[sidemouse]

I've been surprised in the past by welding shops/fabricators regarding their ability to fix about anything and make it better than it was.

Same here, I would take that mower "as is," put it on the trailer and drive it down to the shop I know...
They probably don't have to remove the deck if you ask me, but of course they have to decide that...

To the OP, may I suggest don't mention much other than "can this be fixed?"