A mower deck spindle cover 113 comprises a panel that covers a spindle 101 on a mower deck in a lowered position. The spindle cover is attached to a mounting arm 127 for pivoting between the lowered position and a raised position. A torsion spring 125 biases the panel to the lowered position. In embodiments the panel has a downwardly extending sidewall and an opening under one end of the panel and a belt can travel under this opening, the panel can also cover a spindle pocket 105. The spindle cover cannot be removed from the mower deck unless them mower deck is separated from the tractor or vehicle.
