Paint coming off MMM

computerboy · Aug 2, 2002

I have a 914A 60" MMM on my TC25D I bought this summer. I have 40 hrs on the tractor and about 10 hrs on the MMM. Last weekend I cleaned off all the junk on the underside of the MMM. It was really bad. I used a garden hose and a 2" plastic puddy nife. To my amazement about 75% of the paint flaked off. It came off in big flakes. I called my dealer today and he said this was not uncommon because the grass clipping have an acid in them that causes this. Is he telling the truth this is not uncommon? I paid almost $3000 for the mower deck and I did not expect for all the paint on the underside to flake off. Should this be covered by warranty? Has anyone else run into this problem?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

Bird · Aug 2, 2002

<font color=blue>Is he telling the truth this is not uncommon?</font color=blue>

My experience would lead me to believe he's telling the truth, unfortunately. And I've tried re-painting the underside of decks and haven't found anything that I thought was really good./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

computerboy · Aug 2, 2002

Bird. Thanks for the information. I would have never guessed the paint would come off. Since this is not uncommon, how do others protect the underside of the mower deck from rusting? Will a good cleaning and coat of oil do the trick at the end of the mowing season? Should I try to paint it?

This is a great source of information for new tractor owners like me.

spencer200 · Aug 2, 2002

frequent cleaning and a fresh coat of paint at the end of the season will help protect your deck. Make sure you clean under you covers where the belt is located to help insure long belt life. When you store your mower for the winter take the tension of the belt this will also extend the life of the belt.

Bird · Aug 2, 2002

I've tried even sandblasting and re-painting (with a couple of different kinds of paint recommended by my local hardware store) and the new paint never lasted long. I don't think I've found the "best" way and maybe not even a "good" way, but I can tell you what I do, and that is . . . . I keep a gallon jug with 1 quart of motor oil and 3 quarts of diesel mixed and I spray the underside of the deck with that mixture. I apply it with what Northern Tool calls a "Cleaning Gun" (Item# 15545-C169), an air siphon type sprayer. It puts out such a fine mist and a thin coat that one gallon of that mixture will last over 2 years.

Kodiak · Aug 2, 2002

I apply a mixture of warmed up 30 weight motor oil and melted parafin. This an extremely durable long lasting concoction.

webbmeister · Aug 2, 2002

Just a thought - (not well thought-out and probably no a very good one) what about that spray bedliner stuff?

Jim

Kodiak · Aug 2, 2002

I think the bed liner stuff wouldn't be slippery enough to allow the grass to escape from under the deck.

Boomerboy · Aug 2, 2002

Computerboy,
I've run a 914A MMM for three years now and am delighted with its performance. Like all machines, pay attention to it and it will take care of you. I have the same situation with under mower paint, but have never considered it a problem. Prior to owning my Boomer, I owned another model with a fabricated deck. That is what I like best in the New Holland MMMs. The other colors all offered a stamped steel MMM. After owning a fabricated deck for 15 years, through all of the fixes, welds, reworks, etc, I wasn't about to purchase anything less. I treated the underside with oil every fall, cleaned out the debris, and yes, loosened the belt, and put the hard working deck to sleep for the winter. I never had a problem. I sold that tractor (Lawn & Garden type) for 1/2 what I pay for it 15 years before because it, including the deck, was in great shape.

Let me point out that the fabricated deck not only lends itself to "real" welds if needed (impacts happen /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif ) and rebuilds, but the steel used is thick enough to last past your life time with just a little oil at the end of the season. Let me point out, though, that I like the top side with paint and polish!

I love my 914A MMM. Pay it the attention it needs. Feed its soul. It will serve you well!