Mountfield lower handle snapped advice

[ipbr21054]

Whilst cutting the grass the lower handle snapped one side, common issue as it the first time with Mountfield Mowers.
Using that well known selling / buying site i purchased a lower handle from G H S
Today the handle arrived BUT its about 4 inches to long & just looking i can see that it wont fit as the cables wont allow it.
I did call them & messaged them but told its correct so just send it back if no good which isnt good for me.

So now the reason for this post.
Ive found a handle but its stupid money & i mean £50 / £60

But a seller was selling these brackets & they are also fitted to my mower.
Seller has them called LOWER HANDLE SUPPORTS.

These are bolted to the mower using the holes shown by BLUE arrows.
Then the handle is connected to them using the holes shown by RED arrows.

So i see they are called SUPPORTS but do they really give any support ?

So my thought was What if i removed them & bolt the lower handle straight to the deck ?
The extra 4 inches in length will then be lost as these have been removed.

Just for some info
I have a larger mower where no supports are fitted & the lower handle bolts straight to the deck so wondering if i should do this with this mower.

You thoughts would be go to advise if there is going to be an issue etc.

 

[Burnerman]

I think these brackets are only to allow the handles to be mounted at variable angles, but if you want to bolt them to the deck directly and it won’t interfere with anything behind then go for it!
John

 

[ipbr21054]

Job done & fits a treat