Bed liner for tractor deck?

[N80]

The deck on my new Kubota is getting all scratched up. Where my feet rest below the peddles is through the orange paint and close to bare metal. There are two small areas in other places that are already rusting and pain flaking. This is a weekend tractor and I run it very hard, but I want to keep it in good shape (and pretty if possible).

I've seen 'floor mats' for tractor decks and that would certainly protect it, but it wouldn't prevent rust. I could patch the rust and then add a mat. But it occured to me that something like Rhino-liner or Linex spray on liner for pick-up beds might be a good choice. Anyone ever do this? How did it hold up? Someone also makes a DIY version in a can. Anyone do this? I think Linex and Rhino can color match their stuff if it mattered.

The deck on my tractor looks very easy to remove so I could take just the floor into the liner shop.

Any thoughts?

 

[bota7800]

I haven't done it to my tractor but I sprayed chip protectant on my horse trailer when I repainted it last year. It was easier to apply than regular paint. Sprayed easy and the auto paint store in my area loans a spray gun for the purpose.

I am going to spray bed liner on the kickpanels inside the trailer this spring. The same paint store has bedliner kits for $80 (enough for a short bed)

My advice is to go for it. Figure out what else you want to spray and do it all at the same time.

By the way, chip protectant was $17 per quart, all you would need for 2 coats. I just don't know how it would stand up to being trod on compared top the thicker bedliner material.

 

[HGM]

I know its not quite what your asking, but it will give you an idea... This is a link to a post I just added to concerning deck clogging.. I did the underside of my little JD mower last spring and have pictures of the results...

I would definitly do it... I plan on stripping my deck this fall and having the whole thing done, either proffesionally or with the brush on kit, I didnt like the arrosol can for durability..

 

[Newbeme]

I haven't used it on a tractor, but I did put Herculiner on the floor of my 95 Jeep Wrangler and it held up great. It is extremely durable and easy to apply. The only thing I didn't like about it was it got a dull faded look to it after about 6 months of exposure to the elements. They do sell a conditioner for it, but I never tried it.

 

[wushaw]

If you do it I would recommend Rhino Liner because it is softer/more plyable than Line-X so your feet will stick instead of slide around.

 

[N80]

Thanks. I've got a Line-X shop right around the corner but there is a Rhino place here in town too. So I'll check with them.

However, the deck is perforated with holes that stick upward and help with grip. But, something more pliable might be better anyway.

 

[ksmmoto]

I used a can from Walmart (forgot the brand) on the step of my Kubota. It has held up well. I may do the kick area under the seat when it warms up.

ksmmoto

 

[ddivinia]

Why not do it? When my had my JD Gator bed done, I had them do the floorboards also. It turned out pretty well, and I think it will outlast the proposed floor mats.

D.

 

[kingoflawns]

The floor on my previous kubota was rotted almost all the way through after six years. I will pay much closer attention to condensation under the mats on my new machine. Post here after you treat the deck, i would like to protect my deck as well!

 

[daTeacha]

Another line of thought is to use POR-15. It's intended to use on rusty metal, so don't sand and shine. The stuff looks like a paint but is incredibly tough. I put it on the underside of a mower deck a couple of years ago and the thing is still black and shiny when I clean it off. You get about as much choice in color as Henry Ford used to offer on the Model T -- any color you want as long as it's black. If you get any on your hands, forget about getting it off. You just have to wait until that layer of skin wears away.