. A pd is bolted to that case cover, and now any left or right impact and torque from the prop digging is now being applied to that mounting because to turn or fight against it, you have to use the handle that's mounted to the engine. Just don't see, however limited it may or may not be, how adding that stress to the block is going to help the already existing case cover leak/cracking issues.

With it mounted to the block doesn't bother me, that area is where it would bolt down on a horizontal version anyway.

Dang there are a bunch of "pro" prodrive haters all of a sudden. First yall bitched and complained abiut the gen 3 LU. Now complaining about the new handle. I think KP should handover the reigns to you guys so you can design and build the perfect MM...LOL

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I'm just surprised JimmyW hasn't posted his eloquent and well thought out opinion yet.

Kyle only lets him come up for air about once a month.

I think I may take a serious look at one of those new handles. Has PD released a price or the availability of a retrofit kit yet? The adjustable height and floating handle alone make it worth a look. Getting that trim and reverse switch box away from the twist grip is another plus.