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.

 

[schiker]

I tried Gunk Shine and it shines well. Not sure how well its going to dry its still a tad oily.

FYI also found alternative products to try in the future sometime.

Quicksilver (Mercury Marine) Corosion Guard

And Liqui Tech Motorcycle Engine Protector and Enhancer

Liqui Tech's Motorcycle Engine Enhancer/Protector on eBay!

 

[Soundguy]

. How about 303 spray or other?.

I don't know about the spray.. but 303 fluid will sure put a shine on everything.

had a hose on my loader let go a while back.. put out 2-3 gallons of 303 fluid all over me and my tractor in about .25 seconds..
solv3ed that rusty tin and dry skin probelm I tell ya! Good shine on my hair and the dog too.

soundguy

 

[sw03]

I detail autos on the side (20+ years) and tried all kind of stuff. If it is out there I have tried it. At a brick and mortor or online.

Thus far, PoorBoys World Natural Look works great on seats etc (black platic)

Paint I use Jeff Werkstatt's products..And if I want some wax I use Chemical guys 5050 wax. The two products I love the best..Optimum has has a nice AIO, same with Zaino but I still like the above.

I use the above on $100K+ cars down to a little $1,500 motorcycle... For the BH/FEL things with hyd actuators, I just spray silicone on the chrome and call it a day.

 

[sweep]

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.

.

I use Meguiers Detail spray wax on all castings. Keeps a nice shine and leaves no whitish haze. I use Meguiers Gold wax for all the plastic.

What is nice about using wax reguarly is it makes a very slick surface on your hood/fenders etc and you don't get all those small scuffs and scrtaches when you happen to run under branches etc.

 

[schiker]

Bump....

Anyone use Sharkhide ( sharkhide.com) its a bare metal protector good for aluminum so it won't oxidize/tarnish. Its suppose to be good for paint too. It says it will bring back some shine to chalky paint too and restore some luster to old paint and fiberglass.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I think it's just a case of not going too far in one direction or another. Don't deglect it but don't go looking for "detailing" products either. A blast of air here and a quick pressure washing there, is all it takes. I just use whatever soap I have on hand, and occassionally, whatever wax I have on hand. I think keeping an engine clean is more about it running cooler and allowing easier repair and maintenance.

The only problem areas are greasy areas and that funky mower deck dirt. They can require secial products or attention. I find ZEP 50 works well on the deck funk. A steam genny works well on grease, but it's dangerous and a bother.

I think the thousands of consumer products out there, claiming to "protect" your valuable whatever, are just for suckers mostly.

 

[Coyote machine]

I think it's just a case of not going too far in one direction or another. Don't deglect it but don't go looking for "detailing" products either. A blast of air here and a quick pressure washing there, is all it takes. I just use whatever soap I have on hand, and occassionally, whatever wax I have on hand. I think keeping an engine clean is more about it running cooler and allowing easier repair and maintenance.

The only problem areas are greasy areas and that funky mower deck dirt. They can require secial products or attention. I find ZEP 50 works well on the deck funk. A steam genny works well on grease, but it's dangerous and a bother.







I think the thousands of consumer products out there, claiming to "protect" your valuable whatever, are just for suckers mostly.

I can't comment on the shark hyde product, BUT, I can attest to the effectiveness of Alumazorb, aluminum cleaner and protector. I have used it on my ocean sprayed boat's aluminum tee-top and rails, as well as all other Brite aluminum fittings. It does an amazing job, andeaves a somewhat slick film behind to deter further salt water damage.

Mower decks, and similar are a futile battle against sand blaster crud thrown at them at high velocity. I, like Industrial Toys, like zep products and similar, but don't spend any amount of time sweating the details of mower decks.
Occasionally I will spray the deck with the mower deck spray, yellow/green can, but it doesn't last long.
Waxing my tractor, ain't gonna happen, ever!:anyone::confused3:

 

[lamanated]

for aluminum frames rad supports etc, I use acf50. Its what we use in the off shore for our our helicopters. for plastics, I use protectant 303. . Orieleys get it for me.