I had some better pics, but this is all I can find for now.
In order to change over to 'center hole' shanks, I have to weld brackets to the top to hold the cross pin. While that isn't a HUGE problem, it is a moderate hassle at this point, as I don't currently own a welder. I just haven't gathered the $$$ for one, given everything else begging for $$$ as well. I guess I need to just buck up and get one.
But, I really believe, this is a big blade, and they surely wouldn't have been having as much trouble as I am having, and kept the design. Surely, there is someplace I can buy replacement shanks that aren't as weak as the eBay ones I have found thus far.
And yes, I meant to say cast steel, I guess the 'iron' just follows 'cast' so easily that I didn't even recognize what I was saying. I don't believe it is forged. Neither did the machinist.
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Gannon is now Woods. Locally, that's the Kubota guy. I would stop by and ask to see the parts breakdown before buying more.
http://www.woodsequipment.com/files/Products/Literature/B04024_LandscapeEquipment.pdf