Thanks to Cobbadog

www.hcvc.com.au/forum/oldjunk/19345-husk...deck-repair?start=40
Re above link.
This is thank you to Cobbadog  for inspiring me to step out of my comfort zone and attempt a repair on my mower deck.
This is one of 3 ride on mowers we use to mow our 4 acres of lawn, 2 John Deere and  a Murray.
This 62 inch deck is on a John Deere X595  4wd lawn tractor that I bought second hand after the floods a few years ago as the John Deere 455 2wd was getting bogged
The deck was not in the best condition when I bought it but I didn't realise how expensive a new bare deck would be.
 
I read some where that if you have to grind your weld you are a grinder not a welder , the cap fits so I will wear it. I admit I am new to MIG welding. I started by cutting out the rusted bits and welding in new pieces
 
This next one was difficult as it had a curve in the middle but I perservered and got it done
 
 
Then I welded 4mm thick flanges where the spindles go through the deck to strengthen them and 12mm rod around the front to strengthen it as well
 Finally I had to weld up the holes in the gearbox mounts and redrill them to fit the new rubber mounts
 
Fully assembled with new blades, belt, wheel axles and wheels
 
So thanks Cobbadog  for the inspiration




 

Well done

I have never had any real luck patching mower decks

They just crack near were I welded them

That been said it could be the bloke driving the welder

Paul

The level of expertise blossoming around here is great, but it's enough to make a bloke start thinking about being a little more discrete when sharing some of his (lack of) progress photos . . . ?  

Don't even think about it Pom. Keep them coming. To see your dream and inspiration progressing is inspirational to us all.

Oliver, you have well exceeded my mess by creating your very own masterpiece. It looks brilliant n with those strengthening plates n rod will last a long time.
I too am a grinder not a welder. Doing thise curves comes fown to making pie cuts n tack welds. I would be lost without my grinder n cut off wheels.
Now your all ready for mowing once the eet moves on.
Fantastic work.

Well done Oliver. When you look at the cost of the new deck verses the cost of a welder, consumables and your time you are well ahead. 
I really enjoy working with steel and have a lathe and MIG etc. and can get carried away making things instead of buying them, also making special tools and pullers to work on my projects. 

Until recently my Wife has wheelbarrowed garden trimmings to a spot I reckon is about half way to Alice Springs, more recently this has been my job. With some thought, plus help from our Son Ian and the scrap heap this has resulted and been christened this morning.
David.

No doubt Cobbarette thanked you for your timely cartage modifications once you took over . . . ?  

Southbound, I too have a lathe, mig etc just need to learn how to use them better. I do like messing about with steel.