Speaking of not so manly pursuits...

[N80]

I'll admit it. I'm one of those guys who likes a nice clean tractor. I usually rinse it off after really dusty or muddy work. I've had it for two years and it lives outdoors and even though it is showing signs of use and the elements, it still looks pretty good. In that two years, I've actually washed it like a car...once.

Now it seems like a good time to wax it. I know there are a lot of folks laughing about that, but its more than just a looks thing. I've always heard that waxing helps protect the paint job. And that's what I want to do. Just the hood and fenders.

Question is, what do you wax a tractor with? I don't think it is clear coated, but I could be wrong. Back in the old days waxes had an abrasive that removed oxidized paint.....but would ruin a clear coat. I don't guess they even make that kind of wax anymore. So what do I use, just the basic Turtle Wax or whatever?

 

[johnk]

Any kind of wax is better than no wax at all. I usually through a coat of whatever I have in the garage on it for the winter. Good to see it's still gleaming after a little elbow grease. Thats what you call protecting the investment in a beauty sense of the term. They all work IO think with no noticiable difference except some are harder to rub out than others. As long as its clean they all should work as hoped for.

 

[JoeinTX]

Hello, my name is Joe..........................and I am a tractor washer too:0


I am one to wash everything I own on a regular, routine basis including the tractor, implements, lawn mower, etc. They always get washed after a use and I even make sure to towel dry the riding mower so that it doesn't show any water spots. I know, how pathetic.

my current tractor is an 8N so it doesn't get waxed, but, it and whatever tool I've been using do get a wash-down once done. I've always been that way and probably always will but I like things to look as good as they can for as long as they can so it's just regular to me.

 

[john_bud]

Hello, my name is John and I am a reformed tractor washer. I have two tractors in the barn right now that are (sob) dirty! Oh God, help me before I wash again!

Actually, once you get a couple battle scars, it's easier to not obsess over it. Still, I do use compressed air to blow off the dirt and dust frequently. They just don't get water washed very often, no more than 5-6 times a summer. (each)

jb

On edit - I wish I had stayed awake during spelllling class.!

 

[daTeacha]

The plastic fenders have the color all the way through, so waxing is more a matter of covering up minor scratches. I would just use a wax safe for clear coat finishes on that. If you have steel fenders and paint, then the type of wax depends on the type of paint. A good cleaner wax will work just fine. Just promise us you won't fret over orange peel or the occasional drip or run in the factory finish.

For that old 8N, waxing that gray paint may surprize you. You will take off years of oxidized paint and have a nice shiny 8n to dazzle the neighbors with.

 

[N80]

I rinse mine off pretty regularly. Dust and mud on a tractor that sits outdoors holds moisture against the metal surfaces. For me, this is more an issue on the rear end/hitch areas where there are lots of places that mud and dirt can sit.

I'll have to admit that I'm a bit disappointed in the gray paint on my Kubota. the orange surfaces (hood, floor, fenders...all metal) holds up pretty well. But the ROPS, hitch area, tranny, etc are all starting to show a very fine granular rust in places. No big deal really.

But, in addition to liking the looks of a clean machine prior to work and a dirty machine during work, it is very clear to me that appearance has a lot to do with re-sale value in the used CUT market. How many ads say 'good paint' etc.? Buyers care. So I care. I hope that this will be my first and last tractor, but who knows what can happen. If Hillary has her way with healthcare, I might be on the same government pay scale as the gabage collector and I might have to sell it. The only other thing I can think of is me getting the bug for something bigger and shinyer.

In any case, if waxing once every two years can keep it looking good and help with resale value, I'm all for it.

(The one thing that always worried me in a used tractor was 'new paint'. If a used tractor needs new paint, I'd rather see it that way and then paint it myself.)

 

[rback33]

Where is hypermiler Bill with the Mahindra when we need him?

 

[fishpick]

N80 - I was preparing some questions for you about fingernail polish and linen starching practices - to go with your tractor waxing question... then I saw your comment about Big Momma and her Health Care Plan... So I decided to lay off - you have to be a good guy...

even if you do wax your tractor...

 

[Skyco]

You might go check out KaleCoAuto, Hard to find automotive items!
I'm pretty sure I saw tubs of Tractor Wax there somewhere....

 

[N80]

N80 - I was preparing some questions for you about fingernail polish

Well, I was just going to use the tractor wax.

and linen starching practices

Starch on linens? You were raised in a barn weren't you.

then I saw your comment about Big Momma and her Health Care Plan... So I decided to lay off - you have to be a good guy...

Well, we're not supposed to talk politics here, but for me (a doctor) this is more economic than political. You want to see socialized medicine in action. Just go to your local DMV or Social Security Dept. Just pretend its the front office of a hospital or a clinic. Get the picture? But before anyone thinks its pure self interest, just think about what happens when doctors get paid less. Well, the field gets less attractive. Fewer sharp people apply for med school. Med schools lower standards to keep up with need for doctors. You get lower quality doctors. And if I made it through the current system just think what they'll be letting through in a socialized system .