Time for a wash, but using a pressure washer?

   / Time for a wash, but using a pressure washer? #1  

BotaBX24er

Silver Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2009
Messages
238
Location
SC
Tractor
Kubota BX24
Pressure washer? Seriously?

I'm due for a wash, but using a pressure washer on it? Is that really required?
 
   / Time for a wash, but using a pressure washer? #2  
Hey neighbor bring it by. I use a pressure washer on mine when its really bad. Makes the mud fly off faster. I've done it for years on other tractors. I admit to mostly just using the garden hose though. Have to wash the pollen off!!:confused2:

Chris
 
   / Time for a wash, but using a pressure washer? #3  
I'd say it depends on the pressure. My gas powered one, when at full 3000 psi, and set on fine focus, will eat holes in the concrete deck like nothing. To clean my pool filters, I recently bought a small electric model that's 1700 psi max. I plan to use it on lowest pressure and coupled to a special nozzle that will clean six fin slots at a time. I need to get some spattered concrete off the hood of the BX and would try the little one set on low, but would never apply the big one on high to the general area of the engine. Now the backhoe bucket with dried clay is another story. Sometimes I have to take a small pry bar and chisel that stuff off; the big unit on that and the tires I would do.


BTW, a transformer on the plug steps down the voltage sent through a very long cord to the electric pressure washer. Electricity and water bring memories of scenes in old James Bond movies.
 
   / Time for a wash, but using a pressure washer? #4  
By BX is now stored inside a 20' enclosed trailer, but I have a confession to make.
My BX is 2 1/2 years old and half the time I didn't throw the tarp over it. The plastic hood has some black stains on it. I tried wd40 and it loosened up some of it, but I'm hesitant to use an abrasive cleaner.

What do you guys think?
 
   / Time for a wash, but using a pressure washer? #5  
Pressure washer? Seriously?

I'm due for a wash, but using a pressure washer on it? Is that really required?
Not required and is sometimes a bit of a risk. Decals can be blasted off, (you can judge whether that is good or bad) and water can be driven into places where water isn't a good thing. I am just not sure about pressure. If you have a control to dial it down? I just use our rather low pressure well water. I like the results just fine.

By BX is now stored inside a 20' enclosed trailer, but I have a confession to make.
My BX is 2 1/2 years old and half the time I didn't throw the tarp over it. The plastic hood has some black stains on it. I tried wd40 and it loosened up some of it, but I'm hesitant to use an abrasive cleaner.

What do you guys think?

I believe you are wise to be cautious about solvents and no abrasives on plastics. WD is gentle. Kero/diesel work well and are gentle.
 
   / Time for a wash, but using a pressure washer? #6  
I use my bx24 in heavy clay soil and the clay muck gets caught up in the underneath mechanisms/frame/whatnot and starts interfering with the various moving parts underneath. I pressure-wash it a bunch underneath and ease up on the upper plastic body panels.
 
   / Time for a wash, but using a pressure washer? #7  
I power washed mine last night. It was really dirty. It was at a carwash type power washer. I dont think it had that much power. I did, however, remove all the stupid dealer decals and the dumb "Xtrapower" decal as well. It now has a nice smooth clean look to it. When I got it home, I polished it, and used bug and tar remover to get the sticky crap the stickers left behind. I like it. Is it a risk? Possiblly. Just be smart about it. Might have to regrease some fittings once it dries.
 
   / Time for a wash, but using a pressure washer? #8  
Seriously? Never! :ashamed:

DirtyLove.jpg
 
   / Time for a wash, but using a pressure washer? #9  
If you own a power washer, you should have a variety of tips that vary the spray pattern. The spray pattern is varied by the size and shape of the hole in the tip. Buy using different tips and varying your distance from the tip to the tractor, you can vastly change the force and intensity of the water hitting your tractor.

A little practice and you should be able to safely wash your tractor with a power washer. But please do pay special attention to seals, hoses and other non-metal parts.

The right (wrong) tip and the right (wrong) distance and you can cut and/or puncture even the toughest of materials.
 
   / Time for a wash, but using a pressure washer? #10  
Don't spray anywhere near the fuel cut-off solenoid. Don't ask me how I know (3 of them later).
 

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