[larrybl]

Well not a JD, But I have a 50" deck with simular problems. After some work, and fabing, and a professional welder, I think it will turn out fine.

PS it is for a Ford LGT145.

 

[larrybl]

On my 50", I had the welder add extra support under the front brace mounts where it had cracked. Also replaced the 1/2 round discharge shute brace with 1X1/4 which should prevent push in if run into something. As for the mandrill mounts holes, they were rust pitted and the welder didn't have a way to re-inforce them, so I used JB Weld to beefen up the area.

 

[larrybl]

Thanks for the pictures Larry. Those look like some good ideas. I really like the discharge shoot brace.

The brace is a replacement where the PO broke the orginal and just bent it up out of the way. This allowed the front of the discharge shute to be bent in and wore the front roller in a candle shape. Took a lot of heat, and wood wedges to get it sprung back in shape.... And yes the wedges kicked out a couple times richoet off the walls. Finally got it to 18"