My pedal mod looks bigger in the picture than it actually is in person, and it only projects forward about 2". Trying to press down on that slick metal rod with my snow/ mud covered heel was nearly impossible. My leg cannot exert as much force in that direction as it can pushing on a brake or...
The cutter is worth $500 on CL or FB marketplace. The tractor another $500 if it runs and drives decent. There are many tractors that overheat and whose maker no longer exists. I can provide names if you wish.
Most likely metric. Measure O.D. of threads and see whether it's closer to a mm or inch dimension. It won't be exact, but slightly under the nominal. Use a pitch gauge or compare with threads at a hardware store bolt.
No, they don't. If you do any alterations to the ROPS, you will die a horrible death, never be able to sell the tractor, and be responsible for most of the world's problems. [Intense sarcasm]