They can break anywhere. They crack out around the pivot tube and can also just fail and snap in two there. Or they can break the extension accross the bolt holes. The wider you run the axle, and the wider your tires, the more strain'n stress you put on it. I got tired of allways chasing cracks and jacking the machine up during prime running time, so I made my own.
Here's a link to it with pictures, and here's a picture of the most recent add on to it. I just ran out of time when I built the first part and now I have to do a little detail work and paint, and I'm done.
http://talk.newagtalk.com/forums/thread-....tmode=1#M175000
I know, not much help, but like said, a couple pieces of strap wherever you think is a weak area.