"Roy Bailey" wrote in message
...
I have an old (a very old!) Al-Ko 10/36 tractor mower with a Briggs &
Stratton 10hp 4-stroke engine which starts and runs well and is
essential for mowing my orchard.

The pan which holds the cutter bars and drive belts is riddled with rust
and it is only a matter of time before it falls apart. Everything which
fits onto the pan is in fairly good condition.

Does anyone know where I can get another of these pans in reasonable
condition, or of an old Al-Ko which is going for spares? I tried asking
on a forum and got a number of stupid suggestions.

Is it made of steel? Are you up for a bit of DIY? If so get yourself a cheap
mig welder and patch it up.
A pal of mine bought a similar old machine for peanuts because the deck was
falling apart. Start by cutting repair patches for the areas that hold the
bolt on bits, then work your way out. Make each patch as big as the flat
area its on, it will end up somewhat heavier, and eventually mostly patch
and weld, but it will still work and won't cost much to do once you have a
welder. You may find lots of other little welding jobs once you have it.

Mike