Wash the Tractor?

[airlynch]

Okay maybe a stupid question but do you all wash your tractor?

If so what do you use?
garden hose and bucket with soap
Powerwasher?

So far I have just been using compressed air, but have been thinking of doing a good cleaning before the snow flies and just a bit nervous about getting water into systems that might not like it.

What do you all do?

Thanks

 

[DK35vince]

I always use a pressure washer

 

[whistlepig]

I wash mine down every year before winter. I use Simple Green and a garden hose on the motor. Not had a problem doing this in the 7 years I have owned this tractor.

 

[ritcheyvs]

I frequently use a leaf blower to blow off dust, debris, leaves, pine needles, etc.

Just a garden hose does a decent job washing out chunks of mud. Large plugs of mud will accelerate rust so it's good to get rid of them so surfaces can dry completely

But I like to use a pressure washer before each scheduled 50 hour chassis greasing; I think the pressure washer does a good job removing old excess grease before re-greasing.

My tractor is eight years old and faded so (for me) washing is more for durability than cosmetic. I've never hand-washed it like a car.

 

[94BULLITT]

If it is real dirty/ muddy I use the pressure washer then if I have time I will hand wash it. If it is not real dirty I will hand wash it. After I wash it I blow it off with a low power electric leaf blower so I'm not left with water spots. If you pressure wash it, it may not be a bad idea to grease it afterwards.

Here is a thread I did on cleaning my tractors a while back. page 3 has the finished results.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/278369-cleaning-tractors.html

 

[BethelHntr]

Hand wash before putting away for winter.

 

[MossRoad]

I second the Simple Green Cleaner. Good stuff and mild on the environment, too. :thumbsup:

 

[theneworange]

I wash once a month in summer because of dust. But when it gets to muddy it gets a hose off just to prevent rust since I will be owning this for some time I want to keep it looking nice.

 

[alchemysa]

Keep pressure washers away from any components that contain small springs and ball bearings... like loader controls and detent position holders on levers. You'll force water and grit into places it shouldn't be, and you'll discover a month or two later that your 4WD or hi-lo lever doesn't want to budge. (Speaking from experience).

 

[airlynch]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I will clean her up tomorrow before I do the 50 hr service. If I use the pressure washer, I will keep it away from "sensitive" parts and re-grease where needed.
Thanks again