flyovrcntry 115 #1 Posted November 5, 2013 I see guy's on here looking for mower decks,and some of them say theirs has holes in it.It seems like decks are getting a little scarce.I have a 48" one with a couple bad places in it I plan to work on this winter.I am not much of a welder,but I have access to a wire welder and some metal.I figure I can make it look presentable with my angle grinder.I have never fabbed anything but I am wanting to give it a go. But what I was thinking is for the guy's that can't do the welding and such,there's always someone who could do it for them.I looked on CL and people advertise welding and fab work.It would be cheaper than buying a deck and if you buy one it will probably be in the same condition in a few years.Now,if you repair it and get rid of the rust it will serve you for many years.Plus the fact you are saving a deck from the scrap pile. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,170 #2 Posted November 5, 2013 I had a local welding shop fix mine. They cut out the bad section which ended up being about 3"x4". Welded in the new piece and gave it a shot of primer on both sides. It was dropped off in the morning and I picked it up on the way home from work.....price...$30 ! Cant beat that compared to the price of a new shell! Mike............ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #3 Posted November 7, 2013 (edited) I've repaired a few decks. My procedure worked well for me. 1st, deck off (duh!), I then cut sheetmetal approx to cover holes. Clamp plates where needed and drill. I then, re-bolt removed parts. Use stainless steel bolts, flat and lock washers, locking nuts too. I run a tap, clean threads where the pulley cover is secured. Then, I MIG stitch weld the plates to the deck. After welding (or someone welding for you), I disassemble the deck for cleaning 'n painting. Underside of the deck I don't care 'bout the color. Topside I use Rustoleum® Regal Red (rattle cans), suites me. All parts were hung in my barn and painted before reassembly. Of course using stainless hardware, lockin' nuts, new belts, wheels and rollers. Paint the spindle housings under the deck, they hate moisture and will rot! Here's a pic to give you a view. Keep in mind the pic is only part of my deck project. Should have taken more pics but you get the idea. I've done this to decks quite a few times, always worked well. Light gauge sheet metal and SS hardware are available at Home "Cheapo" and Lowes. Lowes has a better selection of SS hardware. If some SS bolts are not available, use Never-Seez® on the threads. Shown before tack welding. Under the deck, heavy on the paint. I usually use a brush there. Grandson loves sittin', and a little drivin', the Stallions. Horse below is sportin' the cleaned and reworked deck. Edited November 7, 2013 by Tankman 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyovrcntry 115 #4 Posted November 7, 2013 Yeah that's the problem area,mine is rusted out around the corner a couple inches as well.It's a 48" deck so I will repair it.My brother will help if necessary,he has some welding skills. That repair will last a lot of years,nice job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #5 Posted November 8, 2013 I use 16 or 18 gauge steel, then stitch weld. For reference, hardware sizes, I head over to Parts Tree; http://www.partstree.com/parts/?lc=Toro+Consumer&mn=E5-48SC01 I like hardware sizes listed not just TORO part numbers. Makes my shoppin' easier. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
