[inspectorudy]

I would love to see the later backend of your tractor. I can't imagine saving that much money by eliminating the two side plates. Of course the big three wasted years by not using stainless steel bolts and screws when they could have to save a handful of coins. The bean counters in a big company have the final say on the bottom line and when they see a few dollars in savings they take it no matter the loss of reputation.