Cleaning tractor w/power washer - detergent to use

[DmansPadge]

btw if you wash your car with Dawn, youll have no wax left on it (if you had any to start with that is )

True. Anything that says it'll "cut grease" isn't something I'd use on my truck! Meguiar's Soft Gel Wash is great for vehicles.

As for the tractor... I don't like using high pressure unless it's really neccessary. You can get by on most cleanings with a water hose. Simple Green is my choice of cleaners that works great, is safe and is very easy on nearly any material/surface.

 

[hockeyhead]

Wow, just did mine today, first ran compressed air over it to blow off the dust and dried grass, rinsed with power washer with the weakest nozzle, hand washed with dish soap, rag and brush, rinsed with power washer,
then grease and oil change.

 

[_RaT_]

I'd NEVER use a power washer. Lots of gaskets and stuff there aren't designed to withstand that kind of pressure, particularly from the outside.

In the old days before the current fancy brands of cleaners, I'd wet my engine with water from a hose and then sprinkle with Tide. Then hose off. Did a GREAT job. Now, there's liquid Tide. Just wet (with hose) and use a pump squirter to apply some Tide. Let sit and then remove with spray from a hose.

Take the power washer back for a refund. They just waste fuel.

Ralph

I disagree, especially the last comment, I love having a pressure washer. In Europe, pressure washers are used for many things and are certainly catching on here. Superior cleaning performance and much less use of water compared to a hose and nozzle. Pressure washers do in fact generate considerable pressure, but when used correctly, that pressure be it 1500 PSI, 2000 PSI 3000 PSI or greater is very quickly dropped inches past the nozzle. Once the water is passed through the nozzle which are designed purposely with various degrees of fan the pressure is quickly traded for velocity which diminshes to a cooling mist in about ten feet depending on the degree fan used. With the proper detergent left to loosen many greases, dirt etc., it takes little effort for that spray to knock the lossened grime off. I typically use the green (30 deg. as I recall) nozzle on my pressure washer, a 4 GPM 3500 PSI washer. I have yet to strip anyting short of a decal. Grease on the loader will require a lot of elbow grease, there really is no simple way. What grease you blow off with the pressure washer typically spreads and blows onto other parts of the tractor. A rag, a screwdriver and elbow grease is what I have found to work best. Then I pressure wash. I only clean the loader really good when its time to sell. I use Simple Green, Greased Lightning but the Castrol Super Purple will strip any gloss you have off, I just quit using it. It will etch aluminum almost instantly. Pat attention to how you use the pressure washer, practice on the loader bucket if you don't have a feel for it. Rat...

 

[Neophyte]

I just bought a power washer primarily for cleaning the tractor. What detergent do you use with the washer? I am concerned about getting the grease/dirt mix off the FEL. I do plan to thoroughly regrease when I finish.

Vernon,

Which power washer did you buy? Electric or Gas? How many PSI and GPM?

I recently purchased an inexpensive electric unit from Lowes (1750 PSI & 1.5 GPM). I went with this unit for a few of reasons. One, I couldn't stand the idea of another engine to maintain. Two, I have light pressure washing needs (tractor, vehicles, vinyl siding, decking, etc.). Three, high pressure units can do some serious damage to certain materials.

I just used the Simple Green detergent from Lowes and it seemed to work well.

 

[Soundguy]

I think i have the same unit from lowes you have.

I needed a pressure washer for 'honey-do' items, and to clean some greasy equipment prior to painting. I had to p-wash ( plus hand scrub some areas ) my batwing 5 times before painting it. Even at 1750 psi.. I was able to knock paint off the mower.

Still.. I'd hesitate to use it much on my tractor.. or if I did... I'd be carefull about distance away from paint.

It's great on concrete. I cleaned my back porch and lania with it.. looks like it was just poored.

I also didn't want another gas engine to deal with. The run-once-a-year jobs tend to be alot of hassle

Soundguy

Vernon,

Which power washer did you buy? Electric or Gas? How many PSI and GPM?

I recently purchased an inexpensive electric unit from Lowes (1750 PSI & 1.5 GPM). I went with this unit for a few of reasons. One, I couldn't stand the idea of another engine to maintain. Two, I have light pressure washing needs (tractor, vehicles, vinyl siding, decking, etc.). Three, high pressure units can do some serious damage to certain materials.

I just used the Simple Green detergent from Lowes and it seemed to work well.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I just bought a power washer primarily for cleaning the tractor. What detergent do you use with the washer? I am concerned about getting the grease/dirt mix off the FEL. I do plan to thoroughly regrease when I finish.

Vernon

There is a very good motorcycle cleaning detergent named S100. You spray it on, wait a couple minutes, and then hose it off with a strong stream of water. Good on all finishes. Be careful with the pressure washer when you are around shaft seals -- esp any leading to grease packed bearings or leading into oil reservoirs. Its not difficult to force water in.
Larry

 

[Neophyte]

Even at 1750 psi.. I was able to knock paint off the mower.

I'm surprised that the Karcher unit was powerful enough to peel the paint off. I was worried this unit wasn't going to be powerful enough. So far I have been pleasantly surprised.

Still.. I'd hesitate to use it much on my tractor.. or if I did... I'd be carefull about distance away from paint.

I know what you are saying. I use the variable strength nozzle on the lowest setting, which isn't much stronger than a garden hose.

 

[texbaylea]

I bought the Coleman Honda powered unit rated at 2750 psi. I expect to be using it in places where I won't have electrical power plus I prefer Honda or Kawasaki engines. Yeah, I don't like the idea of another gas engine but what can you do.

I appreciate all the tips - I plan to move slowly in learning how best to use this thing.

Vernon

 

[texbaylea]

I have one job where I will use the full capabilities of this washer. I have two shipping containers for dead storage and one is peeling badly. I am planning on starting on it this fall when it is cool enough to work but warm enough to dry quickly.

Vernon

 

[_RaT_]

I'm surprised that the Karcher unit was powerful enough to peel the paint off. I was worried this unit wasn't going to be powerful enough. So far I have been pleasantly surprised.


I know what you are saying. I use the variable strength nozzle on the lowest setting, which isn't much stronger than a garden hose.

If it is peeling paint you have one of two things, maybe both. Poor paint adhesion or improper use of the sprayer.