Cleaning/Protecting tractor and engine etc

[schiker]

I posted in another thread down in the Kubota section but its a general maintenance / chemical question so I might get more traffic and better answer here.

Anyone ever use a detailing spray?

Black Magic CD-2 or Gunk-Shine. How about 303 spray or other?

When I bought my used tactor it had a very nice wet look or shine that actually seemed to repel some dirt/dust and grass chafe etc.

When done cutting brush and pastures I like to blow off the rotary cutter and tractor with a leaf blower to keep the grass chafe and clipping from accumulating and sticking after getting rained on.

Well last week was in a real rush and did not get to blow off after cutting. Dew and a shower wet the grass and it stuck (won't blow off). So I mixed up some car wash and sprayed on then hosed off to remove the grass. This worked but cut the shine off and I suspect it won't blow off as easy either next time. I would like to renew this low-stick shine what do you recommend?

Do you wax your hood or put on 303 spray? Its plastic but painted what is better for protection and keeping clean.

 

[RalphVa]

Wax should work on both painted metal and plastic surfaces.

Ralph

 

[schiker]

I am pretty sure wax or polishes are for fine/gloss finishes only. Most of the tractor is rougher casting with matte or flat finish that you cannot wax effectively.

When I bought the tractor I figured it was something just sprayed on like watered down armor-all or some other trick just to make it look great on the used lot and in pictures on the internet. But it actually was functional as well. I did not have to do anything more than blow the tractor off for 6 months and it stayed pretty clean and did not accumulate much dirt,dust etc.

From looking at different products I think it was Gunk-Shine.

 

[Mounted Madness]

Did you ever ask the folks you bought it from? No big secret, especially if they can sell you a case of the stuff. If you ask, and it's not what you thought it is, let us know. Always nice to get good, better, best advice...

 

[schiker]

I have emailed the dealer but not recieved a reply yet. I have also asked John Deere website answer center. The tractor was being sold on consignment and the owner apparently detailed it. Not sure if the dealer knows.

Also wondering if there are various brands of products that will work.

 

[mrutkaus]

Sounds like silicone spray?

Mike

 

[Coyote machine]

I'd try a small amount of whatever you think might work well on an inconspicuous area and go from there. Or ask a local detail shop what they use on plastic hoods, etc.
Let us know what works for you.

 

[schiker]

Sounds like silicone spray?

Mike

It may have been but I don't think so. I don't think Silicone will dry this well. I think JD recommends silcone for the bare metal ball on the 3 pt hitch arms.

I wouldn't want to use Silicone for all over coverage I don't think it is a good long term answer it can brown rubber *hoses and plastics etc over a long time. Not sure its good for paint long term either. Its probably good for bare metal. I plan on keeping this tractor a long long time.

JD suggested polish and a detailer for shiney surfaces but did not answer the flat paint and rough surface of the castings.

Gunk-Shine looks like its going to be my first attempt to match it. It says its a better choice than Silicone I believe.

Thanks for the input and keep it coming. I'll try and update as I progress.

 

[9973720wb19]

After each use: Air Compressor to blow off dirt and grass.
A few times a year: power wash (no soap)
Once a year: powerwash using auto wash soap, detail wash, clean cab, and use spray wax on body and rims.

 

[schiker]

Yeah, I do those things as well. I consider that basic maintenance. But when I bought this tractor it appeared to have a nice coating on it that was functional and just trying to figure out if I can find something to reapply it.

From the back of the can of "Gunk Engine Brite Engine Protector - Shine"

Gunk Shine is an engine detailer and protector with a pleasnt citrus scent that leaves your engine with a protective layer that makes future clean-up easier. When used as directed it will aslo leave hehind an attractive detailers satin-like finish on underhood surfaces such as hoses, plastic, and metal parts. Contains no silicones that can create a greasy, dust-collecting buildup. Use it on cars, trucks, TRACTORS, boats, RV's, ATV's, compressors, generators, bicycles, and motorcycles. Safe on most underhood rubber and plastic, and paint when used as directed.