Yes the deck was rusted from the bottom. Deck RCK48P-222Z not cheap by any means . Everyone I know said "go to Home Depot & get a new lawnmower" when they found out what the new deck costs. 13 yrs old on the gulf coast so it lasted doggone good. Our baby !!! Was not a belt problem at all. The mower still worked fine but the gash made it a little dangerous that something could come flying through it. Called Messicks but it was going to be a month delivery. Checked with local dealer & altho $100 more, they assured me 8-10 day delivery so went with the dealer. (Bought our tractor and this mower from this dealer) Can't say enough nice things about Messick folks..Yes and very knowledgeable. Our dealer wasn't able to fulfill the 8-10 day delivery time, but are going to lengths to restore goodwill. Appreciated! Thanks to all for your comments. Only Kubota owners would understand.