How to Patch up Holes in My Steel Deck Lawn Mower

The Kobalt mower that Masters cleared for half price has been the best bang for buck mower I've ever used. It's practically indestructible and the batteries have lasted very well… except for the steel deck. I don't think I've ever left it outdoors, but I don't wipe it down or clean it after a mow.

I'm getting holes in mine (see pic). They are not a major issue except they spray the grass clipping around a bit.

I've definitely gotten my money's worth over the last decade, but am trying to be sustainable now. I keep it in the garage to mow the council strip every now and then when the grass grows to mid to near knee height.

How would you patch up the holes for a medium-long term solution? I could duct tape it below and above the hole, but that might only last a few mows, which might require redoing four times a year.

Comments

  • +1

    Nasty rusty holes.

  • +9

    Aluminum sheet cut to shape and pop riveted to the base

  • +3

    That is super dangerous. Any debris (eg. pebble) flicked by the blades could deflect and head straight for your eyeball which will render you blind immediately or knock some common sense into you. You choose. Also, horrible shoes to use when mowing the lawn.

    • Good point. Cheers. I wear eye (and ear protection) always when mowing.

      What's wrong with the shoes?

      • Well they are better than thongs I guess. Get yourself a pair of cheap steel cap boots from big w for the same reason as above. Even if you use a catcher flying debris can be ejected out the back of the mower and will rip through your canvas shoes like a hot knife through butter.

        • -2

          Where's all the debris from? What is grass made of where you are?

  • -1

    Gaffa tape.

    • That's for your loose car bumpers.

  • Is that rust in a structural area that supports the front wheel?

    • No

  • +1

    In hindsight…. you need to give the underside a quick hose off when finished mowing.

    • Yep. Because I also have a great work horse Aldi plastic deck mower for the back, it didn't click until I saw the holes develop over the last few weeks.

  • +1

    Cut up a tin can and make it flat then pop rivet it to to exterior of the guard.

  • +3

    Would you consider getting a preowned for parts?

    • This is the way
      .

  • +3

    I took mine to a local lawn mower guy (there’s always one in every area), and he welded a piece of metal over the holes for $10. Doesn’t look the best, but it works

  • pop riveting is ideal but if you dont have a rivet gun (pretty cheap for a handheld one) then cover a bit of metal with a lot of super glue and glue it on. Consider doing both underneath and the top (so 2 sheets)

  • Cut some bita of metal. Aluminium is easy to work with, steel is a bit stronger. Old signs are a good thickness. Screw or rivet it in place, probably best from the inside. If necessaary put some sealant around to stop stuff getting stuck under it.

  • -2

    Buy a new one mower bro

  • Get a broken one off hard rubbish and swap all your good bits onto it.

  • +1

    Just weld in a patch.

    • 1) Cheap MIG welder + Helmet from FB Marketplace
      2) Some 0.5 -1 mm steel from roadside cleanup (old washing machine, etc)
      3) Angle grinder and tin snips
      4) YouTube
      5) Spray can in matching colour

  • Maybe clean it first then spray or paint rust convertor on it, a top coat and then plates pop riveted over the holes.

  • JB weld, but need a form to support while curing
    .

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