Well I think I figured out the front guard. I'm new and it didn't make sense the way id became undone. It appears it wasn't assembled right when I picked it up. All good now.
It looks like you found a great buy, especially in that condition and price. I have the Everything Attachments 60" cutter and it is designed almost identical to the Landpride RCR1860. I bought it last Fall (2014) and only used it one time to cut a 2acre slopped field of 2-4ft weeds/grass. The cutter worked great. I think you will be happy with your purchase. Good luck.
The chain and it's attachment point on the plastic shaft cover are flimsy. You're supposed to hook the chain over your toplink and keep the plastic cover from rotating with the shaft. You will likely break the plastic where the chain is connected to the shaft. It really doesn't matter.
I had the same cutter. It is a great product, very strong and very well built. It will cut some bigger stuff than it's rated for and not miss a beat.