Deck maintenance

stymie222

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I have constantly pressure washed the under side of my deck after mowing.
I wish all manufacturers would use a Teflon or other similar coatings that would shed the grass, especially the damp grass so the deck doesn't develop rust.
It's the number one cause of serious problems and expensive replacement.
Anyone know of any kind of spray that would help shed the clippings ??
 

Skippydiesel

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Friend - I am against washing of any mower (perhaps once in many years is okay) I use compressed air to clean my mower after every use.

Reasons;
  • Grass, (particularly when wet) ferments/rots and produces a highly corrosive liquid. The liquid loves aluminium alloy spindle housing and cutter decks.
  • Dust & chaff needs to be blown out of the engine/transmission cooling system to maintain its efficiency - while engine running, blow compressed air through all apertures
  • Same for transmission
  • And again, around all parts of chassis, body & electrical system
 
Last edited:

Ozcub

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I have one patch of small sticks and leaves that I mow last , they scour out any stuff stuck under the deck without doing any damage
Deck wash no way
Oz
 

Tiger Small Engine

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I have constantly pressure washed the under side of my deck after mowing.
I wish all manufacturers would use a Teflon or other similar coatings that would shed the grass, especially the damp grass so the deck doesn't develop rust.
It's the number one cause of serious problems and expensive replacement.
Anyone know of any kind of spray that would help shed the clippings ??
Mow when grass is dry. Scrape deck underneath when sharpening blades. Avoid pressure washing except very occasionally.
 

Kenbu

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Apr 29, 2016
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Check out a product called Slip Plate, which works well for mower decks.

Ken
 

slomo

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Agree with Skippy. Once a year wash, no power wash might be okay. Blow off with compressed air and fog with silicone spray. Lube throttle cables and wax the deck.

Blow out the cooling fins all around the block area and behind mufflers.

Hit it with the backpack blower after every mow.
 

Skippydiesel

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$367.00 for a 12oz can @Home Depot.
$367 will likly purchase a compressor and air gun, good enough to air- bast clean your mower and pump up your tyres. Probably last quite a few years of use - may be a better investment than a fancy can of graphite 😈
 

Skippydiesel

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Agree with Skippy. Once a year wash, no power wash might be okay. Blow off with compressed air and fog with silicone spray. Lube throttle cables and wax the deck.

Blow out the cooling fins all around the block area and behind mufflers.

Hit it with the backpack blower after every mow.
You have my admiration Slomo - you realy look after your mowers(s).

Some points;
  • I doubt a backpack or any "leaf" style blower will come close to a more focused high pressure air blast from a compressor.
  • Many "throttle" style cables will be damaged by adding lubrication - you need to know if your cables have an inner teflon(?) liner or not.
  • Using a blower to clear dust/chaff from cooling fins may not be as effective as compressed air or better still, removing the air shroud and manually cleaning the fins.
  • Any persistent anti water/moisture treatment will help in minimising the effects of corrosion - go for the most cost effective.
 
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