BotaBX24er
Silver Member
Pressure washer? Seriously?
I'm due for a wash, but using a pressure washer on it? Is that really required?
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?
- Thread starter BotaBX24er
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SCtractorguy
Silver Member
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
Chris
Tom_H
Veteran Member
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.
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.
asylum575
Platinum Member
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?
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?
bp fick
Super Member
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.
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.
richardbro
Silver Member
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.
amg280
Silver Member
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.
rdsaustintx
Veteran Member
Seriously? Never! :ashamed:
rjkobbeman
Platinum Member
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.
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.
gwdixon
Elite Member
Don't spray anywhere near the fuel cut-off solenoid. Don't ask me how I know (3 of them later).
bp fick
Super Member
That's what I'm talking about. Some OEMs mention power washing near a hydro, recommending it not be done. Maybe I am just rationalizing not yet having a power washer.
Usta
Gold Member
Low pressure should be alright. The washer will generally state the recommended uses. I believe the less than 2000 PSI is recommended for vehicles but i KNOW a 4000 PSI will quickly remove all stickers and lables and throw any loose grease ALL OVER the painted surfaces.
Hmmm, how would I know this?
Hmmm, how would I know this?
OP
BotaBX24er
Silver Member
Thanks for the responses...
Yes, pollen is a pain in the SE...
Will give the garden hose and some elbow grease a go at first but may have to resort to the pressure washer because of the red clay that we have here.
Yes, pollen is a pain in the SE...
Will give the garden hose and some elbow grease a go at first but may have to resort to the pressure washer because of the red clay that we have here.
radioman
Super Member
Since my BX is mostly plastic, half of decals are warnings for idiots, I use my pressure washer just fine. The only thing I dont like is the grease being slung , it tends to get stuck on something else.
Guys, when washing, pressure or not.. please grease all joints ASAP. you dont want water sitting in the joints.
Guys, when washing, pressure or not.. please grease all joints ASAP. you dont want water sitting in the joints.
gwdixon
Elite Member
Ditto the greasing the joints. It is amazing how much water is squeezed out when greasing right after a power wash. Wouldn't have thunk it unless seeing it with my own eyes.
Grateful11
Veteran Member
There was a guy on RFD-TV being interviewed about tractor paint and
restoration and he said pressure washing was ok if it's 1800psi or less, I believe.
He was referring to painted surfaces and not bearing or electrical items.
He's supposedly the foremost authority on tractor paint and restoration.
He went into talking about soluble salts and stuff I'd never heard of. Our
Case IH 5140 is about 18 years old and has never been pressure washed
but it will get pressure washed in the 3 point area soon, it's pretty nasty,
and the paint has held up well. It probably gets washed 5 or 6 times a year.
All our stuff is stored in the dry and that has a lot to do with the condition
of the paint.
restoration and he said pressure washing was ok if it's 1800psi or less, I believe.
He was referring to painted surfaces and not bearing or electrical items.
He's supposedly the foremost authority on tractor paint and restoration.
He went into talking about soluble salts and stuff I'd never heard of. Our
Case IH 5140 is about 18 years old and has never been pressure washed
but it will get pressure washed in the 3 point area soon, it's pretty nasty,
and the paint has held up well. It probably gets washed 5 or 6 times a year.
All our stuff is stored in the dry and that has a lot to do with the condition
of the paint.
Grateful11
Veteran Member
We bought a Karcher electric last year that is rated at 1800psi and has a std,
fan spray nozzle, a brush and a turbo oscillating nozzle that you probably
wouldn't won't use on paint, I've seen how it cleans brick and stone and
man that thing blasts and will absolutely cover you with grit and debris.
Safety glasses are pretty much a requirement for the turbo nozzle. We
bought an elcheapo PW at Aldi Foods and ended up taking it back and
bought the Karcher, there's huge difference between the two.
justturc
New member
Hay......asylum575.....Try waxing hood. You might get los from forum. Do it at night so no one will see. Works great on black soot from exhaust.
