I think it really depends on how much moisture in the grass you are cutting. I am one that has trouble with deck rot. The problem is that my property is very wet to moist. I cut my grass 2 times per week, due to the growth. I do not clean the underside of the deck after each cutting. On my craftsman the deck which was realatively thin when purchased has needed pieces replaced over the years. I have recoated the deck with a good rust preventative paint several times, but the rot is still returns. This tractor a Craftsman GT has a 46-inch deck. My newest tractor a husqvana has a fabricated deck 52-inch, and appares like it will easily outlast the other.
In March of each year I go through my equipment to check for necessary repairs as well as the needed service.
BTW, I still use the Craftsman for leaf pick-up. I use an agrafab blower system.
Paul
