Can't you weld it?

Remove the deck. This is usually a 10 minute task if you are experienced in performing this type work. Clean the area around the bracket of all grass residue. Contact local welding shops and take the deck to them.

If the deck bracket pulled the deck sheetmetal apart, welding repairs can be made by installing a doubler on the underside of the deck. If the sheetmetal is intact, the bracket can probably be reattached by welding. Again, a doubler over the broken area may be wise. After the repair, a spray bomb would help prevent rust.

After reinstalling the deck, the deck should be leveled. Check your owners manual.

If there's any chance of fitting it together bonding it a product called JB Weld would probably hold it. It's pretty amazing stuff and dries as hard as metal it's even sand-able and drill-able when cured. I know a few people into hot rodding who introduced me too the stuff.

I've used JB weld on the transaxle of my riding mower and the stress of the axles and gears just pulled it apart again... I ended up gettin' a good used one for a $100 just do like they told you get it welded mig may be the best over stick welding cause of the metal *thickness (*gauge) or you could try get hold of a good used deck your choice.... $600 or $700 sounds a little too far fetched... now you know how Craftsman make extra money on these ol' machines too bad they don't have a life time guarintee like their tools (socket sets)

I repaired one of those cheaper Craftsman decks for a guy. Had to remove the deck. Then i plotted out the repairs, and made reinforcement plates for the under side of the deck, and then made new hanger brackets for the upper side, and bolted them together. Fixed it just fine.

http://york.craigslist.org/grd/2195068800.html You could buy a hole used Garden Tractor for 700 to use for parts or use yours for parts ! Dave..