At 1.2 quarts the fuel tank is definitely too small for a mower this size. I have to refuel at least twice to get the job done.
I thought about this many times and I finally made the improvement today. I used a 1 gallon Briggs & Stratton metal tank. The cross bars are attached to the handle with clamps (no holes drilled in handle) and the tank is attached to the cross bars with large hose clamps. I put rubber between all contact points on the tank.
The handle can be moved to the up or down positions without any interference.
When I clean under the deck I move the handle completely forward and lay the mower back on the handle. The new fuel tank does not interfere. In fact the back of the tank does not even touch the ground.
Now I need the grass to grow so I can try it out.
Mac
Thank you for the great write up. I'm going to install a similar design. I'm going to move the tank up higher on the handle bars so I still have access to add and remove the catcher bag. I need to suck the leaves up in the fall.
I'm thinking of the following:
1. 1/2 round rolled steel bar through the hole that now holds the knobs holding the two handlebar pieces together. This way I only need one bar and I can use the existing bar just above it.
2. Since it is a little higher up, I think the center of gravity will be moved. I'm going to add a little weight to the front so it stays balance.
3. I think this will add about 22 lbs including the weight of fuel. Hopefully the transmission isn't too upset about the change. I'm sure it will be ok on flat ground, but I already need to push a little on hills.
Thanks for the great idea. Every time I cut my grass I have to fill up 3 times. PITA.