What's this extra piece of metal for on a Kubota MMM deck?

[chopkinsss]

I have a 54" Kubota MMM deck which was produced in the 90's and I've noticed it has this extra piece of metal welded in near the RH pulley, just below the belt. The two outer holes in this piece of metal are threaded to accept a bolt.

Does anyone know the purpose of this?

My initial thoughts were that it is to reinforce a weak point in the deck or that it has something to do with fitting the extra gearbox to power the fan unit for use with a grass collector.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Looks like a homemade bodge to me, 3 holes that do nothing, poor welds, rustrot underneath, so NOT a factory install in my opinion.
Hopefully someone with the same deck (or a parts diagram) will reply ??

 

[SDT]

I have a 54" Kubota MMM deck which was produced in the 90's and I've noticed it has this extra piece of metal welded in near the RH pulley, just below the belt. The two outer holes in this piece of metal are threaded to accept a bolt.

Does anyone know the purpose of this?

My initial thoughts were that it is to reinforce a weak point in the deck or that it has something to do with fitting the extra gearbox to power the fan unit for use with a grass collector.

View attachment 54724 View attachment 54725

I have the grass collector fan on my 60" MMM of similar vintage. The gearbox bolts to the pulley and a bracket attaches between the gearbox and the weldment in question to prevent it from rotating.

Best deck I've ever owned or operated, by the way.

SDT