Coating the underside of a new grooming mower

[IXLR8]

What did you use for Graphite paint? I have not seen any at our local stores and I have two older mower decks that are rusting and catch lots of grass. I would like to clean them up and paint them. Hoping that if the deck is smooth the grass will be less apt to stick. TIA

 

[bigdad]

Jim,

I get this stuff at my local Farm Store. Comes in spray cans, Quarts and Gallons. I use the brush on stuff for the decks and mold boards. I also like it for parts that need lubed, but I don't want grease and oil all over myself. Dries very fast.

NOTE: I use the same brush all the time. They get hard and dry, but I just tap the bristles gently with a hammer against something hard and the dry graphite flakes away.

 

[IXLR8]

Jim,
I get this stuff at my local Farm Store. Comes in spray cans, Quarts and Gallons.

Thanks, we have no Farm Stores around here... I will double check to see if our local TSC carries it, or can get it. I don't remember seeing it last time I was there.

 

[PeterK]

It's called slip-plate and I've been using it for years with great results. It keeps the acids from mowing from eating into your deck.

Step 1 - Apply it with a brush to get a thicker coat than spray for longer lasting results. Let dry.
Step 2 - Often not done but must be done for best results. Burnish the coating - I use one of those foam sanding blocks from HF - by sanding or wire brushing all over, especially the tight areas and curves. It will leave a very smooth shiny slick finish that's good for at least 1 season.

 

[thatguy]

You can also find Slip Plate at Grainger...

Edited to add - They had to order my gallon, but it came in within a couple days..

Brian

 

[bigdad]

That's a great idea. I know it really shines up with wear. The smoother and slicker the deck is, the less the grass sticks. THANKS!

It's called slip-plate and I've been using it for years with great results. It keeps the acids from mowing from eating into your deck.

Step 1 - Apply it with a brush to get a thicker coat than spray for longer lasting results. Let dry.
Step 2 - Often not done but must be done for best results. Burnish the coating - I use one of those foam sanding blocks from HF - by sanding or wire brushing all over, especially the tight areas and curves. It will leave a very smooth shiny slick finish that's good for at least 1 season.

 

[SCDolphin]

I was all worried about my new expensive bush hog but it has a nice dark green coating of plant material and I don't think about it anymore.

 

[darren7116]

whare can i find graphite paint???? sonds like a good idea, i just baut a new mower deck for my simplicity 7116 i think ill coat the underside even now its got brand new paint.

 

[thatguy]

whare can i find graphite paint???? sonds like a good idea, i just baut a new mower deck for my simplicity 7116 i think ill coat the underside even now its got brand new paint.

Around here, Tractor Supply carries one brand.. You can also order Slip Plate from Grainger from a local store or online..

Brian

 

[have_blue]

Clean up would be easy, but rust might be a problem.

I agree with the hose flush fittings. They really do work.

My mower is 2 years old, and no paint is left under the deck. However, it's shiny and smooth with only a few specks of light rust. You flush the deck with the blades spinning, and the deck dries out very quickly so it doesn't rust. I suppose you could spritz a little WD40 into each fitting, but I don't think it would prolong the life of the deck due to rust. It may be a good thing to do before winter storage.

A friend of mine has the ultimate solution. When he finishes mowing, he runs over a pile of pine cones. They blast every last bit of grass off of the deck, leaving it shiny and dry.