36” mower deck blade “vents” ?

[Heatingman 971]

What is the purpose of these little notches in the deck on either side of the center blade.

 

Beyond clipping time capsule storage, was there an intended function? Something with air pressure dissipation?

 

[lynnmor 7,302]

1 hour ago, Heatingman said:

What is the purpose of these little notches in the deck on either side of the center blade.

 

Beyond clipping time capsule storage, was there an intended function? Something with air pressure dissipation?

 

 

I think it is just excessive clearance for the bolt that may or may not be installed there.

[Heatingman 971]

3 minutes ago, lynnmor said:

 

I think it is just excessive clearance for the bolt that may or may not be installed there.

That makes sense. 

[peter lena 8,589]

@Heatingman  looks like the stage that I  removed mine , the moisture rotting grass stuffed in there , is already showing you the future with the forward edge rot hole. terrific opportunity to penetrating oil soak that metal , turns it black with oil stain , and stops rust . are you rebuilding those spindles ?  another opportunity , to  stop whining , noisy bearings .6203 ( 3/4 ) 2rsc3 bearings ? I use chain and cable lubricant under my decks , my mule drive bearings are the same , broken record , lucas X-TRA HEAVY DUTY CHASSIS GREASE , 560 temp rated , anti sling , polyurea rated , pop off bearing side shields , pocket screwdriver , wipe out grease , carb cleaner flush , repack to same amount , lucas , bombproof ,  this is my deck , all of them have this , just thinking , you are right there , only a suggestion ,  make the problem go away , pete

 

[Heatingman 971]

@peter lena

Yes, I am replacing the spindle bearings as well as a complete overhaul / restoration on the deck.

 

I removed that rotted section, cut and welded in a filler piece about an hour ago. 
 

Weather permitting, Im gonna get a coat of primer on the deck and related parts. Then top coat mid week.
 

Ive looked for that gear sheild, I cant find it for a reasonable price. Everything Ive found is like 30 dollars per spray can some as high as 80. 
 

PB blaster recently came out with a lanolin based surface shield that I have seen really good reviews for thats supposed to hold up to being pressure washed. Around 10 per can. 
 

Might give that a try. 
 

Also considering using Penetrol as a maintenance film coating. 

 

 

[peter lena 8,589]

@Heatingman  yes agree with the  brutal cost increases on everything , been using it for years , but my old stock is coming to the end , 20+ $ a can . but have been using lubricant on my decks for years , with a hot sun soak , really bakes it into the metal . those spindle bearings are easy to convert over on grease, the noise and function difference , along with the mule drive bearings , is dramatically different , also use the lucas on the pto needle cone bearing , once I  started using and seeing / feeling the difference in hi temp grease , I  went over to that on my  3 horses , none of my bearings make noise , and the mechanical ease of operation is very evident. thoroughly , test my changes  to verify my suggestion , lots of hours and no issues , prop up my decks to the sun , with a wood brace under the lift carriage , sits at angle , gets baking hot , metal turns black , with oil slick , also does not hold grass build up . also put them up like that , against the wall over winter , lube soaked , no rot or rust at all , oil on metal just works , pete