Mowing Mower deck washer

Gregs JD1023 · May 21, 2012

Has anyone used the hose connection on mower decks to clean out the deck? I have one on my 54" mid deck for my 1023e. I used it a couple of times to clean the deck but found it dripped green ooze all over my shed floor.

I guess I could have run the deck for a while to help dry out the deck before parking in the shed. Seems like a waste of expensive fuel. Since I have a quick connect deck it's easy to take off & clean after every 4-5 mowings. I wonder about using water to clean and rust etc. Any thoughts?

jester156 · May 22, 2012

the common thought on the hose attachment is a waste of time. I used mine once and didn't feel it did a good enough job to ever use it again

greg_g · May 22, 2012

jester156 said:
waste of time.

x2. And while we're listing the negatives, it's also a waste of water and fuel.

//greg//

beenthere · May 22, 2012

AND leaves a green oozing mess wherever you do the washing.
I like to keep the deck as dry as possible. Wash the topside a couple times a year, but use the air compressor after every mowing to blow off the tractor and the deck.

Bird · May 22, 2012

beenthere said:
AND leaves a green oozing mess wherever you do the washing.
I like to keep the deck as dry as possible. Wash the topside a couple times a year, but use the air compressor after every mowing to blow off the tractor and the deck.

I tried out the hose connection once on a previous mower, but never on my current one. It just didn't work well enough to be worth the trouble. I, too, use the air-compressor on the mower and the string trimmer every time I use them. Of course I also use it on my power saws, drills, and even my electric razor and Wahl hair clippers every time they're used.:laughing:

Cntryboy0075 · May 22, 2012

Always used a leaf blower to clean the deck and tractor with. Usually just took the deck off in the shop and cleaned it underneath, then swept the mess up !

Garybake · May 22, 2012

I found the only efficient way to make it work was to lower the deck completely down to maximize water spray with less air and at cutting speed. It would soften and then throw chunks out leaving a green pool to drive through. It was not much more work and less fuel and water to use the pressure washer. I do know a clean deck creates a better vacuum grass blade lift and a resulting better cut/mulch either way it is done.

Gregs JD1023 · May 22, 2012

Sounds to me that there is no excitement about these deck hose washers. Just a sales gimmick. Although I do have one on my Toro lawn mower and it works good on that. I think it's because of the small 20" deck size. I guess I'm done with using the one on my 54" deck. I just as soon take the deck off and clean it properly.

I also use a leaf blower to completely clean my tractor after mowing.

urbandeere2520 · May 22, 2012

Garybake said:
I found the only efficient way to make it work was to lower the deck completely down to maximize water spray with less air and at cutting speed. It would soften and then throw chunks out leaving a green pool to drive through. It was not much more work and less fuel and water to use the pressure washer. I do know a clean deck creates a better vacuum grass blade lift and a resulting better cut/mulch either way it is done.

When I first purchased my tractor and deck I tried the hose connector cleaning device a few times with disappointing results... then I figured out the proper procedure.

Like Garybake stated, the deck needs to be resting on the ground, in my case a level asphalt driveway. I release the anti-scalp wheel latches and lower the deck flat onto the driveway, attach the hose, turn on the water and run the mower deck a few minutes at 2500 RPM. Lot's of gunk and green water falls out. I have visually inspected the underside of the deck after executing this procedure the past several cuts and it actually works pretty well. I do have a mulching kit installed, so I don't know if that makes a difference.