Bad design? Cheap material?

[PTmowerMech]

Hustler Raptor 933127. Rear tires leaning inward.

There's a bolt missing out of one side of the crossmember. And the L brackets (from the frame) are bent.

It looks to me like the L brackets are way to thin for this application. Bending them back, IMO wouldn't last long. Even with the bolt in the crossmember. Or is the crossmember the main part of keeping the tires vertical?

 

[bertsmobile1]

Check the Hustler section this has been done to death .
IT is what happens when you start with a small mower and narrow tyres then just keep on stretching it without upgrading the superstrue

 

[The Chairman]

I went to a grade 5 bolt to prevent shearing. They are the ticket.

 

[Hammermechanicman]

I see this when commercial guys go curb hopping.