My wife thinks I am a bit over the top in my John Deere maintenance.

[forestcreature1]

Hi Gang,

I suspect I am a bit OCD about this. I look at some of the pictures of tractors on this forum and cringe when I see the poorly maintained equipment.

Joe

Well, if you really had OCD, you would call it CDO [it has to be in order, they call it OCD to ANNOY those of us with CDO]....

Personally, I have never waxed anything other furniture, motorcycle, and the auto [and that is only done in the carwash thing].

I do wipe tools down, and wash off the machines before storage.

 

[furnone]

I like my tools to look "clean, but used".
I blow off my JD2210 with a leaf blower and based on the results, may give it a rinse or a wash before putting it in the garage.

The two Lexus' remain in the driveway...

 

[Wesdor]

I went to a sale in early May. Lots of farm equipment from a fellow with about 20 acres. Equipment was maintained similar to OP. I was hoping to get some bargains but prices at the auction went almost new $$. The biggest reason for the high price was the high quality care.

I'm somewhere between you and those who never wash, but I say do what you think is best and don't let anyone talk you into their practices

 

[namesray]

I use to be exactly like op in equipment maintenance. As my business grew, the harder it became to "keep up" with shiny equipment, but I kept on doing it.

I didn't change my ways until I upgraded my business for production, went from 2 small tractors to one big one and the bigger is faster theory. My 2 small tractors had high hours, but looked practically brand new. I thought I would get better then average resale for them. Boy was I wrong. All the time advertising and trying to sell them, let alone all that time washing and occasional waxing. Was a waste of my time!

I had a hard time selling them, they went for average price. Same as a tractor that sat outside all its life. So I have given up on the "shine" and spend more time on production and with my family doing things together.

I still "maintain" my equipment, but I will not wash it nor do I care if it gets parked inside each night like I use to. I find it much less stressful this way.

If you like your equipment clean, that's great. Shows pride. I enjoyed keeping my equipment in tip top shape back when I did it. I probably still would do it if I wasn't bitter about not getting a good price for selling and didn't need such high production.

 

[beenthere]

I thought I would get better then average resale for them. Boy was I wrong.

Likely they were not John Deere. Makes a big difference. IMO

 

[jenkinsph]

My primary concern is good maintenance, lof, grease fel and backhoe each day, clean fuel and clean filters. I use a backpack blower frequently, some times several times a day. I wash two or three times a year, wax if I don't have any thing to do. I could use one person full time as a welder, mechanic, detailer and landscaper to keep everything in good shape. Cant afford that so I limp along trying to do what is needed, waxing brush mowers isn't a high priority.

 

[4570Man]

A good layer of dirt keeps the paint from fading.

 

[TCJatko]

A good layer of dirt keeps the paint from fading.

I agree; 45 plus years ago I used to strip new Volkswagens of cosmoline used to protect the paint on the boat ride over here. Filth serves much the same protective purpose.

 

[rekees4300]

I'll have to say I have not waxed my rotary brush hog, but I always blow it off when I put it away dry.

Ditto, the grass clippings will cause rust if not removed.

 

[chriswheeler]

I guess I'm somewhere in the middle of the extremes. My 970TLB gets sporadic use, gets used when needed, hosed off with water, greased after use, and put away. No wax. I change oil and filter yearly in the spring, hyd oil every other year along with air and fuel filters. Grease on the backhoe and loader is about preserving the bushings and pins, no excuse not to do this, you will pay big time if you don't. If something is in poor condition, I fix it, needs a battery, I replace it. What it's about for me is being able to go over to the tractor in the barn, turn the key, and have it start each and every time, not about resale. When it snows, I know it's going to start and run fine to clear the drive. I guess everyone has different goals, use, resale, etc. My goal is to have this tractor available as long as I maintain this property. Resale could end up being with the house and land. Thinking the tractor and 8 implements should add $20K to the price of the house and land if I maintain it. Until then, I'll just use it.
Chris