Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - I need a lawn tractor chassis, help!

I have a Craftsman model 917.252711 18hp lawn tractor. I need a chassis because my steering cross support brace is broke and cracked. I'm not sure if I can get it welded because of all the damage. I thought I would just buy a whole new chassis and be done with it. Sears told me they can no longer get this chassis, part #145501. They had to have used this chassis on other style mowers, not just the one model. Does anyone know if there is a way to cross ref. this chassis part # with other lawn tractors to see if I can find a chassis that will fit? Or does anyone knows of anywhere I can get an aftermarket chassis, I can't seem to find one. Thank you........

Load it into a truck or trailer & take it to a welding shop. I'll bet it can be welded. Let them have a look @ it. Maybe even offer to strip some parts off for them to make it easier. Most welders could make it stronger than new;) Try that before chasing a whole chassis!!

For sure. A good welder/fabricator can fix or build just about anything along those lines. It should be much cheaper and easier, and even better than buying a new or secondhand one.