Hi Max,
I just pull the top axles out of the axle bin and if it needs welding up I just do it. Often the height adjuster hole is worn so needs a bit of weld and then I often cut the stubs off and replace with whatever wheels I have a set of so a bit of extra welding doesn't matter that much
Don't throw that Ariens out it still has the drive bits they could be needed sometime, even if they are rusted solid, it is only bearings and they can be replaced
