Bushhog deck steel thickness?

[paulsharvey]

Got an old New Holland 48" bushhog, with probably 40% of the top of deck missing, the whole back end, and one side shield. The previous owner tacked some 26ga stuff on in random places. So, 26 ga is obviously to thin; thoughts on 1/16" (16 gauge)? I know the obvious answer is, measure what the existing is; well, it's a combo of rusted, and sand worn, as well as rust jacking. Regardless, is 16 ga too thin? Should I use something like 14 ga or 12 ga? It is a lot more expensive and harder to shape, and less available at a general home improvement/hardware place.

 

[Yander]

I've got to say that is a dangerous looking object. I wouldn't have bushhog blades spinning under that mess of a rust heap. Sorry, I know that isn't the answer you came here looking for. Pull the gearbox and shaft off and send the rest to the scrap yard my man.

 

[RjCorazza]

Looks like light duty cutters are 12ga, heavy duty cutters at least 7ga.
I would agree with Yander that that cutter is a basket case.

 

[RayIN]

I once restored an old 4' rotary cutter, brand unknown. I used 10G sheet metal I bought at a metal salvage yard. When completed it was very solid and and heavy, but did the intended job behind my old Harry Ferguson 30.
I spray-painted it gold/brass to remind me of the time and money I had invested. If I had a do-over I'd have scrapped it and bought a new cutter.

 

[WranglerX]

Think I would start over with all new deck not just patches..... Maybe 1/8 in. gauge minimal...