Mowing Prepping Mower Deck?

pequeajim · Nov 13, 2004

Here's another question...

My mower deck is NICE and clean right now casue I have never used it.

Is there a way to minimize the sticking of the grass and mud?

Do you guys apply wax to the bottom of the deck? If so, what kind?

Gatorboy · Nov 13, 2004

<font color="blue"> Is there a way to minimize the sticking of the grass and mud? </font>

The best way is not to use it. But cutting grass when it's dry should keep the sticking to a minimum.

tracdoc · Nov 13, 2004

There are a number of graphite and silicone-based products around. TSC sells one called EZ-Glide which is graphite based and designed to be sprayed under mower decks, harvesters, etc. The problem is basically the longevity of the coating, or more correctly, the lack thereof. Me thinks EZ-Glide lasts longer in environments where stuff slides over, such as a harvester chute. Under a mower deck with tip speeds in excess of 17k ft/min, I was hard pressed to see any residual EZ-Glide after a single mowing. Others on the Forum have attested to this as well as an exercise in futility. Most folks reason that it's better to clean the underdeck with a good hose stream after each mowing, like Moss Road has described.

I think more important is grass accumulation under the two cover boxes on top. These boxes cover the pulleys (4) and belts. About every 4 mowings or so, I remove the bolts and wash everything with a strong stream of water. I don't have a pressure washer, but that would do fine, too. I wipe up the puddles of water in the pulleys, and grease the 3 Zerks (under the deck) for each of the blade spindles. Like FOURTEEN, I use a synthetic lube on these fittings click here. The issue is not so much what grease one uses, but doing it frequently and often /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gifThe pulley controlling belt tension has no Zerk. I discussed this in an earlier thread, and Moss Road indicated that this is a sealed bearing unit. I don't spray any coatings here as they tend to attract dust/debris on the next mowing. Just let it dry naturally, and replace the covers. No "belt dressing" either. Grandpa was right, I think. It just swells the rubber and hastens deterioration. I do use a "Never-Seize" dabbed on the cover bolts before replacing them. That makes it easy to remove them next time and keeps rust in check.

Hope that helps...

pequeajim · Nov 13, 2004

Thanks Doc, that was exactly what I was looking for!

I have a couple of things to grab from TSC over the next few days. Fortunately, there are a few close by.

jol1269 · Nov 13, 2004

well i too wondered about this as a regular mower is a pain to keep clean . but i found out oh so quick that right after getting through with the grass cutting i raise the deck as high as possible after i undo the hyd, hoses i can easily scrap off all unwanted material out from the deck bottom and hit all areas with the air blower its not in anyway bad just keep in mind i also keep a saftey under it incase the unexpected happens ie loss of cylinder or anything to cause the 400 lb deck from messing up my pretty head /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

pajoube · Nov 13, 2004

Your mower spindles will need high temp grease. The rest can use standard grease.
I clean my mower top and bottom right after I finish mowing which makes it very easy. I use a high pressure nozzle on the hose for under the deck and finish up with a putty knife. I have taken the deck covers off but have not noticed an accumulation like others have.
PJ